POLITICAL SCIENCE - The Political Science Department in the College of Liberal Arts at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, is seeking a full-time lecturer position on Law to begin September 11, 2025, for Fall Quarter, 2025. The current appointment is for two years with the possibility of an extension to a third year. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Duties and responsibilities include teaching undergraduate courses on law on both introductory and advanced levels. The courses may include, but are not limited to, Jurisprudence, Judicial Politics, U.S. Constitutional Law, Civil Liberty and Civil Rights, Constitutional Theory. The teaching load is 45 units in total for the academic year, which translates to a 4-4-3 teaching load across three quarters. University-level teaching experience is required. ABD or PhD in Political Science or related field and demonstrated evidence of potential for excellence in teaching at the university level is preferred.
Initial rank and salary for lecturer faculty are based on professional experience and educational background and are determined by the hiring department. Most new lecturers are hired at the Lecturer A or B rank. As of July 2024, the classification salary ranges for the respective ranks are:
Lecturer A: $5,507-$6,677
Lecturer B: $6,221-$13,224
Lecturer C: $6,825-$14,523
Lecturer D: $8,593-$15,221
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, and is 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.
Due to CSU policies, the person hired must reside in the state of California at the time of hire and for the entirety of the appointment.
- Juris Doctorate or Master’s Degree in Political Science or related field with professional and teaching experience required.
- Ability to teach courses including Jurisprudence, Judicial Politics, U.S. Constitutional Law, Civil Liberty and Civil Rights, Constitutional Theory.
- Demonstrated experience and commitment to student-centered learning and teaching.
- 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
- ABD or PhD in Political Science or a related field preferred.
- Ability to work with a diverse population fostering a collaborative, supportive and inclusive environment.
- Preference will be given to those with relevant work experience and those who bring professional capabilities.
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.
The Cal Poly Political Science Department prides itself on its collegiality and commitment to excellence in teaching and scholarship. The department serves approximately 400 majors, 130 minors, and 25 graduate students. At the undergraduate level, the department offers concentrations in American Politics, Global Politics, Pre-Law and Individualized Courses of Study, as well as minors in Law & Society, Political Science, and Global Politics. It also administers a Master of Public Policy Program.
Interested candidates must attach the following required materials:
3) Statement of teaching philosophy and evidence of teaching effectiveness
4) A copy of unofficial transcripts of highest degree earned (sealed official transcripts will be required prior to an appointment).
Please be prepared to provide three professional references with names and email addresses when completing the online faculty application. Cal Poly will directly solicit letters from the people listed by applicants. For full consideration, all applicant materials, except final transcripts, must be received by the Review Begin Date.
REVIEW BEGIN DATE: May 30, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled.
For questions, please contact the Political Science Department by phone at (805) 756-2985 or the department chair, Professor Helene Shanruo Ning Zhang, by email at nizhang@calpoly.edu