Assistant Professor of Communication Studies - Technology & Communication

Assistant Professor of Communication Studies - Technology & Communication (26/27)

Job No: 552675

Work Type:
Instructional Faculty – Tenured/Tenure-Track

Location:

Central California:
San Luis Obispo

Categories:
Bargaining Unit:
Unit 3 - CFA - California Faculty Association, Appointment Type:
Tenured/Tenure-Track, Time Basis:
Full Time, Job Search Category/Discipline:
Faculty - Communications/Journalism, Workplace Type (Exclude Inst Fac):
On-site (work in-person at business location)

The Department of Communication Studies at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor specializing in critical and/or rhetorical approaches to technology and communication, to begin August 17, 2026. We seek a scholar whose research and teaching examine how communication, technology, and design intersect with social, ethical, political, and cultural concerns. Secondary interests or teaching strengths in science and/or environmental communication are also desirable to support high-demand areas in our curriculum.

This position is part of an innovation and entrepreneurship university cluster hire. Successful candidates are expected to actively engage in transdisciplinary initiatives related to innovation and/or entrepreneurship and direct collaboration with the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE) to further develop vibrant academic and co‑curricular programs.

We especially welcome candidates whose work engages areas such as digital humanities, algorithmic culture, bias and ethics in communication technologies, digital rhetoric and culture, AI and automation, and the social, environmental, and health-related impacts of communication technologies.

• Technology, communication, and cultures of innovation and tech industries
• Human‑AI interaction, meaning‑making, and agency
• Ethics, bias, and justice in digital and algorithmic systems
• Communication design, UX/UI, and interface and information design
• Environmental, sustainability, health, and medicine dimensions of technology and communication
• Science and/or environmental communication through technology platforms

• Media Criticism or Rhetorical Criticism, which are situated as upper‑level methods courses.
• Upper‑division electives aligned with the candidate's expertise in areas such as technology and human communication, critical cultural studies, rhetoric of science, technology, and medicine, science communication, and/or environmental communication. Candidates may also have the opportunity to propose new courses aligned with the department's curriculum and their areas of expertise.
• 200‑level courses, including rhetorical studies, communication theory, or applied argumentation.
• A 400‑level Senior Seminar and Senior Project course for graduating majors.
• Introductory communication courses, such as our orientation (e.g., COMS 100) or public speaking related courses.

• Engaging in research and scholarship related to candidate's area of expertise.
• Engaging in service and academic advising/mentorship of undergraduate students.
• Advising students' extracurricular activities, including, but not limited to student clubs.

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…