Tenure Track Position - Physiology

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 invites applications for a full‑time, tenure‑track Assistant Professor in physiology, with appointment starting around August 12, 2027. The position emphasizes high‑quality undergraduate and graduate teaching and the development of a student‑centered research program involving both undergraduate and master’s students.

The successful candidate will teach a variety of biology courses for majors and non‑majors, contribute to human anatomy and

Qualifications

• Evidence of high‑quality teaching and research with students.
• Commitment to undergraduate and graduate education.
• Ability to promote well‑being and advancement of students and colleagues.
• Experience working with diverse populations in an inclusive environment.

Responsibilities

• Teach a broad range of biology courses for majors and non‑majors.
• Develop and mentor a student‑centered research program involving undergraduates and master’s students.
• Engage in scholarly activities including peer‑reviewed research and grant development.
• Collaborate across departments and centers within Cal Poly.

Skills

Student-centered teaching

Research involvement

Scholarly productivity

Diversity & inclusion

Collaborative work

Education

Ph.D. in Biology, Physiology or 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 applications to fill a full-time, academic year, tenure–track position in physiology, with 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. Candidates must be committed to high‑quality undergraduate and graduate education and be enthusiastic about teaching a variety of biology courses including non‑major and large‑enrollment offerings. The successful candidate will also implement a student‑centered research program that involves both undergraduate and graduate (master’s) students. The preferred candidate will have teaching and research expertise in animal physiology, but the area of specialization within physiology is open. The research area and model(s) should be appropriate for developing a student‑centered research program that attracts interest and participation from undergraduate and master’s‑level graduate students at Cal Poly.

Cal Poly is focused on excellence in undergraduate teaching. Faculty in the Biological Sciences Department typically teach 2‑3 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 assignments for this position may include courses at all levels (introductory, upper‑division, and graduate) in the biological sciences for both majors and non‑majors. We have particular needs for instruction in human anatomy and physiology courses, introductory biology courses, and upper‑division physiology courses.

The successful candidate will join Cal Poly’s Biological Sciences Department and engage in teaching, research/scholarship, and service within the department as well as in cross‑disciplinary collaborations. Candidates can explore connections with Center for Applications in Biotechnology, the Regenerative Medicine master’s program, the Center for Coastal Marine Sciences, and many other ongoing opportunities.

Bailey College is committed to maintaining the excellence of the University and to offering our students a rich variety of expertise, perspectives, and ways of knowing and learning. The successful candidate will be mindful to promote student success. Successful candidates should consider the University’s goals in their approach to teaching, research, and service.

Cal Poly embraces a teacher‑scholar model in which faculty are expected to be excellent teachers, produce scholarship in their field of interest, and provide service to the institution. The selected candidate will consider using creative teaching approaches that enhance student learning and participate in scholarly practices such as peer‑reviewed research, conference presentations, and grant development that leads to publication. The selected candidate will pursue a systematic program of research and scholarship, curricular improvement, and participate in service activities including committee service, student advising, and building industry relationships.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biology, Physiology or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience and commitment to student‑centered learning and teaching.
• Must provide evidence (or potential) of high‑quality teaching and research with students.
• Must provide evidence (or potential) of scholarly productivity.
• Must provide evidence (or potential) of 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 physiology 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. Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Cal Poly cannot deny an applicant a position solely or in part due to a criminal conviction history until it has performed an individualized assessment and linked the relevant conviction history with specific job duties in the position being sought.

Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Sensitive positions are those requiring heightened scrutiny of individuals holding the position based on potential for harm to children, concerns for the safety and security of people, animals, or property, or heightened risk of financial loss to Cal Poly or individuals in the university community.

For health and well‑being, Cal Poly is a smoke & tobacco‑free campus. The university is committed to promoting a healthy environment for all members of our community.

In accordance with the California State University (CSU) Out‑of‑State Employment Policy, the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California and prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU related work outside of California. It is also expected that faculty establish an on‑campus presence to fulfill their responsibilities. At Cal Poly, tenure‑line faculty are expected to establish an on‑campus presence.

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, 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.