Job no: 550114
Work type: Instructional Faculty – Tenured/Tenure-Track
Location: San Luis Obispo
Categories: Unit 3 - CFA - California Faculty Association, Tenured/Tenure-Track, Full Time, Faculty - Health Sciences, On-site (work in-person at business location)
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 cell biology, with appointment beginning August 17, 2026.
Excellence in teaching, an active program in research and scholarship, and departmental service are expected. Successful candidates must be committed to quality undergraduate and graduate education and be comfortable teaching a variety of biology courses, as well as implementing a student-centered research program that involves both undergraduate and graduate (Master’s) students. The preferred candidate will have expertise in cell and molecular biology with a background in genetics. Special areas of interest may include developmental biology; human disease; and the utilization of model organisms.
The successful candidate will join Cal Poly’s Biological Sciences Department and engage in research, teaching, and scholarship within the department as well as in cross-disciplinary collaborations. Candidates can explore connections within the Frost Center for Innovative Research, the Center for Applications in Biotechnology, the Regenerative Medicine Masters program, as well as many other on-going opportunities.
Faculty in the Biological Sciences Department typically teach 2-3 lecture+lab courses per quarter, with the opportunity to reduce this by mentoring student research and/or procuring extramural research funding. The teaching assignment for this position will include courses at various levels in biological sciences for both majors and non-majors, as well as upper-level courses in cellular, molecular, and developmental biology, and genetics/genomics, and the opportunity to develop new courses in the candidate’s area of specialty.

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 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 Cell, Molecular, Developmental Biology or 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 biology at the university level.
• Expertise in cell, molecular, developmental biology in an area compatible with or broadening the department’s research activities.
• A background in genetics or genomics, but those focusing on development, disease, and other applications are also encouraged to apply.
• Experience supervising student research and master’s theses.

Please refer the Job description for details