Assistant Professor of Geotechnical Engineering; AY

Overview

Assistant Professor of Geotechnical Engineering (AY 26/27). Base pay range: $/yr - $/yr.

GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING TENURE-TRACK FACULTY POSITION - The Civil and Environmental Engineering Department in the College of Engineering at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California (Cal Poly) invites applications for a full-time, academic year, tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor rank beginning Fall 2026.

Cal Poly emphasizes a Learn by Doing philosophy and a teacher-scholar model. The successful candidate will demonstrate interest in teaching and curriculum development in Geotechnical Engineering and Civil Engineering, engage in high-quality scholarly work, and participate in service activities within the University.

• Teach undergraduate lecture courses and laboratories in civil engineering and geotechnical engineering.
• Teach graduate courses and laboratories in geotechnical engineering and in the candidate’s area of expertise.
• Supervise undergraduate and graduate-level research.
• Develop and maintain externally-funded research.
• Engage in service activities such as student advising, curriculum development, and shared governance.

• An earned doctorate (Ph.D.) in Geotechnical Engineering or a closely related field from an accredited institution or international equivalent is required for appointment. ABD candidates will be considered if they provide proof that the doctorate was awarded prior to or by the start of the appointment.
• Excellence in teaching, effective communication and interpersonal skills, and ability to work with diverse students, staff, and faculty.
• Ability to develop an externally funded, applied research program involving undergraduate and graduate students, and partnerships with key stakeholders.
• Hands-on, student-centered teaching experience and ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary settings.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English; interest in undergraduate and graduate teaching.

• Demonstrated excellence in university-level teaching and research, including field- and/or laboratory-based instruction and high-impact educational practices.
• Industry experience in geotechnical engineering is a plus.
• Experience working with diverse populations and fostering an inclusive environment.

• Mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act; comply with CSU EO 1083 as a condition of employment.
• Background checks required after conditional offer; may be required for start of employment. Note on individualized assessment of criminal history.
• Other standard campus policies apply (smoke-free campus, etc.).
• CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy applies; tenure-line faculty are expected to be on-campus.

• Provide: cover letter, current CV, Universal Student Success Statement, statement of goals and plans for research, and unofficial transcripts.
• Prompt: detail your approach to accessible and inclusive teaching at the collegiate level and how you will develop this expertise at Cal Poly.
• Prepare three professional references with names and emails; finalists provide three letters of reference; official transcripts required before final appointment.
• For full consideration, apply by the Review Begin Date:
  November 1, 2025. Applications received after this date may be considered.
• Questions: contact Robb Moss at rmoss.

The Civil & Environmental Engineering Department has ABET-accredited B.S. programs and an M.S. degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering. For more information, visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Cal Poly provides a range of benefits for faculty; details at  The university supports family-friendly policies, parental leave, educational fee waivers, childcare pre-tax benefits, and an on-campus children’s center.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT:
This position is open to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Cal Poly complies with applicable anti-discrimination laws and CSU nondiscrimination policy. Cal Poly is committed to inclusive excellence and providing resources to help students and employees thrive. See Health and safety and campus policies as applicable.

For full consideration, applications should be submitted by the Review Begin Date, November 1, 2025. Applications received after this date may be considered.

For questions, please contact Robb Moss via rmoss.