California Polytechnic State University is committed to the “teacher-scholar model” in which teaching and scholarship are valued as mutually beneficial practices. Faculty are encouraged to create vibrant learning experiences while advancing scholarship through research-engaged coursework. Position begins on August 17, 2026.

In the spirit of the teacher-scholar model, the Architecture Teacher Scholar position was established in 2021 to bring emerging educators to Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo to infuse the curriculum and community with a rich diversity of discourse, design philosophies, methods, and pedagogical approaches. The position is an to gain experience in a vibrant nationally recognized architecture program. 

The polytechnic tradition at Cal Poly emphasizes application, reflection, collaboration and project-based learning, succinctly described as “learn by doing.”  The College of Architecture and Environmental Design encourages creative inquiry, making, and theoretical speculation, supported by extensive analog and digital fabrication facilities and the Neel Resource Center. The CAED also maintains a nine-acre outdoor experimental construction laboratory, Poly Canyon, and an indoor fabrication and construction facility, the Simpson Strong-Tie Materials Demonstration Lab. 

Position Description

Teacher Scholars will engage in full-time teaching, including design studios and contributing to core areas of our curriculum, such as history, theory, and criticism; building technology fundamentals and systems integration; and representation. Candidates are asked to identify areas of expertise that contribute to the mission of the department. In addition, Teacher Scholars are encouraged to engage in related creative pursuits that contribute to our evolving curriculum. The position is designed for those with a clear pedagogical intent and intellectual project, and who are interested in academic careers and expanding modes of architectural practice. Established Cal Poly faculty will provide mentorship and a collaborative environment within which an exchange of ideas around curriculum and pedagogy can be explored. 

Salary commensurate with education and experience of the individual selected. (Anticipated hiring range: $78,000 - $84,000 per year).

Roles and Responsibilities

• Engage in the undergraduate architecture program through teaching in one or more of our curricular areas, including: design studio; history, theory, and criticism; building technology fundamentals and systems integration; and representation. 

• Teach a design studio plus additional courses in Fall and Spring semesters.

• Actively contribute toward the evolving pedagogy and curriculum. 

• Share research and creative work undertaken during this position with the architecture community through exhibition, lecture, or other means determined by the candidate.

• Participate in departmental meetings and retreats focused on curriculum assessment and development.

Term

The Architecture Teacher Scholar will receive a one-year full-time position with the possibility to extend to an additional year based on department needs and the candidate's performance. 

Minimum Qualifications

Successful applicants must hold a professional degree in architecture or allied discipline from an accredited program (B.Arch, M.Arch or equivalent). Candidates must demonstrate an innovative approach to architectural education.  Through the application process, candidates will have the opportunity to discuss their specific ability to contribute to one or more of the curricular areas listed below.

• Design Studio (various year levels across the undergraduate curriculum) 

• Architectural History, Theory and Criticism 

• Building Technology Fundamentals and Architectural Systems Integration 

• Representation

Preferred Qualifications

Additional consideration may be given to those with advanced degrees, previous teaching experience, and/or relevant experience in professional practice, as well as to current PhD candidates who have completed their coursework and exams (ABD). Due to the collaborative nature of teaching at Cal Poly, a record of successful collaboration is preferred.  

Department Information

The Architecture Department has a strong reputation for providing a rigorous education. The architecture program attracts a diverse population, including approximately 800 undergraduate students from across the United States and abroad. 

See the following links for further information about the college, department, and university.

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, and is 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.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

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. 

How to Apply

Review of applications will begin on March 2, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. For consideration, please submit the following:

1) Cover Letter

• Description of your interest in the Cal Poly Architecture Teacher Scholar position. 
• Description of your area of pedagogical focus (design studio; history, theory, and criticism; building technology fundamentals and systems integration; and representation).
• For each curricular area that you identify, provide a description of your applicable knowledge and experience.

2) Curriculum vitae

3) Statement on universal student success based on the following prompt:

• 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.

4) Digital portfolio of teaching and professional work (50 pages maximum, 30Mb file size limit). Cal Poly values teaching excellence and this portfolio is a critical application component. Sections documenting teaching should include syllabi and should explain how the student work demonstrates the candidate’s pedagogical approaches.

5) Copy of unofficial transcripts of highest degree

Please be prepared to provide three professional references with names and contact information when completing the online faculty application. References will not be contacted without prior notification to applicants. Three letters of recommendation will be required of finalists. Official transcripts confirming degrees will be required prior to appointment. 

Cal Poly’s ability to sponsor employment-based visas will depend on institutional priorities, budget availability, and current federal regulations. Cal Poly does not commit to providing visa sponsorship for this position, and applicants should not expect that such sponsorship will be offered.