Tenure Track Position – Physiology at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo

Society for Integrative & Comparative Biology; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 97,888 - 107,628; Full time

Job summary

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, seeks a tenure-track Assistant Professor in physiology within the Biological Sciences Department to begin around August 12, 2027. The position emphasizes undergraduate and graduate education with a student-centered research program involving undergraduates and master’s students.

The successful candidate will teach a range of biology courses, including human anatomy and physiology, and contribute to cross-disciplinary collaborations,

Qualifications

• Evidence of high-quality teaching and research with students.
• Evidence of scholarly productivity.
• Ability to work with a diverse population.
• Commitment to undergraduate and graduate education.

Responsibilities

• Teach a variety of biology courses including non-major and large-enrollment offerings.
• Develop a student-centered research program involving undergraduates and master’s students.
• Contribute to service and cross-disciplinary collaborations.
• Pursue external funding and grant development that leads to publication.

Education

Ph.D. in Biology, Physiology or a closely related field

Job description

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 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 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.

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 protected status. 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.