Tenure Track Position - Mammalogy

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 97,788 - 107,628; Full time

Job summary

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is looking for an Assistant Professor in terrestrial mammalogy for a full-time academic position starting August 12, 2027. The role involves teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, conducting research, and contributing to departmental service.

The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in Biology or a closely related field, a strong commitment to student-centered learning, and a record of scholarly work. The university values diversity and promotes an inclusive educational environment.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required with expertise in mammalogy or similar fields.
• Experience in teaching and developing student-centered research.
• Strong commitment to high-quality undergraduate and graduate education.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate biology courses.
• Conduct research and publish scholarly work.
• Provide departmental and university service.

Skills

Student-centered learning

Research in terrestrial mammalogy

Diverse population engagement

Education

Ph.D. in Biology or a closely related field

Job description

Job Summary

The Biological Sciences Department in the Bailey College of Science and Mathematics at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo is seeking a full‑time, academic year tenure track position in terrestrial mammalogy with an appointment beginning approximately August 12, 2027.

The department is seeking an appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor; a higher rank may be considered in an exceptional situation. Rank and salary are commensurate with qualification and experience, with the anticipated Assistant Professor hiring range being $97,788 - $107,628.

Excellence in teaching, an active program in research and scholarship, and departmental service are expected. Successful candidates will create synergy in the department via teaching and student‑centered research in terrestrial mammalogy with locally relevant field work in California systems. Areas of emphasis could include integrative biology, evolution, phylogenetics, phylogeography, conservation science, physiology or wildlife ecology.

Research opportunities include the use of and curatorship of the Vertebrate Natural History Collection and existing Cal Poly lands, projects, and initiatives. Cal Poly is focused on excellence in undergraduate teaching; successful candidates must be committed to high‑quality undergraduate and graduate education and enthusiastic about teaching a variety of biology courses, including lower‑division and large‑enrollment offerings.

Faculty typically teach 2‑4 lectures and/or lab courses per term, with the opportunity to reduce this by mentoring student research and/or procuring extramural research funding. The teaching assignment for this position may include lower‑division lecture and/or lab courses for both majors and non‑majors in general biology, diversity, evolution and/or ecology, as well as upper‑level courses in mammalogy, wildlife ecology, wildlife management, vertebrate field techniques, population and community ecology, and other courses in the candidate's area of specialty.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate biology courses, including lower‑division lecture/lab and upper‑level specialized courses in mammalogy and related fields.
• Conduct active research in terrestrial mammalogy, develop student‑centered research projects, and publish scholarly work.
• Provide service to the department and university, including committee participation, student advising, and building industry relationships.
• Employ creative teaching approaches that enhance student learning and produce scholarship in the field.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biology or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience and commitment to student‑centered learning and teaching.
• Must provide evidence of (or potential for) high‑quality teaching and research with students.
• Must provide evidence of (or potential for) scholarly productivity.
• Must provide evidence of (or potential for) promoting the well‑being and advancement of students, colleagues, and the department.
• Ability to work with a diverse population fostering a respectful, collaborative, supportive, and inclusive environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience and commitment to excellence in teaching undergraduate biology at the university level.
• Expertise in mammalogy in an area compatible with or broadening the department’s research activities.
• Demonstrate teaching effectiveness in lower division labs or lectures.
• Ability to establish and maintain a research program that is feasible at Cal Poly, a primarily undergraduate institution.
• Experience supervising student research and master’s theses.

Special Conditions

The person holding this position is considered a “mandated reporter” under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti‑discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

Cal Poly is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At Cal Poly, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.