Tenure Track Position - Neurobiology/Neuroscience

Job Summary

The Biological Sciences Department in the Bailey College of Science and Mathematics at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, is seeking to fill one full-time, academic year, tenure track position in neurobiology/neuroscience, with appointment beginning September 16, 2024. Rank and salary are commensurate with qualifications and experience of the individual selected.

We seek candidates who are enthusiastic about undergraduate teaching and implementing a student-centered research program that involves both undergraduate and graduate (Master’s) students. Ideal candidates should have expertise in one of the following areas: gut-brain axis, neural stem cells/neurogenesis, or sensory neurobiology, however, we will consider specialties that complement other areas of expertise in our department.

Faculty in our department typically teach 2-3 courses per quarter, with the opportunity to reduce this by mentoring student research and/or procuring extramural research funding. The teaching assignment for this position will include courses at various levels in anatomy & physiology for both majors and non-majors, including an upper-level course in neuroscience and the opportunity to develop new courses in the candidate's area of specialty.

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 $86,508 - $96,408.

The Bailey College of Science and Mathematics (BCSM) at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive university community that reflects and serves the population of California. Cal Poly strongly values diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), especially in the classroom and among its areas of study. Cal Poly seeks to recruit faculty who enthusiastically support the University’s strong commitment to the academic success of all our students, including students of color, students with disabilities, students who are first generation to college, veterans, students with diverse socio-economic backgrounds, and students of diverse sexual orientations and gender expressions. Cal Poly seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitment to maintain the excellence of the University and to offer our students a rich variety of expertise, perspectives, and ways of knowing and learning. The successful candidate will consider teaching strategies that promote student success, especially for students from historically excluded communities. Successful candidates should consider the University’s goals for diversity, equity, and inclusion 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 lecture and laboratory teaching approaches that include current and emerging technologies to enhance student learning and will 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 participation in service activities such as committee service, student advising, and building industry relationships.

At California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, we believe that cultivating an environment that embraces and promotes diversity is fundamental to the success of our students, our employees and our community. Bringing people together from different backgrounds, experiences and value systems fosters the innovative and creative thinking that exemplifies Cal Poly’s values of free inquiry, cultural and intellectual diversity, mutual respect, civic engagement, and social and environmental responsibility. Cal Poly's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring and retention. California Polytechnic State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in biology or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience and commitment to student-centered learning and teaching, as well as the ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings.
• Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language.
• 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 diversity and inclusivity in higher education as well as a dedication to the well-being and advancement of students, colleagues, and the department.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive and inclusive environment.
• Experience and commitment to excellence in teaching neuroscience/biological sciences at the university level.
• Expertise in an area compatible with or broadening the research activities of the department.
• Special areas of interest include gut-brain axis, neural stem cells/neurogenesis, or sensory neurobiology. We will consider specialties that complement other areas of expertise in our department.
• Experience supervising student research and master’s theses.

Special Conditions

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 any candidate may start work with Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Note: Cal Poly cannot deny an applicant a position solely or in part due to a criminal conviction history until it has performed an individualized assessment and linked the relevant conviction history with specific job duties in the position being sought.

Please note: Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Sensitive positions are those requiring heightened scrutiny of individuals holding the position based on potential for harm to children, concerns for the safety and security of people, animals, or property, or heightened risk of financial loss to Cal Poly or individuals in the university community.

For health and well-being, Cal Poly is a smoke & tobacco-free campus. The university is committed to promoting a healthy environment for all members of our community.

About the Department

The Biological Sciences Department is the largest academic unit within the Bailey College of Science and Mathematics and is one of the largest departments at Cal Poly. There are approximately 900 undergraduate students and 50 graduate students in the department. The department's mission is three-fold: I) offer majors leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences, Marine Science, or Microbiology, as well as a thriving Master of Science degree Program; 2) offer courses to satisfy the biology requirements for other majors; and 3) offer courses to meet general education and breadth requirements for Cal Poly's entire student population. The department offers approximately 125 different courses to over 10,000 students annually, with the majority of courses having a laboratory component. The department is currently composed of an elected department chair (3-year term), 33 full-time faculty, 2 full-time lecturers, 35-40 part-time faculty/teaching associates, approximately 25 student assistants, and 9 support staff of which 3 provide administrative support and 6 support classroom and research endeavors. Faculty research grants have totaled almost $7 million over the past five years. More information regarding the Biological Sciences Department can be found at

About the University

Founded in 1901, Cal Poly is one of only six comprehensive polytechnic universities in the nation, with approximately 22,000 undergraduates, 120 postbaccalaureate, and 700 graduate students. U.S. News and World Report has ranked Cal Poly #1 among public master's universities in the western United States for 30 consecutive years. A primarily undergraduate university, Cal Poly offers academically-focused students 66 baccalaureate degrees and 36 master's degrees. Currently operating on the quarter calendar system, Cal Poly takes pride in its "Learn-by-Doing" approach to teaching and learning, which has characterized Cal Poly since its founding. One of the 23 campuses of the California State University system, Cal Poly has a statewide mandate as a polytechnic university. Cal Poly is one of the largest land-holding universities in the nation and uses all of its land holdings in active support of its educational programs. Cal Poly is located in historic San Luis Obispo, a city of 49,000, 12 miles from the Pacific Ocean and midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles on California's scenic Central Coast. With excellent public education resources, recreational facilities, and an expanding dedication to the arts, the area is known for its scenic landscapes, outdoor activities, and extraordinarily temperate climate.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must attach the following documents:

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, 2023. Complete applications received after that date may be considered. For questions, please contact Dr. Ken Hillers at khillers@calpoly.edu.