Assistant Professor - Asian Philosophy

The Philosophy Department in the College of Liberal Arts at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California, is seeking applications for a full-time, academic-year, tenure-track Assistant Professor to begin August 17, 2026. Area of Specialization (AOS): Asian Philosophy. Area of Concentration (AOC): Philosophy of Religion, East Asian Philosophy. Special additional teaching needs: Buddhism, Philosophy of Religion, East Asian Philosophy. The successful candidate should have some understanding of the discipline of Religious Studies.  The ideal candidate will have a combination of university-level teaching experience, and research potential. Primary teaching duties include teaching needs in Buddhism, Philosophy of Religion, and East Asian Philosophy as well as general education. We are seeking applicants with an earned or nearly complete doctorate in Philosophy, with demonstrable qualifications in Asian Philosophy.  Preferred qualifications include graduate work in Religious Studies (preferred but not required).

Salary: Anticipated Hiring Range: $90,276 - $98,244/year, $7,523 - $8,187/month
(Note that hiring level will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the candidate.)

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 per semester, 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.
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 in two consecutive semesters (Fall/Spring, Spring/Summer, or Summer/Fall) out of the 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.

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

• Ph.D. in philosophy, earned or nearing completion. If ABD, Ph.D. must be conferred by August 2026.
• Evidence of potential for scholarly and/or creative achievement in the AOS.
• Ability to teach courses in the AOS and AOC.
• Demonstrated university teaching experience.
• Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Religious Studies (preferred but not required).
• Demonstrated experience and commitment to student-centered learning and teaching.
• Demonstrated ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings.
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive environment.
• Preference will also be given to those with relevant work experience and those who bring professional capabilities.

Special Conditions

All CSU employees are designated "mandated reporters" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act. As a condition of your employment, you will be required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 and any subsequent amendments.

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.

About the Department

Currently the Philosophy Department, in the College of Liberal Arts, has 18 professors and 19 lecturers, most of whom teach nearly full-time.  The department comprises twelve Philosophy professors, two Religious Studies professors and three International Strategy and Security professors. The department serves approximately 130 Philosophy majors and 50 Philosophy minors as well as students throughout the university in General Education, and it includes a major and minor in International Strategy and Security and a minor in Religious Studies. The department's website is https://philosophy.calpoly.edu/

How to Apply

Candidates with complete files by the review begin date will be given full consideration. To apply, please visit http://jobs.calpoly.edu/ complete a required online faculty application and apply to Requisition #552106.

Please upload the following required materials as part of the electronic application:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter: Describe your research specialization(s) and your ability to teach a course on Asian Philosophy
• Teaching Statement
• Research Plan
• Unofficial transcripts showing highest degree earned, official transcripts showing highest degree earned will be required prior to appointment
• 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 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.
• Teaching Portfolio: Provide sample course syllabi related to the AOS and AOC, and evidence of teaching effectiveness including student evaluations
• Example of scholarship

Please be prepared to provide three professional references with names and email addresses when completing the online faculty application. 

Projected Start Date: August 17, 2026

Review Begin Date: 11-24-2025. 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 David Zoller via email at [email protected].