Description

Job Summary

The Chemistry and Biochemistry Department in the Bailey College of Science and Mathematics at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is seeking to hire full-time lecturers for two-year contracts, with appointments beginning August 17, 2026 and ending approximately May 19, 2028. The bulk of teaching assignments will be in general chemistry or organic chemistry for majors and non-majors, with the potential for other assignments. Qualified candidates from all disciplines of chemistry are invited to apply. Finalists may be asked to submit a video lesson of their teaching. Appointment at Lecturer Range B is expected and salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. The anticipated hiring range for this role is $78,432 - $89,772 annually.
Required Qualifications

A Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry or a closely related discipline, or a Ph.D. in Chemical Education with an M.S. in Chemistry is required.
Ph.D. must be conferred and official transcripts received before August 17, 2026.
Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates with evidence of (or potential for) excellence in teaching.
Teaching effectiveness, understanding of the teaching and learning process, and currency in the subject matter of teaching assignments are all important aspects of the lecturer position. 
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. At Cal Poly, tenure-line faculty are expected to establish an on-campus presence.
 
Cal Poly's ability to sponsor employment-based visas will depend on institutional priorities, budget availability, and current federal regulations. Cal Poly SLO does not commit to providing visa sponsorship for this position, and applicants should not expect that such sponsorship will be offered.
About the Department

The Chemistry and Biochemistry Department offers programs of study leading to Bachelor's Degrees in Chemistry and Biochemistry. The department also serves many technical programs in the University. Students may choose a concentration in Polymers and Coatings or a focused Master's program in Polymers and Coatings Science. For more information about the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, please see https://chemistry.calpoly.edu/.
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.
How to Apply

Interested candidates must attach (1) a cover letter, (2) resume/curriculum vitae (3) teaching philosophy statement, and (4) unofficial transcript(s) as one file. These documents are not accepted in hard copy format. Please be prepared to provide three professional references with names and email addresses when completing the online faculty application. Candidates may be asked to submit a teaching video. Official transcripts are required prior to appointment.

Review of applications will begin April 3, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. Applications received after that date may be considered. 

For questions, contact the Chemistry & Biochemistry Department by phone at 805-756-2693 or by email at chem@calpoly.edu.