San Francisco State University (SFSU), part of the California State University (CSU) system, offers a wide array of job opportunities for academics, researchers, and administrators. Located in the heart of San Francisco, California, SFSU is renowned for its commitment to diversity, innovation, and public service. Jobs at San Francisco State University span faculty positions, research roles, staff positions, and leadership opportunities, attracting professionals passionate about higher education in a dynamic urban setting.
The university employs thousands across its colleges, including the College of Liberal & Creative Arts, College of Science & Engineering, and the pioneering College of Ethnic Studies—the first of its kind in the nation. Whether you're seeking tenure-track professor jobs, lecturer positions, or support roles in administration, SFSU provides a platform for meaningful contributions to education and research.
Founded in 1899 as the San Francisco State Normal School, SFSU evolved into a comprehensive university emphasizing teacher training and liberal arts. Today, it serves over 25,000 students with a mission centered on student success, equity, and community engagement. This history shapes jobs at San Francisco State University, prioritizing educators who align with its values of social justice and accessibility.
Key milestones include the 1968 student strike establishing Ethnic Studies and its designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI). These legacies influence hiring, favoring candidates with experience in inclusive teaching and culturally responsive research.
SFSU's seven colleges host diverse programs fueling job demand. The College of Creative Arts excels in film production and broadcasting, often hiring lecturers and professors in media studies. Science and Engineering seeks research assistants for projects in biology and computer science, while the College of Health and Social Sciences needs experts in nursing and counseling.
Explore university job types for details on roles like adjunct professor jobs or research assistant jobs. Current openings frequently include positions in ethnic studies, environmental science, and business, reflecting San Francisco's tech and cultural vibrancy.
For tenure-track faculty jobs at San Francisco State University, a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or equivalent terminal degree in the relevant field is typically required. This ensures candidates possess advanced expertise necessary for teaching graduate courses and conducting original research. Master's degrees suffice for lecturer positions, which focus on undergraduate instruction.
Administrative roles like department chairs may require an EdD (Doctor of Education) or extensive experience. Research-focused jobs, such as postdoctoral fellows, demand a recent PhD with publications in peer-reviewed journals. SFSU values interdisciplinary qualifications, especially in areas like sustainability or public health.
SFSU encourages research aligned with its urban mission, including urban studies, climate change, and social equity. Expertise in grant-funded projects from agencies like the National Science Foundation (NSF) or National Institutes of Health (NIH) is prized. For instance, the Estuary & Ocean Science Center hires specialists in marine biology.
Candidates should demonstrate expertise through prior projects, such as community-based participatory research common in ethnic studies. Check research jobs for openings in labs studying Bay Area ecology or digital humanities.
Preferred experience includes peer-reviewed publications, teaching diverse student populations, and securing grants. For faculty roles, 2-5 years of postdoctoral or adjunct experience strengthens applications. Skills like data analysis software proficiency (e.g., R, Python) or curriculum development are essential for STEM positions.
Soft skills such as cultural competency and collaboration are key, given SFSU's diverse community. Review how to write a winning academic CV for tailoring your materials.
The application process for jobs at San Francisco State University begins with online submission through the CSU Careers portal or sites like higher ed jobs platforms. Required documents include a cover letter addressing the job criteria, CV, transcripts, diversity statement, and three letters of recommendation.
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SFSU leads in diversity, with initiatives like the President's Diversity Award and mandatory implicit bias training for search committees. The university's Equity Action Plan targets underrepresented faculty hires, achieving 50% faculty of color. Programs such as the Black Faculty and Staff Association foster belonging.
Recent efforts include pipeline programs for first-gen scholars and partnerships with community colleges for diverse talent. Learn about employer branding secrets SFSU employs to attract top diverse talent.
SFSU supports work-life balance through flexible teaching schedules, sabbaticals every 6 years for tenured faculty, and generous parental leave (up to 12 weeks). Employee wellness includes free gym access, counseling, and childcare subsidies. The 140-acre campus features green spaces, art installations, and proximity to Golden Gate Park.
Campus life buzzes with events like Malcolm X Plaza rallies, film screenings at the Coppola Theatre, and tech meetups due to nearby Silicon Valley. Faculty enjoy San Francisco's cultural scene—museums, dining, and hikes—while benefits cover CalPERS retirement and health insurance. Remote options exist for some admin roles via remote higher ed jobs.
Enrollment at around 24,000 drives demand for adjunct professor jobs and research assistant jobs amid California's higher ed push. Recent rankings highlight SFSU's social mobility, boosting appeal for professor jobs. With Bay Area innovation, expect growth in AI ethics and sustainable tech roles.
Tenure-track: A faculty position leading to permanent employment after review, typically 5-7 years, based on teaching, research, and service.
Lecturer: Non-tenure position focused on teaching, often part-time or renewable contracts.
Diversity Statement: Document explaining commitment to equity, inclusion, and experiences with diverse groups.
Sabbatical: Paid leave for research or professional development, standard in academia.
Jobs at San Francisco State University offer rewarding careers in a diverse, innovative environment. Explore more on higher ed jobs, career advice via higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job if recruiting. Tailor your application today for success at SFSU.
Related reading: become a university lecturer and research assistant tips (adaptable globally).
