Assistant Professor Political Science - Latinx Immigration/Migration Studies (24/25)

  • California Polytechnic State University
  • San Luis Obispo, California
  • Mar 07, 2024
Education and Training Political or Public Affairs Public Health

Job Description

Political Science - The Political Science Department in the College of Liberal Arts at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California, seeks applications for a full-time, academic-year, tenure-track Assistant Professor with a specialization in Latinx/e Migration and/or Immigration Studies to begin September 16, 2024 . We are looking for candidates with Ph.D. in Political Science or a related field specializing in Latinx/e politics, policy, and/or law with a focus on migration and/or immigration. Evidence of strong teaching skills is required with a preference for those applicants who can contribute to Cal Poly's unique polytechnic identity, interdisciplinary culture, and the ongoing effort to qualify as a Hispanic Serving Institution.

An earned doctorate (Ph.D.) in Political Science, Public Policy, or a closely related field from an accredited institution or international equivalent is required. Candidates nearing completion of the doctorate (ABD) may be considered but must provide proof that the doctorate has been completed prior to the start of the appointment. The initial appointment is for two years, subject to renewal.

Salary: Anticipated Hiring Range: $81,888 - $87,552/year, $6,824-$7,296/month
(Note that hiring level will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the candidate.)

Cal Poly strongly values diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), especially in the classroom and among its areas of study. This position is part of a college-wide cluster of searches designed to increase curricular coverage of areas related to DEI, as well as to promote inclusive and equity-minded teaching strategies across the university. Successful candidates will be expected to contribute to the college’s goals in these areas.

The other searches are for positions in the following disciplines across campus:
  • Psychological Aspects of Migration in Latinx/e Youth and Families (Psychology & Child Development)
  • Global Studies, with a focus on Latinx/e Migration and the Environment (Interdisciplinary Studies)
  • Modern Latinx/e and/or Chicanx/e History (History)

Candidates selected through this DEI cluster hire will be given start-up funds to support their work in DEI. Once hired, candidates will collaborate with their dean and others to develop a plan for utilizing these funds for supplemental compensation, assigned time, or professional development activities. For more information about Cal Poly’s DEI-Focused Cluster Hires, please visit: https://cla.calpoly.edu/diversity-cluster

Although Cal Poly is primarily a teaching university, our faculty are expected to balance teaching with an active program of research/professional development (including publication), student supervision and advising, and participation in service activities at the department and college/university level. The typical teaching load is 12 units (three courses) per quarter, with a reduction in course load in each of the first two years to help new faculty establish an active program of research and professional development. Cal Poly strongly values diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), especially in the classroom and among its areas of study.

The College of Liberal Arts (CLA) sees diversity as central to its mission and is committed to fostering an equitable and inclusive environment within the college and university. We value our diversity of complex and intersecting identities, while striving to maintain an environment that is equitable, respectful, and inclusive. The successful applicant should be able to clearly demonstrate how they have infused these values and student learning objectives into their work. They should be prepared to present clear examples of how they would infuse these areas into their work as a faculty member.

At California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, we believe that cultivating an environment that embraces and promotes diversity is fundamental to the success of our students, our employees and our community. Bringing people together from different backgrounds and experiences fosters the innovative and creative thinking that exemplifies Cal Poly’s values of free inquiry and reflection on impacts of cultural context, mutual respect, civic engagement, and social and environmental responsibility. Cal Poly's commitment to DEI informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring and retention. California Polytechnic State University is an equal opportunity employer.

Required Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in Political Science, Public Policy, or a closely related field;
  • Demonstrated university teaching experience;
  • Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language is required.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Teaching and research interest in social justice issues;
  • Preference is also given to candidates who can expand the Department’s existing areas of expertise;
  • Experience working with underrepresented populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive and inclusive environment;
  • The ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings is preferred.
  • Preference is also given to candidates with relevant work experience and those who bring professional capabilities.

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.

About the Department

The Cal Poly Political Science Department prides itself on its collegiality and commitment to excellence in teaching and scholarship. The department serves approximately 350 majors, 180 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.

How to Apply

To apply, please visit http://jobs.calpoly.edu/ , complete a required online faculty application and apply to Requisition #533456. Please upload the following required materials as part of the electronic application:
  • Cover letter (may wish to address the feasibility of conducting research, scholarship, and/or creative activities within the context of a primarily teaching-oriented undergraduate program)
  • Current curriculum vitae
  • Statement of demonstrated commitment to DEI in teaching, scholarship and/or service describing past experience, contributions to DEI efforts, the impact on students, faculty, staff and/or your field and a description of how you will demonstrate a commitment in these areas in teaching, research, and/or service at Cal Poly
  • Unofficial transcripts showing highest degree earned

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 individuals listed by applicants. Official sealed transcript showing highest degree earned will be required prior to appointment.

Projected Start Date: 09-16-2024

Review Begin Date: JAN-5-2024. Applicants with complete files by the Review Begin Date will be given full consideration. Applications received after this date may be considered.

For questions about the position please contact Chair of the Political Science Department, Professor Helene Shanruo Ning Zhang, via email at nizhang@calpoly.edu

Advertised: Nov 30 2023 Pacific Standard Time
Applications close:

Closing Date/Time:

Job Address

San Luis Obispo, California 93405 United States View Map