Assistant/Associate Professor of Controlled Environment Plant Production

at  California State University

Job no: 543325
Work type: Instructional Faculty – Tenured/Tenure-Track
Location: San Luis Obispo
Categories: Unit 3 - CFA - California Faculty Association, Tenured/Tenure-Track, Full Time, Faculty - Agriculture
The Plant Sciences Department (PLSC) in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, is seeking a full-time academic year, tenure-track Assistant/Associate Professor in Controlled Environment Plant Production starting September 11, 2025. Candidates with industry or other professional experience are encouraged to apply. Rank and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
The successful candidate will build upon Cal Poly’s reputation for teaching excellence. Teaching responsibilities may include courses directly related to controlled environment plant production, such as greenhouse management and hydroponic vegetable production, as well as broadly related courses like plant physiology and plant propagation. Optimizing the use of modern and emerging controlled environment technologies to develop and promote specialty crop production, especially those grown in the Western US, are other topics of possible focus. Depending on areas of expertise, the successful candidate will also have the opportunity to further develop curriculum related to controlled environment plant production of ornamental and/or edible plants.
Duties may include, but are not limited to, teaching/supervising/advising/mentoring of undergraduate students. Additionally, the candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to the graduate program by supervising graduate students or potentially teaching graduate-level courses. The successful candidate is expected to participate in scholarly activities (e.g., applied research, grant writing, publications, and presentations) benefiting the department, college, university, and industry. Additionally, the candidate will have the opportunity to work with technical staff and student employees to oversee and enhance department facilities. The successful candidate is also expected to provide service on committees for the department, college, and university, as well as service to community, state, national, and professional organizations.
Grade and salary commensurate with education and experience of the individual selected. Anticipated hiring ranges:
Assistant Professor: $90,948 - $105,156
Associate Professor: $105,492 - $114,720
At California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, we believe that cultivating an environment that embraces and promotes diversity is fundamental to the success of our students, our employees and our community. Bringing people together from different backgrounds, experiences and value systems fosters the innovative and creative thinking that exemplifies Cal Poly’s values of free inquiry, cultural and intellectual diversity, mutual respect, civic engagement, and social and environmental responsibility. Cal Poly’s commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring and retention. California Polytechnic State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

A Ph.D. in horticulture or related field in plant sciences, demonstrated teaching skills, and expertise in controlled environment horticulture and plant physiology are required. Candidates nearing completion of the doctorate (ABD) may be considered but must provide proof that the doctorate was awarded prior to the start of appointment.
Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in teaching, research, and/or service, and demonstrate a commitment to inclusive practices and working with a diverse student body.
Commitment to 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 record of excellence in teaching and research (commensurate with time since degree), as well as ability to mentor undergraduate and graduate students. Particular attention will be paid to candidates who have productive records of teaching, scholarly activity, and student-involved research that would strengthen current department activities. Experience with plant micropropagation techniques is beneficial. Experience working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive environment. Preference will be given to candidates with experience working collaboratively with partners including local, state, national, or international agencies, and non-governmental organizations. Industry experience or an ability/willingness to work closely with industry partners and a demonstrated ability to collaborate on research with faculty across the college, university, and/or agricultural industry is preferred.

Please refer the Job description for details