Assistant Professor of Geography - Socioeconomic Geography (27/28)
About The Position
The Social Sciences Department in the College of Liberal Arts at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, is seeking applications for a full-time, academic-year, tenure-track Assistant Professor to begin approximately August 12, 2027. The position requires expertise in Socioeconomic Geography, including areas like political geography, urban geography, conflict geography, human rights, international development, feminist geography, or health geography. A strong emphasis is placed on the application of current and emerging geospatial technologies such as GIS, remote sensing, artificial intelligence, prompt engineering, data analytics and visualization, or machine learning. While a global regional focus is open, preference will be given to candidates with a focus on Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, or Latin America that complements the program's global emphasis. The successful candidate will be expected to implement Cal Poly’s Teacher-Scholar model by including students in research activities. Teaching assignments will include courses in human and global geography, geospatial techniques, and specialized courses designed by the candidate. The role involves creative lecture and applied laboratory teaching, incorporating current and emerging technologies, and engaging in scholarly practices like research, conference presentations, and grant development leading to publication. The candidate will also pursue professional development, curricular improvement, and participate in service activities such as committees, student advising, and building industry relationships. Cal Poly operates on a teacher-scholar model, expecting faculty to excel in teaching, produce scholarship, and provide service to the institution, with an encouragement for student involvement in research and scholarship to support the 'Learn by Doing' motto.
Requirements
- An earned doctorate (Ph.D.) in Geography or a related field 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.
- Evidence of potential for scholarly and/or creative achievement in Geography.
- Ability to teach courses in Human Geography, Global Geography, and various Geospatial Technology courses.
- Demonstrated university teaching experience.
- Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language is required.
Nice To Haves
- Ability to teach courses in Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods and create courses of their own design based on specialty.
- Potential for grant development in areas related to the field of expertise.
- Willingness to participate in interdisciplinary programs overlapping with fields of expertise, including course development and program curriculum development.
- Willingness to develop online courses.
- 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.
- Preference for a global regional focus in Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, or Latin America that complements the program’s global emphasis.
Responsibilities
- Creative lecture and applied laboratory teaching approaches that include current and emerging technologies to enhance student education.
- Participating in scholarly practices such as research, conference presentations, and grant development that can lead to publication.
- Pursuing a systematic program of professional development and curricular improvement.
- Participating in service activities including committees, student advising, and building industry relationships.
- Including students in research activities.
Benefits
- Full-time, academic-year appointment
- Tenure-track position
- Reduction of 3 units in each semester 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).
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
