Description

The Materials Engineering Department in the College of Engineering at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California (Cal Poly) is excited to invite applications for a full-time, academic year, tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor rank beginning Fall 2026.

Cal Poly has a tradition of excellence in teaching and scholarship that supports a curriculum centered on a "Learn by Doing" philosophy and focused on preparing graduates to make a positive impact on their world day one. Cal Poly is committed to the teacher-scholar model. As teachers, faculty are expected to exhibit strong pedagogic skills and to remain proficient and current in their disciplines. The successful candidate will be expected to teach undergraduate level courses and support and expand curricular development in Materials and/or Chemical Engineering. As scholars, faculty should be engaged in scholarly work that is of very high quality as evidenced by external peer review. As colleagues, faculty are encouraged to perform service activities at all levels of the University. Faculty are also expected to advise senior projects in their domain of expertise.

Salary will be commensurate with education and experience of the individual selected. Qualified candidates with industry experience are encouraged to apply. Anticipated hiring range: $106,000 - $117,000 per year.

The College of Engineering at Cal Poly is committed to building a faculty of teacher-scholars who collaborate to provide a multi-disciplinary and hands-on approach to inclusive excellence in student learning and applied research. We believe that individuals from broad backgrounds strengthen our programs and positively impact student success. We encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for consideration. Cal Poly emphasizes Learn by Doing, which involves extensive lab work and projects in support of theoretical knowledge.

Requirements

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

An earned doctorate (Ph.D.) in Materials Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering or a closely related field from an accredited institution or international equivalent is required for appointment. Candidates nearing completion of the doctorate (ABD) will be considered but must provide proof that the doctorate was awarded prior to or by the start of the appointment.

The successful candidate will demonstrate excellence in teaching, effective communication, and interpersonal skills and must have the ability to work effectively with students, staff and faculty. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to develop an externally funded, applied research program that involves undergraduate and graduate students, and partnerships with key stakeholders. Demonstrated experience and commitment to hands-on, student-centered learning and teaching, as well as demonstrated ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings are required. Excellent written and oral communication skills and strong interests in undergraduate and graduate teaching are required. Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language is required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to candidates with a demonstrated excellence in university-level teaching and research (commensurate with time since degree), experience with laboratory-based instruction and/or industry experience. Experience working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive environment is preferred.

Preference will be given primarily to candidates able to teach courses and advise student projects in areas of need and secondarily to candidates able to teach courses in additional areas of emphasis for the Materials Engineering Department. Areas of need include ceramics and glasses. Additional areas of emphasis include the fundamentals of chemical engineering.