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

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.

About the Role

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.

• First Position: Designated for a scholar with expertise in conflict management, negotiation, and mediation. Research should examine communication processes related to interpersonal conflict across relational, family, health, small group, organizational, intercultural, or other social contexts.
• Second Position: Designated for a scholar broadly specializing in interpersonal communication. Research may examine communication processes across a variety of interpersonal contexts, including but 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.

Responsibilities

Teaching

• Introductory communication studies courses, including the COMS major course or public speaking-related courses.
• 2000-level foundational courses, including interpersonal communication, small group communication, or communication theory.
• Upper-division electives aligned with the candidate’s expertise (e.g., dark side of interpersonal communication, family communication, or nonverbal communication). Candidates may develop new courses complementing the department’s curriculum.
• Upper-division methods courses aligned with the candidate’s methodological expertise (qualitative and/or quantitative research methods).
• 4000-level capstone courses, including senior seminar and senior project.

Non-Instructional Duties

• Engage in research and scholarship related to the candidate’s area of expertise.
• Participate in service and academic advising/mentorship of undergraduate students.
• Advise students’ extracurricular activities, including student clubs.

Although Cal Poly is primarily a teaching university, 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

Required Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in Communication, Communication Studies, or a closely related 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.
• Record of scholarship in interpersonal communication from a social scientific perspective.
• For the conflict management position: 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 scholarship/creative activities, teaching, and/or service.
• Proficiency in written and oral use of the English language.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated undergraduate teaching experience in interpersonal communication courses as an instructor of record or teaching assistant.
• 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.
• 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.
• Experience working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive environment.
• Relevant work experience and professional capabilities.

Special Conditions

• All CSU employees are designated "mandated reporters" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and must comply with CSU Executive Order 1083.
• A background check (including a criminal records check) is required following a conditional offer of employment. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer. 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 linking the relevant conviction history with specific job duties.
• Current employees offered positions on campus will undergo a background check for any position designated as sensitive (e.g., heightened scrutiny due to potential harm to children, safety/security concerns, or financial risk).
• Cal Poly is a smoke- and tobacco-free campus, committed to promoting a healthy environment for all community members.
• In accordance with the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside of California.

About the Department

The Communication Studies Department, in the College of Liberal Arts, has 16 tenure-track professors and over 35 lecturers, approximately half of whom teach full-time. The department serves approximately 400 majors and 50 minors, as well as students throughout the university in General Education course offerings. Visit the department’s website at https://coms.calpoly.edu/ for more information.

Pay

Anticipated hiring range: $90,276 - $98,244/year ($7,523 - $8,187/month). Hiring level will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.