Assistant Professor of Communication Studies - Interpersonal Communication (27/28)

Cal Poly • San Luis, CA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Communication Studies at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo invites applications for two full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Interpersonal Communication positions, beginning approximately August 12, 2027. We seek two teacher-scholars whose teaching and research advance the study of interpersonal communication from a social scientific perspective. Successful candidates will demonstrate a commitment to excellence in undergraduate teaching, an active research agenda, and the potential to contribute to the department's mission through service and student mentorship. Specifically, we seek to hire two interpersonal communication scholars whose expertise complements the department's existing strengths. The first position is designated for a scholar with expertise in conflict management, negotiation, and mediation. We welcome applicants whose research examines communication processes related to interpersonal conflict across relational, family, health, small group, organizational, intercultural, or other social contexts. The second position is designated for a scholar broadly specializing in interpersonal communication. We welcome applicants whose research examines communication processes across a variety of interpersonal contexts. Area of specializations may include, but are not limited to close relationships, communication across the lifespan, emotion, family communication, mediated interpersonal communication, nonverbal communication, identity, privacy and disclosure, social support, or other contemporary areas of interpersonal communication. 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.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. in Communication, Communication Studies, or closely related Communication discipline from an accredited institution or international equivalent. Candidates nearing completion of the doctorate (ABD) may be considered but must provide proof that the doctorate will be awarded prior to the start of the appointment.
• Demonstrated undergraduate teaching experience.
• Graduate-level coursework relevant to the instructional assignment is required as the minimum academic preparation.
• Record of scholarship in interpersonal communication from a social scientific perspective.
• For the conflict management position, candidates must demonstrate scholarly expertise in conflict management, negotiation, and mediation or closely related areas of interpersonal conflict.
• Demonstrated commitment to educational equity, academic and inclusive excellence, and student success in their scholarship/creative activities, teaching, and/or service.
• Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language is required.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated undergraduate teaching experience in interpersonal communication courses as an instructor of record or teaching assistant.
• Demonstrated expertise to teach a range of undergraduate communication courses, such as interpersonal communication, small group communication, communication theory, and upper-division electives aligned with the candidate's expertise.
• For the conflict management position, demonstrated expertise or teaching experience in conflict management, negotiation, mediation, or related areas of interpersonal conflict.
• Demonstrated preparation to teach undergraduate research methods courses from a social scientific perspective.
• Potential for grant development in areas related to expertise.
• Willingness to participate in interdisciplinary programs overlapping with area(s) of expertise, including course development and possible program curriculum development.
• Demonstrated experience and commitment to student-centered learning and teaching.
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive environment.
• Relevant work experience.
• Professional capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Teaching introductory communication studies courses, including our introduction to the COMS major course or public speaking-related courses.
• Teaching 2000-level foundational courses, including interpersonal communication, small group communication, or communication theory.
• Teaching upper-division electives aligned with the candidate’s expertise. Examples include dark side of interpersonal communication, family communication, or nonverbal communication.
• Developing new courses that complement the department's curriculum and reflect their scholarly expertise.
• Teaching upper-division methods courses aligned with the candidate’s methodological expertise, including qualitative and/or quantitative research methods.
• Teaching 4000-level capstone courses, including senior seminar and senior project.
• Engaging in research and scholarship related to the candidate’s area of expertise.
• Engaging in service and academic advising/mentorship of undergraduate students.
• Advising students’ extracurricular activities, including, but not limited to student clubs.

Benefits

• Full-time, tenure-track position
• Reduction in course load in each of the first two years to help new faculty establish an active program of research and professional development.
• Potential eligibility to teach in a third semester for additional compensation under Year-Round Operations (YRO).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree