Job Summary
The Chemistry and Biochemistry 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 inorganic chemistry with appointment beginning August 17, 2026.
The teaching assignment will include general chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, and courses in the successful candidate’s specialty. It is expected that the successful applicant is committed to quality undergraduate teaching, continued scholarly activity, and service to the University. Candidates are expected to pursue scholarly projects with undergraduate students.
Appointment at the Assistant Professor rank is anticipated; higher ranks will be considered. Rank and salary are commensurate with qualifications and experience of the individual selected.
- If appointed at the Assistant Professor rank, the anticipated hiring range is $97,788 - $107,628.
- If appointed at the Associate Professor rank, the anticipated hiring range is $112,500 - $118,524.
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 lecture and laboratory teaching approaches that include current and emerging technologies to enhance student learning and will participate in scholarly practices such as peer-reviewed research, professional consulting, conference presentations, and grant development that leads to publication. The selected candidate will pursue a systematic program of research and scholarship, curricular improvement, and participation in service activities such as committee service, student advising, and building industry relationships.
Required Qualifications
- A Ph.D. in chemistry or biochemistry, or a related field is required prior to the start date of the appointment.
- The focus of an individual's research specialization is within inorganic chemistry.
- Demonstrated experience and commitment to student-centered learning and teaching, as well as the ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings.
- Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language.
- 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
- Preference will be given to applicants who specialize in computational inorganic chemistry.
- Experience teaching lecture and laboratory courses at the university level is desired but not required.
- Expertise in an area compatible with or broadening the research activities of the department.
- Experience supervising student research.
- Experience in pedagogical and/or curricular development.
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. Note: 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.
About the Department
The Chemistry and Biochemistry Department's mission is to serve the many technological and general education programs of the University as well as prepare students to be professional chemists and biochemists. Facilities include an excellent variety of instruments for faculty and student use. B.S. degrees in chemistry and biochemistry are offered as well as a Master's degree in Polymers and Coatings Science. The department is A.C.S. certified. Information regarding the Chemistry & Biochemistry Department can be found at https://chemistry.calpoly.edu/.
About the University
Founded in 1901, Cal Poly is one of only five comprehensive polytechnic universities in the nation, with approximately 22,000 undergraduates, 120 postbaccalaureate, and 900 graduate students. U.S. News and World Report has ranked Cal Poly #1 among public master's universities in the western United States for 28 consecutive years.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit the following documents:
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Research Plan - The research plan provides an opportunity for candidates to summarize their expertise, outline their proposed research agenda, and articulate how undergraduates may contribute to it.
- Universal Student Success Statement - Cal Poly is a public, student-centered university that serves the diverse constituents of the state of California and has a strong emphasis on the teacher-scholar model. Please detail your approach to teaching and learning at the collegiate level, including any evidence of experience with inclusive, accessible, and intentional teaching, to a wide variety of students and a description of how you will continue to develop this expertise at Cal Poly. Service or scholarship related to skills developed in these areas might also be included here. This also provides an opportunity for candidates to articulate their teaching philosophy, approach, and goals.
- Unofficial graduate transcript(s) as one document.
- As needed, evidence of successful teaching.
These documents are not accepted in hard copy format; they must be uploaded as part of your application via the applicant portal. When completing the online faculty application, please be prepared to provide three professional references with names and email addresses. Official transcripts are required prior to appointment.
Review of applications will begin January 12, 2026. Complete applications received after that date may be considered. Semi-finalists will be required to submit a 10-minute video sample of their teaching and preliminary Zoom interviews will be held in February 2026. Finalists will be asked to interview in-person in February and March 2026. For questions, please contact Dr. John Hagen at [contact details available in the full listing].
