MATERIALS ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT - POST-DOCTORAL TEACHING/RESEARCH SCHOLAR.

The Materials Engineering Department at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA, invites applications for a full-time, Post-Doctoral Teaching/Research Scholar appointment as a Full-Time Lecturer for the 2025-26 academic year. This teaching development program seeks to attract and prepare outstanding individuals with completed PhDs for a successful career in engineering academia by gaining teaching experience and training at a premier teaching-oriented engineering institution. The participant will primarily engage in teaching activities in fundamental or specialized materials engineering courses appropriate to their preparation. They will also be supported through mentorship by experienced engineering educators and through the university's Center for Teaching, Learning, and Technology. Although the position primarily gives instructional training and experience, teaching will be reduced by 20%-25% from a full-time position to allow the participant to engage in scholarly pursuits subject to the limitations of available facilities and resources on campus. This is a full academic year appointment starting in September 2025 with the possibility of a one-year extension contingent on departmental need, budget, and satisfactory evaluation. This is an opportunity for Ph.D. recipients in engineering with an interdisciplinary mindset to join a unique institution that values undergraduate education and applied research activities. This apprenticeship position will be hired at the rank of Lecturer B with an anticipated annual salary of $74,652 paid in 12 monthly installments of $6,221.

Located on the central coast of California, the Cal Poly College of Engineering is nationally recognized for its strong focus on undergraduate and Masters level education through a laboratory intensive, hands-on curriculum. With over 6000 undergraduates and 150 Master's students, the undergraduate programs include Aerospace, Biomedical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Environmental, General, Industrial,  Manufacturing, Materials, Mechanical and Software Engineering plus Computer Science. 

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. 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. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. 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 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

Cal Poly is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At Cal Poly, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS - Eligible candidates are individuals with a passion for teaching, and who have completed their Ph.D. program in Materials Science and Engineering or a closely related field. Candidates nearing completion of the doctorate (ABD) will be considered but must provide proof that the doctorate was awarded prior to or by the start of the appointment. Applicants should propose courses they are interested in teaching and the research area they would like to pursue. Demonstrated experience and commitment to student-centered learning and teaching, as well as the ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings is required. Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language is required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS - Preference will be given to candidates with a demonstrated passion and interest in university-level teaching, an interest in laboratory-based instruction, and a willingness to teach in multiple areas of the Materials Engineering curriculum.

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.

In accordance with the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California and prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU related work outside of California.  It is also expected that faculty establish an on-campus presence to fulfill their responsibilities.

HOW TO APPLY - Interested candidates must attach (1) a cover letter, (2) resume/curriculum vitae, (3) list of CSU / university courses taught (if applicable), (4) unofficial transcripts (official required before start of appointment), and (5) a statement of teaching philosophy.

Please be prepared to provide three professional references with names and email addresses when completing the online faculty application.

For full consideration, please apply by April 7, 2025. Applications received after this date may be considered.

Department Contact - Trevor Harding , Department Chair Materials Engineering, tharding@calpoly.edu