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

Overview

Political Science Department, 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, 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. The successful candidate should also be able to 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.

• 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.

• 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 will also be given to those with relevant work experience and those who bring professional capabilities.

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, 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 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. 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.

Cal Poly is an equal opportunity employer. This position is open to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Cal Poly complies with applicable civil rights laws and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory treatment and ensure access to resources and support for all students and employees.

Cal Poly’s ability to sponsor employment-based visas will depend on institutional priorities, budget availability, and current federal regulations. Cal Poly does not commit to providing visa sponsorship for this position, and applicants should not expect that such sponsorship will be offered. The person holding this position is 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 offer of employment. Current employees offered positions requiring a background check will undergo one per policy. Cal…