Assistant Professor of Geotechnical Engineering; AY

Overview

Assistant Professor of Geotechnical Engineering (AY 26/27) – 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.

Job No: 550935
• Work Type:
Instructional Faculty – Tenured/Tenure-Track
•

Location:

Central California:
San Luis Obispo
• Categories:
Bargaining Unit:
Unit 3 - CFA - California Faculty Association, Appointment Type:
Tenured/Tenure-Track, Time Basis:
Full Time

Salary will be commensurate with education and experience of the individual selected. Anticipated hiring range: $106,000 - $117,000 per year. Qualified candidates with industry experience are encouraged to apply.

• Teaching undergraduate lecture courses and laboratories in civil engineering and geotechnical engineering.
• Teaching graduate courses and laboratories in geotechnical engineering and in the candidate’s area of expertise.
• Supervising undergraduate and graduate-level research.
• Developing and maintaining externally-funded research.
• Engaging in activities related to service in the form of student advising, curriculum development, and shared governance.

• Required:
  
  An earned doctorate (Ph.D.) in Geotechnical 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.
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching, effective communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work effectively with students, staff and faculty from diverse backgrounds.
• 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 work in multidisciplinary settings; strong written and oral communication skills in English.

• Demonstrated excellence in university-level teaching and research (time-since-degree dependent).
• Experience with field- and/or laboratory-based instruction and high-impact educational practices.
• Industry experience in geotechnical engineering.
• Experience working with diverse populations and fostering an inclusive environment.

The person holding this position is a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Following a conditional offer, a background check must be completed satisfactorily before starting employment. Cal Poly cannot deny an applicant a position solely or in part due to a criminal conviction history until an individualized assessment.

Other notices include: CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy, health and well-being considerations (smoke & tobacco-free campus), and required background checks for sensitive positions.

The Civil & Environmental Engineering Department has two separate B.S. degree programs (ABET accredited) with approximately 650 undergraduate students in Civil Engineering and 250 in Environmental Engineering, plus an M.S. degree with ~50 active graduate students. For more information about the department, please visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

To apply, please provide: (1) cover letter detailing qualifications and interest; (2) current CV; (3) Universal Student Success Statement; (4) statement of goals and plans for research; (5) unofficial transcripts. Include three professional references with names and emails; finalists will provide three letters of reference. The Review Begin Date for full consideration is November 1, 2025; applications received after this date may be considered.

For questions, contact Robb Moss  apply online: .

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT:
This position is open and available to all…