"Assistant Professor in Feminist/ Queer Science & Technology Studies (STS) (26/27)"

The Women’s, Gender, and Queer Studies (WGQS) Department in the College of Liberal Arts at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, is seeking applications for a full-time, academic-year, tenure-track Assistant Professor with a specialization in feminist and/or queer science and technology studies (STS) to begin August 17, 2026.

We are especially seeking teaching and research expertise in content areas that might include (but are not limited to) critical computing and engineering studies; data and information studies; statistics and quantitative studies; and/or technology and disability. Applicants should explore feminist and/or queer STS via intersectional approaches that center the histories, knowledges, and lived experiences of multiple marginalized communities and should approach scholarship and teaching from anti-racist, decolonial, and interdisciplinary perspectives. The successful candidate will teach classes in the department’s Queer Studies and Women’s & Gender Studies minors and the university’s general education program, including courses that support some major programs in Cal Poly’s College of Engineering, as well as major and minor programs in the Bailey College of Science and Mathematics and the College of Liberal Arts. The successful candidate will also contribute to ongoing curriculum and program development in the WGQS Department focused on their area(s) of expertise.

Applicants must have a Ph.D. from an accredited institution, with graduate training (Ph.D., concentration, certificate) in Women’s, Gender, and Queer Studies and/or Science and Technology Studies. We are especially interested in applicants who have experience with and/or interest in building teaching and/or research collaborations between WGQS and STEM fields across multiple colleges at Cal Poly and/or with regional higher education partners.

Salary: Anticipated Hiring Range: $90,276 - $98,244/year, $7,523 - $8,187/month
(Note that hiring level will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the candidate.)

Although Cal Poly is primarily a teaching university, our faculty are expected to balance teaching with an active program of research/professional development (including publication), student supervision and advising, and participation in service activities at the department and college/university level. The typical teaching load is 12 units per semester, with a reduction in course load in each of the first two years to help new faculty establish an active program of research and professional development.

Subject to further planning and approval, Cal Poly anticipates a possible transition to semester-based year-round operations (YRO). Under YRO, full-time academic year faculty may be assigned to teach in two consecutive semesters (Fall/Spring, Spring/Summer, or Summer/Fall) out of the three semesters offered annually. The two-semester sequence will constitute the regular academic year appointment. Faculty may also be eligible to teach in the third semester for additional compensation, subject to departmental needs and University policy.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. from an accredited institution, with graduate training (Ph.D., concentration, certificate) in Women’s, Gender, and Queer Studies and/or Science and Technology Studies, completed and conferred by August 2026.
• Demonstrated university teaching experience.
• Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Teaching and research expertise in critical computing and engineering studies; data and information studies; statistics and quantitative studies; and/or technology and disability.
• We are especially interested in applicants who have experience with and/or interest in building teaching and/or research collaborations between WGQS and STEM fields across multiple colleges at Cal Poly and/or with regional higher education partners.
• Demonstrated experience with and/or commitment to student-centered learning and teaching.
• Demonstrated ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings.
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive environment.
• Preference will also be given to those with relevant work experience and those who bring professional capabilities.

About The Department

The WGQS Department at Cal Poly is a small but impactful program in the College of Liberal Arts comprised of WGQS-appointed tenure-line and lecturer faculty as well as faculty from other programs who actively contribute to the department. The department administers the Queer Studies and Women’s & Gender Studies minors and is in the process of proposing a BA program in WGQS; the department is also working on plans for a minor in Disability Studies. Most WGQS classes meet University general education and/or United States Cultural Pluralism (USCP) requirements. Our website is https://wgqs.calpoly.edu.

How to Apply

To apply, please visit http://jobs.calpoly.edu/, complete a required online faculty application and apply to Requisition #552430. Please upload the following required materials as part of the electronic application:

(1) a cover letter providing some details of the applicant's qualifications and interest in the position

(2) a current Curriculum Vitae

(3) copy of unofficial transcripts (sealed official transcripts and letters of recommendation will be required for final consideration)

(4) a 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 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.

(5) Statement of research interests/research plan

Please be prepared to provide three professional references with names and email addresses when completing the online faculty application. Applicants are encouraged to submit materials by the review begin date for full consideration; however, applications received after this date may be considered.

***Cal Poly’s ability to sponsor employment-based visas will depend on institutional priorities, budget availability, and current federal regulations. Cal Poly does not commit to providing visa sponsorship for this position, and applicants should not expect that such sponsorship will be offered.***

Projected Start Date: August 17, 2026

Review Begin Date: 12-11-2025. Applicants with complete files by the Review Begin Date will be given full consideration. Applications received after this date may be considered.

For questions about the position please contact Dr. Jane L. Lehr via email at jlehr@calpoly.edu.