Assistant Or Associate Professor Jobs in California
Assistant Or Associate Professor jobs in California are among the most active academic markets in the country, concentrated in higher education institutions across the University of California and California State University systems, private research universities, and community colleges, with openings at every level from newly minted PhDs through senior tenure-track candidates. The heaviest hiring is in Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, and San Diego, where institutions like UCLA, UC Berkeley, and Stanford University maintain large and continuously recruiting faculties. The most in-demand specialties include STEM fields, public health, and computer science. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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INTRODUCTION
This is a College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP) Faculty-level position within Western University of Health Sciences and is offered in conjunction with an administrative appointment. Together, the faculty role of Assistant/Associate Professor (PCN F03329) and the administrative role (PCN A04045) comprise a full-time position (1.0 FTE).
The salary range listed in this posting represents the total compensation for the combined Administrative and Faculty responsibilities. Please refer to the corresponding job posting under our Administrative jobs section for details on the additional assignment.
The Mission of the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP) is to prepare students to become technically competent, culturally sensitive, professional and compassionate physicians who are lifelong learners and will serve society by providing comprehensive, patient-centered healthcare with the distinctive osteopathic philosophy.
The role of the faculty is to train students according to the mission of COMP. This is accomplished through excellence in curriculum, translational research, service and osteopathic clinical practice. The faculty is expected to mentor and be a role model for students.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Individuals must possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to perform the essential functions of the assigned classification, with or without reasonable accommodation(s), using some other combination of skills and abilities.
Skills:
- Must possess good communication and interpersonal skills.
Abilities:
- Able and willing to teach the full scope of medicine as defined by current College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific policies and practices in any medical or surgical specialty.
- Able to demonstrate a commitment to working in an organization that values and promotes humanism.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
- DO or MD degree. Residency trained and Board Certified in a medical or surgical specialty.
Experience:
- Experience in any medical or surgical specialty.
Licensure and Certifications:
- Unrestricted California State license (or eligible to obtain CA state licensure). Unrestricted Drug Enforcement Agency certificate.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience:
- Preference may be given to individuals who possess prior medical student teaching experience, bilingual capabilities, formal training or coursework in medical education, and/or clinical research experience.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
Key Responsibilities
This position will consist of the below general duties. The distribution of this workload will be determined by the Dean and/or supervisor in discussion with the successful candidate. The distribution of this workload may also change at any time to meet the needs of the College as determined by the Dean and/or supervisor.
Teaching:
- Teach clinical skills, values and attitudes identified by WesternU/COMP as necessary and appropriate to be competent and compassionate physicians. Teaching responsibilities may include but are not limited to classroom teaching and precepting WesternU students of all programs on clinical rotations as well as assignments deemed appropriate by the Dean of COMP. Perform administrative duties associated with the responsibilities of the position.
- Full participation as lead, co-lead, or faculty in the curriculum and other clinically oriented courses, activities, or programs. Serve as lead, co-lead or faculty in other courses or curricular blocks as assigned.
Scholarship:
- Presentation/Publications/Professional Development.
Research Activities:
- Help develop and participate in research projects entered into by WesternU as agreed upon by COMP.
- Participate in development and implementation of grants in candidate’s discipline or other state, federal or private grants awarded to WesternU/COMP.
Service: Institutional/Community:
- Attend monthly COMP Department meetings and other meetings, workshops, study sessions, etc. as assigned.
- Attend faculty development seminars and academic boot camp.
- Proactively seek out and participate in other professional development and CME opportunities.
- Serve on faculty committees as elected or assigned. Serve as a faculty advisor to students in years 1 – 4 as assigned or requested by the student.
- Participate in the admissions interview process.
- Participate in WesternU’s Interprofessional Education Curriculum.
- Participate in community outreach programs, including but not limited to, health screenings and health fairs.
Other:
- Engage in special projects as assigned by supervisor.
WORK SCHEDULE
- 40 hours per week. Usual business hours, Monday-Friday 8am-5pm. Some evenings and weekends may be required.
WORKING AT WESTERNU
We believe in making an impact in the lives of our employees, personally, and professionally. Every employee has different individual and/or family needs. We offer benefits that are both comprehensive and flexible to address your unique needs. We believe work-life harmony is positive and achievable.
We offer competitive salaries, generous paid time off, insurance plans, reimbursements, and retirement benefits. Additionally,
- Our faculty, staff, and administrators are 100% focused on student success.
- Our University culture creates the context for a nurturing and supportive environment.
- Faculty, staff, and students can expect to make deep, personal relationships within the University community.
- As a Faculty, Staff, or Student at WesternU, you can focus on work that you love, be your authentic self, and lead to the future with innovation in health sciences.
- WesternU’s core value of humanism encourages all to bring their whole self in all that they do.
- We are committed to fostering a culture of respect, equity, collaboration, and fun at all levels for all people!
EXPECTED PAY SCALE
- Minimum $220,000.00 Annually
- Maximum $230,000.00 Annually
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Do the essential functions of this job require lifting? Yes
If yes, list maximum weight and duration
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by any employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, while performing the duties of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk or hear. The employee is regularly asked to sit, use hands to operate a PC in the performance of job duties, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and stoop. The employee regularly lifts or moves objects which weigh up to 10 pounds and occasionally may move or push up to 25 pounds. The special vision requirements of this job are close, distance, color, and peripheral vision.
DESCRIBE WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Duties of the position are normally performed in a typical office/clinical setting. The noise level in this setting is usually moderate due to office machines and/or computer printers, and light office traffic.
POSTING INFORMATION
Posting Number F00880
Posting Date 05/01/2026
Close Date 05/01/2027
Open Until Filled Yes
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT - BACKGROUND CHECK
To secure employment, successful fulfillment of a background check, including a criminal records check, may be required. Western University of Health Sciences will extend a conditional offer of employment, subject to rescission if the background check unveils disqualifying information or if it is found that the candidate deliberately withheld or misrepresented information. Non-completion of the background check to satisfaction may impact the ongoing employment of a current Western University of Health Sciences employee who received a conditional offer for the position.
PAY TRANSPARENCY ACT
Pay Transparency Act- Western University of Health Sciences is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range considers various factors in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The Expected Pay Scale is defined as the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. Placement within the Expected Pay Scale is determined by internal equity and relevant qualifications.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT (EEO)
It is the policy of Western University to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment as required by law without regard to age, race, color, national origin ancestry, citizenship, ethnicity, creed, religion or religious creed, sex or gender (including gender identity), marital status, sexual orientation, disability (both physical and mental) including HIV and AIDS, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), pregnancy (which includes childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), age, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other applicable protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within WesternU including without limitation, hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoffs, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, and training. WesternU makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merits, and business needs at the time.
APPLICANT DOCUMENTS
Required Documents
Optional Documents
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Additional Applicant Document
- Required License/Certification
INTRODUCTION
This is a College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP) Faculty-level position within Western University of Health Sciences and is offered in conjunction with an administrative appointment. Together, the faculty role of Assistant/Associate Professor (PCN F03329) and the administrative role (PCN A04045) comprise a full-time position (1.0 FTE).
The salary range listed in this posting represents the total compensation for the combined Administrative and Faculty responsibilities. Please refer to the corresponding job posting under our Administrative jobs section for details on the additional assignment.
The Mission of the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP) is to prepare students to become technically competent, culturally sensitive, professional and compassionate physicians who are lifelong learners and will serve society by providing comprehensive, patient-centered healthcare with the distinctive osteopathic philosophy.
The role of the faculty is to train students according to the mission of COMP. This is accomplished through excellence in curriculum, translational research, service and osteopathic clinical practice. The faculty is expected to mentor and be a role model for students.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Individuals must possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to perform the essential functions of the assigned classification, with or without reasonable accommodation(s), using some other combination of skills and abilities.
Skills:
- Must possess good communication and interpersonal skills.
Abilities:
- Able and willing to teach the full scope of medicine as defined by current College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific policies and practices in any medical or surgical specialty.
- Able to demonstrate a commitment to working in an organization that values and promotes humanism.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
- DO or MD degree. Residency trained and Board Certified in a medical or surgical specialty.
Experience:
- Experience in any medical or surgical specialty.
Licensure and Certifications:
- Unrestricted California State license (or eligible to obtain CA state licensure). Unrestricted Drug Enforcement Agency certificate.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience:
- Preference may be given to individuals who possess prior medical student teaching experience, bilingual capabilities, formal training or coursework in medical education, and/or clinical research experience.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
Key Responsibilities
This position will consist of the below general duties. The distribution of this workload will be determined by the Dean and/or supervisor in discussion with the successful candidate. The distribution of this workload may also change at any time to meet the needs of the College as determined by the Dean and/or supervisor.
Teaching:
- Teach clinical skills, values and attitudes identified by WesternU/COMP as necessary and appropriate to be competent and compassionate physicians. Teaching responsibilities may include but are not limited to classroom teaching and precepting WesternU students of all programs on clinical rotations as well as assignments deemed appropriate by the Dean of COMP. Perform administrative duties associated with the responsibilities of the position.
- Full participation as lead, co-lead, or faculty in the curriculum and other clinically oriented courses, activities, or programs. Serve as lead, co-lead or faculty in other courses or curricular blocks as assigned.
Scholarship:
- Presentation/Publications/Professional Development.
Research Activities:
- Help develop and participate in research projects entered into by WesternU as agreed upon by COMP.
- Participate in development and implementation of grants in candidate’s discipline or other state, federal or private grants awarded to WesternU/COMP.
Service: Institutional/Community:
- Attend monthly COMP Department meetings and other meetings, workshops, study sessions, etc. as assigned.
- Attend faculty development seminars and academic boot camp.
- Proactively seek out and participate in other professional development and CME opportunities.
- Serve on faculty committees as elected or assigned. Serve as a faculty advisor to students in years 1 – 4 as assigned or requested by the student.
- Participate in the admissions interview process.
- Participate in WesternU’s Interprofessional Education Curriculum.
- Participate in community outreach programs, including but not limited to, health screenings and health fairs.
Other:
- Engage in special projects as assigned by supervisor.
WORK SCHEDULE
- 40 hours per week. Usual business hours, Monday-Friday 8am-5pm. Some evenings and weekends may be required.
WORKING AT WESTERNU
We believe in making an impact in the lives of our employees, personally, and professionally. Every employee has different individual and/or family needs. We offer benefits that are both comprehensive and flexible to address your unique needs. We believe work-life harmony is positive and achievable.
We offer competitive salaries, generous paid time off, insurance plans, reimbursements, and retirement benefits. Additionally,
- Our faculty, staff, and administrators are 100% focused on student success.
- Our University culture creates the context for a nurturing and supportive environment.
- Faculty, staff, and students can expect to make deep, personal relationships within the University community.
- As a Faculty, Staff, or Student at WesternU, you can focus on work that you love, be your authentic self, and lead to the future with innovation in health sciences.
- WesternU’s core value of humanism encourages all to bring their whole self in all that they do.
- We are committed to fostering a culture of respect, equity, collaboration, and fun at all levels for all people!
EXPECTED PAY SCALE
- Minimum $220,000.00 Annually
- Maximum $230,000.00 Annually
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Do the essential functions of this job require lifting? Yes
If yes, list maximum weight and duration
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by any employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, while performing the duties of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk or hear. The employee is regularly asked to sit, use hands to operate a PC in the performance of job duties, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and stoop. The employee regularly lifts or moves objects which weigh up to 10 pounds and occasionally may move or push up to 25 pounds. The special vision requirements of this job are close, distance, color, and peripheral vision.
DESCRIBE WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Duties of the position are normally performed in a typical office/clinical setting. The noise level in this setting is usually moderate due to office machines and/or computer printers, and light office traffic.
POSTING INFORMATION
Posting Number F00880
Posting Date 05/01/2026
Close Date 05/01/2027
Open Until Filled Yes
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT - BACKGROUND CHECK
To secure employment, successful fulfillment of a background check, including a criminal records check, may be required. Western University of Health Sciences will extend a conditional offer of employment, subject to rescission if the background check unveils disqualifying information or if it is found that the candidate deliberately withheld or misrepresented information. Non-completion of the background check to satisfaction may impact the ongoing employment of a current Western University of Health Sciences employee who received a conditional offer for the position.
PAY TRANSPARENCY ACT
Pay Transparency Act- Western University of Health Sciences is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range considers various factors in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The Expected Pay Scale is defined as the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. Placement within the Expected Pay Scale is determined by internal equity and relevant qualifications.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT (EEO)
It is the policy of Western University to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment as required by law without regard to age, race, color, national origin ancestry, citizenship, ethnicity, creed, religion or religious creed, sex or gender (including gender identity), marital status, sexual orientation, disability (both physical and mental) including HIV and AIDS, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), pregnancy (which includes childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), age, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other applicable protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within WesternU including without limitation, hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoffs, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, and training. WesternU makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merits, and business needs at the time.
APPLICANT DOCUMENTS
Required Documents
Optional Documents
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Additional Applicant Document
- Required License/Certification
See All 18 Assistant Or Associate Professor Jobs in California
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Find JobsAssistant Or Associate Professor Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Assistant Or Associate Professor Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Touro University5
- University of California, San Francisco4
- Simpson University3
- University of La Verne2
- University of the Pacific2
Top Industries Hiring
- Education18
- Healthcare & Medical Services4
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in assistant or associate professor jobs across California.
- Earned doctorate or terminal degree in the relevant academic discipline required
- Active record of peer-reviewed research, publication, or creative scholarly work
- Prior university or college teaching experience at the undergraduate or graduate level
- Demonstrated ability to secure external grants or research funding in California contexts
- Strong commitment to curriculum development aligned with California higher education standards
- Effective written and oral communication skills for diverse California student populations
Assistant Or Associate Professor Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a assistant or associate professor in California?
The concrete path in California begins with completing a doctoral or terminal degree in your discipline, as California's public and private universities consistently require this for tenure-track appointments. Most candidates then build a record through postdoctoral work, lecturer positions, or visiting roles at institutions within the UC or CSU systems. A strong research portfolio, teaching evaluations, and demonstrated fit with a department's needs are the primary criteria California hiring committees weigh.
Which companies hire assistant or associate professors in California?
Employers hiring assistant or associate professors in California right now include Touro University, University of California, San Francisco, and Simpson University, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's unusually dense concentration of research universities, liberal arts colleges, and large community college districts means openings arise across a wide range of institution types throughout the state.
Which California cities have the most assistant or associate professor jobs?
Vallejo, San Francisco, and Redding have the most assistant or associate professor openings in California. Los Angeles leads due to the sheer size of the UC and CSU campuses anchored there, the Bay Area draws heavily from Stanford, UC Berkeley, and UCSF, and San Diego's concentration of research institutions and biomedical industry partnerships supports sustained academic hiring.
Are there remote assistant or associate professor jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. About 0% of assistant or associate professor openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, which reflects how fundamentally on-campus the role is. The portions most likely to appear remote are online program delivery, administrative faculty roles, and certain research-only or writing-intensive positions that don't require regular classroom instruction.
How can I get hired as a assistant or associate professor in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is securing a lecturer, adjunct, or postdoctoral position within the California State University system or the University of California's visiting scholar programs, which regularly bring on candidates who are completing dissertations or in the early stages of their research careers. Lateral moves from roles like research associate, academic coordinator, or industry practitioner with subject-matter expertise can also open doors, particularly at California community colleges where professional experience is often weighted alongside formal credentials.
Where can I find and apply to assistant or associate professor jobs in California?
You can find and apply to assistant or associate professor jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across institution types and disciplines. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly.
See All 18 Assistant Or Associate Professor Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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