Assistant Professor - Computer Science and Software Engineering (AY 27/28)

Assistant Professor - Computer Science and Software Engineering (AY 27/28)

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Work type: Instructional Faculty – Tenured/Tenure-Track
Location: Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo Campus
Categories: Unit 3 - CFA - California Faculty Association, Tenured/Tenure-Track, Full Time, Faculty - Engineering

COMPUTER SCIENCE & SOFTWARE ENGINEERING TENURE-TRACK FACULTY POSITION

The Computer Science and Software Engineering Department in the College of Engineering at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California (Cal Poly) is excited to invite applications for a full-time, academic year, tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor rank beginning Fall 2027.

Cal Poly has a tradition of excellence in teaching and scholarship that supports a curriculum centered on a "Learn by Doing" philosophy and focuses on preparing graduates to make a positive impact on their world day one. Cal Poly is committed to the teacher-scholar model. As teachers, faculty are expected to exhibit strong pedagogic skills and to remain proficient and current in their disciplines. The successful candidate will be expected to teach undergraduate and master's level courses and support and expand curricular development in computer science and/or software engineering. As scholars, faculty should be engaged in scholarly work that is of very high quality as evidenced by external peer review. As colleagues, faculty are encouraged to perform service activities at all levels of the University.

Salary will be commensurate with education and experience of the individual selected. Qualified candidates with industry experience are encouraged to apply. Anticipated hiring range: $110,000 - $123,000 per year.

The College of Engineering at Cal Poly is committed to building a faculty of teacher-scholars who collaborate to provide a multi-disciplinary and hands‑on approach to inclusive excellence in student learning and applied research. We believe that individuals from broad backgrounds strengthen our programs and positively impact student success. We encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for consideration. Cal Poly emphasizes Learn by Doing, which involves extensive lab work and projects in support of theoretical knowledge.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

Cal Poly's Computer Science and Software Engineering Department is committed to close student‑faculty interaction in small classes and in developing software in real‑world projects, embodying Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing philosophy ( is committed to a supportive, welcoming environment that enables students to succeed; and is committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community of students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. Areas of curricular emphasis in the Computer Science and Software Engineering Department include privacy and security, artificial intelligence, game development, and data 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must hold an earned doctorate (Ph.D.) in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or a closely related field from an accredited institution or international equivalent. 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.

The successful candidate will demonstrate excellence in teaching, effective communication, and interpersonal skills and must be able to work effectively with students, staff, and faculty. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to develop an externally funded, applied research program that involves undergraduate and graduate students, and partnerships with key stakeholders. Demonstrated experience and commitment to hands‑on, student‑centered learning and teaching, as well as demonstrated ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings are required. Excellent written and oral communication skills and strong interests in undergraduate and graduate teaching are required. Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language is required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated excellence in university level teaching and research (commensurate with time since degree), experience with laboratory‑based instruction, and/or industry experience.
• Experience working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive environment.

Preference will be given primarily to candidates able to teach courses in areas of need and secondarily to candidates able to teach courses in additional areas of emphasis for the Computer Science and Software Engineering Department. Areas of need include operating systems, software engineering, high-performance computing, distributed computing, and full‑stack mobile and web development. Additional areas of emphasis include privacy and security, artificial intelligence, game development, and data science.

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. 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.

Faculty employees who wish to apply for permanent residency will be responsible for retaining an immigration attorney. All filing and attorney's fees will be incurred by the faculty member.

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. At Cal Poly, tenure‑line faculty are expected to establish an on‑campus presence.

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 semesters (Fall/Spring, Spring/Summer, or Summer/Fall) out of the three semesters offered annually. 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.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, applicants should complete a required online faculty application and attach the following supplemental documents:

• Cover letter providing details of the applicant's qualifications and interest in the position.
• Current CV.
• Statement of goals and plans for research.
• Copy of unofficial transcripts.
• Universal Student Success Statement.

Cal Poly is a public, student‑centered university that serves the diverse constituents of the state of California and has a strong emphasis on the teacher‑scholar model. Please detail your approach to teaching and learning at the collegiate level, including evidence of experience with inclusive, accessible, and intentional teaching, to a wide variety of students and a description of how you will continue to develop this expertise at Cal Poly. Service or scholarship related to skills developed in these areas might also be included here.

Please be prepared to provide three professional references with names and email addresses when completing the online faculty application. Finalists for the position will be required to provide 3 letters of reference. The selected candidate will be required to provide official transcripts prior to appointment for final consideration.

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.

For full consideration, candidates are encouraged to apply by the Review Begin Date, September 30, 2026. Applications received after this date may be considered.

For questions, please contact department chair Aaron Keen via

Advertised: Jul Pacific Daylight Time