"Cal Poly Microbiology-Tenure Track Position"

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 microbiology at the assistant professor rank, with appointment beginning August 17, 2026.

The department is seeking an appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor; a higher rank may be considered in an exceptional situation. Rank and salary are commensurate with qualification and experience, with the anticipated Assistant Professor hiring range being $97,788 - $107,628.

Excellence in teaching, an active program in research and scholarship, and departmental service are expected. Successful candidates must be committed to high-quality undergraduate and graduate education and be enthusiastic about teaching a variety of biology courses including lower-division and large-enrollment offerings. The successful candidate will also implement a student-centered research program that involves both undergraduate and graduate (Master’s) students. The preferred candidate will have expertise in vector-borne diseases, parasitology, mycology, or environmental microbiology. In addition, the candidate is expected to contribute to departmental and college service and participate in university shared governance.

The successful candidate will join Cal Poly’s Biological Sciences Department and engage in teaching, research/scholarship, and service within the department as well as in cross-disciplinary collaborations. Candidates can explore connections with the department’s areas of expertise including ecology and evolutionary biology, marine science, anatomy and physiology, and cellular and molecular biology. Research opportunities may include the Center for Applications in Biotechnology, the Center for Coastal Marine Sciences, the Regenerative Medicine Masters program, and existing Cal Poly lands, projects, and initiatives.

Cal Poly is focused on excellence in undergraduate teaching. Faculty in the Biological Sciences Department typically teach 2-4 lectures and/or lab courses per term, with the opportunity to reduce this by mentoring student research and/or procuring extramural research funding. The teaching assignment for this position will routinely include lower-division lecture and/or lab courses for both majors and nonmajors in the microbiology or cell and molecular biology areas, as well as upper-level courses in the candidate's area of specialty.

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 Biology, Microbiology or a 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 undergraduate biology at the university level.
• Demonstrate teaching effectiveness in lower division labs or lectures.
• Expertise in microbiology in an area compatible with or broadening the department’s research activities.
• Ability to establish and maintain a research program that is feasible at Cal Poly, a primarily undergraduate institution.
• Experience supervising student research and master’s theses.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must submit the following documents:

1. Cover Letter
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3. 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 any 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. Please articulate your teaching philosophy, approach, and goals within this statement.
4. Research Plan - The research plan provides an opportunity to outline your proposed research agenda and demonstrate your expertise and potential as a researcher in the field of microbiology at Cal Poly.
5. Unofficial graduate transcript(s) as one document.

These documents are not accepted in hard copy format. When completing the online faculty application, please be prepared to provide three professional references with names and email addresses. Official transcripts are required prior to appointment.

Review of applications will begin December 1, 2025. Complete applications received after that date may be considered. For questions, please contact Dr. Michael Black at mblack@calpoly.edu.

To Apply: All applicants must apply online at: https://jobs.calpoly.edu/en-us/job/552281/tenure-track-position-microbiology