"Assistant Professor of English - 20th-21st Century American Literature in a Global Perspective"

CAL POLY SOLANO CAMPUS - VALLEJO, CA

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

The English Department in the College of Liberal Arts at the Cal Poly Solano Campus of California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) is seeking applications for a full-time, academic year, tenure-track Assistant Professor to begin August 17, 2026. This is an in-person teaching position at the Cal Poly Solano campus in Vallejo, CA. Specialization in modern and/or contemporary American literature (20th - 21st century) in a global perspective. Highly desirable specializations include ecocriticism (especially oceanic or “blue” humanities), environmental humanities, science and technology studies and/or media studies. We especially welcome experience or interest in contemporary maritime and oceanic issues including labor and legal frameworks, migration studies, urban environments, globalization, environmental justice, or Pacific studies. Applicants with interests in in public/oral history and public humanities are encouraged to apply. Ph.D. in English or related field required. A successful candidate will teach lower- and upper-division general education and major courses, have an active research agenda, and a commitment to contributing to the department through service activities.

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.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Ph.D. in English or related field required. If ABD, Ph.D. must be conferred before August 2026. Specialization in modern and/or contemporary American literature (20th - 21st century) in a global perspective. Demonstrated university teaching experience. Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language is required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Secondary specialties in ecocriticism (especially oceanic or “blue” humanities), environmental humanities, science and technology studies, and/or media studies. Experience or interest in contemporary maritime and oceanic issues including labor and legal frameworks, migration studies, urban environments, globalization, environmental justice, or Pacific studies. Experience or interest in public/oral history and public humanities. Demonstrated experience and 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.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

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ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The English Department, in the College of Liberal Arts, is one of the largest academic units within the University. The department offers BA and MA degrees in English, an English minor, a Linguistics minor, and certificates in Teaching English as a Second Language and Technical Communication. The department has approximately 300 English majors and offers many courses to satisfy the General Education and Breadth requirements for all Cal Poly students. The department is comprised of a department chair, 25 tenure-line faculty, and 50 lecturer faculty and teaching associates.

The department has faculty located at the San Luis Obispo Campus and at the Solano Campus in Vallejo, California. Beginning in Fall 2026, with the completion of the integration of the Solano Campus in Vallejo, English Department faculty will offer in-person instruction to students on their home campus and online courses to students at both campuses. The department's website is https://english.calpoly.edu

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please visit http://jobs.calpoly.edu/, complete a required online faculty application and apply to Requisition #553107. Please upload the following required materials as part of the electronic application:

1. a cover letter indicating interest in the position and providing some details of the applicant's experience and qualifications to teach modern and/or contemporary American literature (20th - 21st century) in a global perspective
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 scholarly writing sample of 25-30 pages that you feel best demonstrates your current work and future potential (50 pages maximum)
5. 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.
6. statement of interests/plan for research and scholarship

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 SLO 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: 01-06-2026. 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. Dustin Stegner via email at pstegner@calpoly.edu.