Assistant Professor of Finance

The Finance Area of the Orfalea College of Business at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly), is seeking applications for a full-time, tenure-line, academic-year faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor of Finance beginning August 17, 2026. We seek candidates with research and teaching interests in corporate finance, investments, and related applied areas, including but not limited to financial analytics, and financial planning and wealth management. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellence in teaching, an active research agenda leading to peer-reviewed publications, and the ability to contribute to Cal Poly’s “Learn by Doing” philosophy through applied, experiential instruction and student engagement.

The Finance Area consists of 10 tenure track faculty with diverse areas of academic interests. Over 600 students pursue financial management and real estate finance.

Appointment at the Assistant Professor rank is anticipated. Rank and salary are commensurate with qualifications and experience. The anticipated hiring range for an Assistant Professor is $141,700 to $156,600.

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.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in Finance, Economics, or a closely related field from an accredited institution, with the degree completed by the start date. They should demonstrate the potential for high-quality research and publication in peer-reviewed journals, provide evidence of effective teaching and a commitment to inclusive pedagogy, and possess the ability to teach core undergraduate and graduate courses in finance and related areas.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred qualifications include professional or industry experience relevant to finance or real estate finance, as well as demonstrated ability to develop and teach experiential or project-based courses.

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.

Subject to further planning and approval, Cal Poly anticipates a possible transition to semester-based year-round operations (YRO). Under YRO, full-time academic year faculty may be assigned to teach two consecutive semesters (Fall/Spring, Spring/Summer or Summer/Fall) out of three semesters offered annually. The two-semester sequence will constitute the regular academic year appointment. Faculty may also be eligible to teach in the third semester for additional compensation, subject to departmental needs and University policy.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The Finance Area comprises ten (10) tenure-track faculty members with a wide range of scholarly and professional interests. More than 600 students are currently pursuing concentrations in Financial Management and Real Estate Finance, contributing to a vibrant and dynamic learning community.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates must submit the following documents:
Cover Letter that describes teaching and research interests Current curriculum vitae Universal Student Success Statement - Cal Poly is a public, student-centered university that serves the diverse constituents of the state of California and has a strong emphasis on the teacher-scholar model. Please detail your approach to teaching and learning at the collegiate level, including any evidence of experience with inclusive, accessible, and intentional teaching, to a wide variety of students and a description of how you will continue to develop this expertise at Cal Poly. Service or scholarship related to skills developed in these areas might also be included here. Please articulate your teaching philosophy, approach, and goals within this statement. Research Plan Unofficial transcript from institution awarding highest degree
Applicants should be prepared to provide the names and email addresses of three professional references when completing the online faculty application. Official, sealed transcripts will be required prior to appointment.

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.

Review of applications will begin December 15, 2025. Complete applications received after that date may be considered. For questions, please contact: Dr. Mahdi Rastad, mrastad@calpoly.edu.

Advertised: Nov 05 2025 Pacific Standard Time
Applications close:

• 

• California Polytechnic State University

• 805-756-2236

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