Tenure Track Position - Microbiology

Join to apply for the Tenure Track Position - Microbiology role at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly)

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 successful candidate will engage in teaching, research/scholarship, and service within the department and in cross‑disciplinary collaborations, teaching lower‑division and large‑enrollment courses as well as upper‑level courses in the candidate’s specialty area.

The role also expects a student‑centered research program involving undergraduate and graduate students, faculty service, and participation in university shared governance.

• Teach lower‑division lecture and/or lab courses for majors and nonmajors in microbiology or cell and molecular biology.
• Teach upper‑level courses in the candidate’s area of specialization.
• Develop and maintain a student‑centered research program that involves undergraduates and graduate students.
• Provide service to the department, college, and university through committees, advising, and outreach.
• Engage in scholarly activities such as peer‑reviewed research, conference presentations, and grant development.
• Support the department’s goals of undergraduate excellence and student success.

• Ph.D. in Biology, Microbiology or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience and commitment to student‑centered learning and teaching.
• Evidence of high‑quality teaching and research with students.
• Evidence of scholarly productivity.
• Evidence of 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.

• Experience and commitment to excellence in teaching undergraduate biology at the university level.
• Demonstrated 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 feasible research program at Cal Poly, a primarily undergraduate institution.
• Experience supervising student research and master’s theses.

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before employment can commence.

Background checks are required for any position where law or university policy requires them.

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Research Plan – outline your proposed research agenda and demonstrate your expertise and potential as a researcher in microbiology at Cal Poly.
• Universal Student Success Statement – describe your approach to teaching and learning at the collegiate level, evidence of inclusive and accessible teaching, and how you will develop this expertise at Cal Poly.
• Unofficial graduate transcript(s) as a single document.

Applications will be reviewed beginning December 1, 2025. Complete applications received after that date may be considered. Submit the application through the online faculty application system and provide three professional references with names and email addresses. Official transcripts are required prior to appointment. For questions, contact Dr. Michael Black at mblack.

This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Cal Poly complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209, and CSU’s nondiscrimination policy.

The university prohibits discriminatory practices, harassment, and retaliation in all programs and policies.