Job Details

Overview

Join to apply for the Assistant Professor - Industrial Systems Engineering - AY 26/27 role at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo.

Position details

The Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering (IME) 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 has a tradition of excellence in teaching and scholarship that supports a curriculum centered on a "Learn by Doing" philosophy and focused on preparing graduates to make a positive impact on their world day one. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and master's level courses, support and expand curricular development in industrial engineering, and engage in high-quality scholarly work evidenced by external peer review. Faculty are also encouraged to perform service activities at all levels of the University. We seek candidates with teaching and research interests in the design and analysis of industrial systems, especially related to information systems, management decision support, data analytics/AI, and/or quality and operations monitoring. Expected application areas include energy systems, manufacturing, transportation, computing/tech, and/or services such as healthcare, government, and education.

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

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and masters level courses and support curricula development in industrial engineering.
• Engage in scholarly activity of high quality as evidenced by external peer review.
• Perform service activities at various levels of the University.
• Develop and sustain an externally funded, applied research program involving undergraduate and graduate students, with partnerships to key stakeholders.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications
An earned doctorate (Ph.D.) in industrial engineering or a closely related field from an accredited institution or international equivalent is required. Candidates nearing completion (ABD) will be considered but must provide proof that the doctorate was awarded prior to or by the start of the appointment. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellence in teaching, effective communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work with students, staff, and faculty from diverse backgrounds. Demonstrated ability to develop an externally funded, applied research program and experience with hands-on, student-centered learning and multidisciplinary collaboration are required. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are required.

Preferred Qualifications
Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated excellence in university-level teaching and research, experience with laboratory-based instruction, relevant industry experience, and/or professional certifications. Experience working with diverse populations and fostering an inclusive environment is preferred.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• The position is subject to a mandated reporter requirement under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and CSU Executive Order 1083.
• Following a conditional offer, a background check (including criminal records) must be completed satisfactorily before employment; an individualized assessment will consider any relevant conviction history with job duties.
• Current employees offered campus positions may require background checks for sensitive positions as defined by law and CSU policy.
• In accordance with CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy, tenure-line faculty are expected to establish an on-campus presence in California.

How to Apply

To apply, please provide: (1) cover letter detailing qualifications and interest; (2) current CV; (3) statement of teaching philosophy; (4) statement of goals and plans for research; (5) unofficial transcripts; (6) three professional references with names and emails. Finalists will be asked to provide 3 letters of reference. Official transcripts are required prior to final appointment.

For full consideration, apply by the Review Begin Date: November 15, 2025. Applications submitted after this date may be considered.

For questions, please contact Dr. John Pan, IME Department Chair, via ...@calpoly.edu.