Assistant or Associate Professor Political Science - Public Policy or Public Administration

Overview

Join to apply for the Assistant or Associate Professor Political Science - Public Policy or Public Administration (26/27) role at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly)

The Department of Political Science at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, CA, seeks applications for a full-time (academic year), tenure-track Assistant/Associate Professor with a specialization in Public Policy to begin August 17 th , 2026. The second specialty field is open. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Ph.D. in Public Policy, Political Science, or a related field is required at the time of appointment.

Evidence of strong teaching skills is required. Applicants should be prepared to offer graduate and undergraduate courses in their substantive area of expertise and teach core public policy courses at the graduate and undergraduate levels, including but not limited to:
Public Policy and Administration, Public Policy Analysis, Regulatory and Economic Policy, Research Design, Quantitative Methods, and/or a graduate research seminar. Preference is given to candidates who can teach core undergraduate and graduate courses and can expand the Department’s expertise. Preference is given to candidates whose teaching and/or research address justice, broadly defined.

Required Qualifications and Expectations include:

• Ph.D. in Public Policy, Political Science, or a closely related field, completed and conferred by August 2026
• Demonstrated university teaching experience
• Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language

Preferred Qualifications include:

• Demonstrated teaching and/or research related to justice, broadly defined
• The ability to expand the Department’s existing areas of expertise
• 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 for candidates with relevant work experience and professional capabilities

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

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

Subject to planning, Cal Poly may transition to semester-based year-round operations (YRO). Under YRO, faculty may be assigned to teach in two consecutive semesters; a two-semester sequence constitutes the regular academic year appointment. Faculty may also teach in a third semester for additional compensation, subject to departmental needs and University policy.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment
This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment. Cal Poly complies with Title VI, Title IX, ADA, Section 504, California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. Cal Poly is committed to inclusive excellence and a diverse community.

Special Conditions
Cal Poly’s ability to sponsor employment-based visas depends on institutional priorities and regulations. Cal Poly does not commit to visa sponsorship for this position. The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and must comply with CSU Executive Order 1083. A background check is required after a conditional…