Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship

Cal Poly•San Luis Obispo, CA

42d

About The Position

The Industrial Technology, Packaging, and Entrepreneurship Area in the Orfalea College of Business at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, invites applications for a full-time, tenure-line, academic year position as Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship beginning August 17, 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. Cal Poly is committed to the teacher-scholar model. As teachers, faculty are expected to exhibit strong pedagogic skills and to remain proficient and current in their disciplines. The successful candidate will be expected to teach courses at the undergraduate and master's levels in Entrepreneurship, contribute to and expand curricular development, and advise undergraduate and graduate students on research and project activities. As scholars, faculty should be engaged in scholarly work that is of very high quality as evidenced by external peer review. As colleagues, faculty are encouraged to perform service activities at all levels of the University. We are seeking candidates with teaching and research interests in the broad areas of Entrepreneurship, with particular emphasis on (but not limited to): (1) Technology driven entrepreneurship and venture growth, (2) Small and family business entrepreneurship, (3) Innovation and design, (4) Environmental sustainability and entrepreneurship, and (5) Innovation and regional development policy. This position is part of an innovation and entrepreneurship university cluster hire. Successful candidates are expected to actively engage in transdisciplinary initiatives related to innovation and/or entrepreneurship and direct collaboration with the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE) to further develop vibrant academic and co-curricular programs. The Orfalea College of Business at Cal Poly is committed to building a faculty of teacher-scholars who collaborate to provide a multi-disciplinary and hands-on approach to inclusive excellence in student learning and applied research. We believe that individuals from broad backgrounds strengthen our programs and positively impact student success. Rank and salary are commensurate with qualifications and experience of the individual selected, with anticipate hiring range for Assistant Professor being $125,300 - $138,500. 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.

Requirements

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Entrepreneurship/Business/Engineering or closely related field from an accredited institution with a strong interest in teaching entrepreneurship courses.
All But Dissertation (ABD) candidates may apply, but a final offer of employment will be contingent on the candidate finalizing their degree.
Candidates with research and teaching interests in the following areas are specially encouraged to apply: technology driven entrepreneurship and venture growth (i.e., venture scaling, impact of artificial intelligence on entrepreneurship, emerging technologies and entrepreneurship), small and family business entrepreneurship, innovation and design, environmental sustainability and entrepreneurship, and innovation and regional development policy.
The successful candidate will demonstrate excellence in teaching, effective communication, and interpersonal skills and must have the ability to work effectively with students, staff, and faculty.
Candidates must demonstrate the ability to develop an applied research program that involves undergraduate and graduate students, and partnerships with key stakeholders.
Demonstrated commitment to hands-on, student-centered learning and teaching, as well as ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings are required.
Excellent written and oral communication skills and strong interests in undergraduate and graduate teaching are required.
Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language is required.

Nice To Haves

Experience in venture scaling and/or product/service innovation.
Preference will be given to candidates with a demonstrated excellence in university level teaching and research (commensurate with time since degree), experience working in an interdisciplinary setting, and/or industry experience.

Responsibilities

teach courses at the undergraduate and master's levels in Entrepreneurship
contribute to and expand curricular development
advise undergraduate and graduate students on research and project activities
engage in scholarly work that is of very high quality as evidenced by external peer review
perform service activities at all levels of the University
actively engage in transdisciplinary initiatives related to innovation and/or entrepreneurship and direct collaboration with the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE) to further develop vibrant academic and co-curricular programs

Stand Out From the Crowd

Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.

Upload and Match Resume