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.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
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.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
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.
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. It is also expected that faculty establish an on-campus presence to fulfill their responsibilities. At Cal Poly, tenure-line faculty are expected to establish an on-campus presence.
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.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
Entrepreneurship is part of the Industrial Technology, Packaging, and Entrepreneurship (ITPE) Area which is dedicated to excellence in undergraduate education through a laboratory-intensive, hands-on curriculum that embodies Cal Poly’s “Learn by Doing” philosophy. Our team of 30+ tenured, tenure-track, and adjunct faculty includes business professionals, designers, engineers, and scientists who share a passion for student learning and applied research, both in the classroom and through active involvement in student clubs and projects.
The ITPE Area offers the Entrepreneurship Concentration within the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BS BUS) degree and the interdisciplinary undergraduate Entrepreneurship Minor, which serves students in all six colleges at Cal Poly. In addition, ITPE’s other disciplines support the Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology and Packaging (BS ITP) with three areas of emphasis: Supply Chain Management, Product Development, and Packaging and Consumer Packaging concentration within BS BUS.
As a premier comprehensive polytechnic university, Cal Poly is consistently ranked as the best public master’s university in the western United States, and our Entrepreneurship programs are recognized among the top undergraduate programs nationwide. Through numerous project-based courses, entrepreneurship students apply technology and design to solve real-world business problems to prepare them for both entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial careers.
For more information about our programs and degrees, please visit: http://orfalea.calpoly.edu
ABOUT THE CAL POLY CENTER FOR INNOVATION & ENTREPRENEURSHIP (CIE)
The Cal Poly CIE helps students and community members to acquire the tools, develop the skills, and cultivate the mindset of an entrepreneur so that they may create economic and social value throughout the world. It is a dynamic hub that seeks to transform motivated students into resourceful, entrepreneurial, and innovative leaders through unique classroom and hands-on experiences. In its 15th year, the CIE is currently moving into a newly renovated purpose-built downtown location to better serve the student body and the local community. The Center runs entrepreneurial extra-curricular activities on campus, a 12-week summer accelerator program for students, a two-year incubator program, the regional Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and operates community co-working. It is expected that the center will become a resource for entrepreneurship faculty and that those faculty would contribute to the programs of the CIE.
More information on the CIE can be found here: https://cie.calpoly.edu
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates must submit the following documents:
- Cover Letter that describes teaching and research interests
- Current curriculum vitae
- Universal Student Success Statement - 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 any 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. Please articulate your teaching philosophy, approach, and goals within this statement.
- Research Plan
- Unofficial transcript from institution awarding highest degree
Applicants should be prepared to provide the names and email addresses of three professional references when completing the online faculty application. Official, sealed transcripts 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 SLO does not commit to providing visa sponsorship for this position, and applicants should not expect that such sponsorship will be offered.
Review of applications will begin January 5, 2025. Complete applications received after that date may be considered. For questions, please contact: Dr. Javier de la Fuente, jdelafue@calpoly.edu.