Assistant Professor Jobs in California
Assistant Professor jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in higher education, research universities, and community college systems across the state at every rank from visiting and tenure-track to clinical faculty. The deepest hiring markets are Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, and San Diego, where institutions such as the University of California system, California State University system, and Stanford University maintain large and ongoing faculty searches. The most in-demand specialties include computer science, nursing and health sciences, education, and engineering. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Job No: 563641
Work Type: Instructional Faculty – Tenured/Tenure-Track
Location: Sonoma
Categories: Unit 3 - CFA - California Faculty Association, Finance/Accounting, Probationary, Full Time, On-site (work in-person at business location)
School of Business
Faculty Employment Opportunity - Tenure Track
Starting August 2027
Assistant Professor of Accounting
The University
Sonoma State University's beautiful 274-acre campus is located in Sonoma County wine country, an hour north of San Francisco. The campus offers the ideal setting for teaching and learning and access to a community of rich cultural, environmental, and recreational opportunities. Founded in 1960, SSU is one of the 22 campuses of the California State University System. As members of the largest public higher education system in the nation, we provide accessible, high-quality education
The School
The School of Business at Sonoma State University offers high-quality, relevant education in business to aspiring and practicing professionals, managers, and entrepreneurs in the private and public sectors. It does this in a liberal arts and sciences environment in which faculty emphasize the development and continuous improvement of the skills of critical thinking, effective communication, ethical reasoning, maintaining a global perspective, and applying disciplinary tools. The school offers programs of study leading to both the Bachelor of Science (BSBA) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees. The BSBA program offers concentrations in accounting, finance, financial management, management, marketing, and wine business strategies. The graduate program includes a professional MBA, and a wine business MBA.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to see the school's web page at: School of Business at Sonoma State University
Duties of the Position
The standard teaching load is 12 units per semester, typically consisting of three regular courses per semester. Undergraduate business classes are four units, whereas graduate business classes are three units. The successful candidate will be expected to teach a variety of accounting subjects, preferably in the areas of tax and audit. As an AACSB-accredited program, all faculty are expected to maintain AACSB's 2020 Business Accreditation Standard 3 faculty qualification category - Scholarly Academics (SA) status.
The successful candidate must maintain an active program of scholarly activities, and service to the school, University and outside community, and meet expectations for teaching, consistent with the University and the School of Business criteria for retention, tenure and promotion. Although tenure may be granted at any time, contract provisions specify that "the normal period of probation shall be a total of six (6) years of full-time probationary service and credited service, if any." Tenure is required for promotion above the level of Associate Professor.
Faculty Responsibilities
In addition to teaching and scholarship, faculty are expected to engage in service to the University, profession, and community. These responsibilities include: advising students, participation in campus and system-wide communities, maintaining office hours, working collaboratively and productively with colleagues, and participating in traditional academic functions.
Sonoma State is committed to the teacher/scholar model and places an emphasis on faculty support of undergraduate research and other professional opportunities for students.
Faculty are also expected to foster our commitment to the CSU Graduation Initiative 2025 through excellent teaching, advising, and mentoring. Potential applicants are encouraged to review the University's Reappointment, Tenure, and Promotion Policy. During the first two years of the probationary period the instructional assignment will be reduced by two courses per academic year for probationary faculty members, in order to assist in establishing their programs of research, scholarship, and/or creative activities, and carrying out other activities that would support them in meeting the requirements for retention, tenure, and promotion. All faculty are required to have the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
Required Qualifications
- A Ph.D in Business Administration with specialization in Accounting, or a closely related field. Applicants in the dissertation stage (ABD) of doctoral study will be considered; however, all requirements for the doctoral degree must be completed by August 1, 2027 to remain eligible for employment.
- An active stream of research as evidenced by recent peer-reviewed publications and/or a set of well-developed working papers
Preferred Qualifications
- A CPA license
- Proficiency in technologies in GenAI and machine learning
- At least one year of teaching experience; new graduates should have at least 2-semesters of teaching experience during their doctoral program.
- Professional work experience in public accounting or in private industry.
Rank and Salary
Service credit depends upon academic preparation and professional experience. The anticipated salary range for this full time Assistant Professor position is: $128,000 to $135,000.
Required Application Materials
- Cover Letter (1-2 pages)
- Curriculum Vitae
- Unofficial transcripts (Official transcripts will be required of the selected candidate)
- Statement of Research Interest
- Teaching Philosophy
- Student Evaluations (if available, no more than three)
- Contact information for three references
How to Apply
To apply for this position, go to jobs.sonoma.edu and click on the Staff & Faculty Career Opportunities link. Find and select the faculty position you are applying for to view the description and select Apply Now. If you have not previously applied, you will be prompted to create an account. You can use this account to apply to multiple positions. Once you have submitted the application, a confirmation email will be automatically sent to you. Please do not send materials to facultysearch@sonoma.edu. If you encounter difficulties during the application process, please email facultysearch@sonoma.edu.
Application Deadline
First consideration will be given to applications received by December 1, 2026. The position will remain open until filled. Early response is encouraged.
Contact Information
Questions concerning the application process may be directed to: facultysearch@sonoma.edu
Questions concerning this position may be directed to: Kathryn Chang at changkat@sonoma.edu
Please refer to the requisition job number on all correspondence and inquiries regarding this position.
The ADA Coordinator is also available (hraccomodations@sonoma.edu) to assist individuals with disabilities in need of accommodation during the hiring process.
Our Commitment
Sonoma State University is a federally-designated Hispanic Serving Institution, as such we are committed to achieving the goals of equal opportunity and we endeavor to employ faculty and staff reflecting the linguistic, ethnic, and cultural diversity of the region and state.
Guided by our core values as a university: diversity, sustainability, community engagement, and adaptability, Sonoma State University (SSU) offers an education that fosters intellectual, social, and personal growth. SSU is a public liberal arts and sciences university. As the only member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges in the state of California, we are committed to preparing students for a life of active citizenship and public service. We have a vibrant campus life characterized by a lively co-curriculum that fosters broad-based intellectual and artistic opportunities in which the campus as a whole is actively engaged.
Sonoma State University is committed to creating a community in which bias and intolerance have no place. It is our expectation that all students, faculty, and staff work together to honor this commitment and hold each other accountable to create an open and inclusive environment.
We are committed to facilitating spaces in which all can grow by building on our students' assets as they explore new knowledge. These efforts include fostering creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, experimentation, empathy, and communication. The successful candidate will be one who can collaborate with faculty, staff, administration, and students to achieve these goals. We are especially interested in candidates committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Equal Opportunity & Mandated Reporting
The University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, or protected veteran status. Mandated Reporting: This position may be 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.
Employment Eligibility & Conditions
CSU Out of State Policy - Sonoma State University, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California. As of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California. A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current employees who apply for this position.
Sonoma State University hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States. Due to a recent change in policy, SSU is unable to sponsor new H-1B employment visas at this time. All offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents demonstrating the appointee's identity and eligibility to work, in accordance with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act.
Education Code 89521
Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.
Annual Reports & Safety Information
Sonoma State University's Annual Security Report includes summaries of institutional policy relating to campus safety, drug and alcohol use, sexual assault, and other matters. The report is published in compliance with the Clery Act and includes three years of certain crime statistics that occurred in Clery Act defined geography. A paper copy of the report may be requested in person by emailing the Clery Compliance and Safety Office at clery@sonoma.edu.
View Benefits Summary
Application Close: Open Until Filled
To apply, visit https://employment.sonoma.edu/en-us/job/563641/assistant-professor-in-accounting
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See All 258+ Assistant Professor Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Assistant Professor JobsAssistant Professor Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Assistant Professor Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- UC San Diego35

- University of Southern California22

- California State University19

- University of California Berkeley19

- UC Davis16

Top Industries Hiring
- Education20
- Non-Profit & Social Services5
- Technology & Software3
- Investment & Asset Management3
- Science & Research1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in assistant professor jobs across California.
- Earned doctoral degree (Ph.D., M.D., J.D., or equivalent terminal degree) in the relevant discipline
- Evidence of scholarly research, publications, or creative work appropriate to rank and field
- Demonstrated teaching effectiveness at the college or university level
- Active or in-progress record of external grant funding or research productivity
- Commitment to student success and equity-minded pedagogy consistent with California institution missions
- Experience with or knowledge of California's diverse student populations and community college transfer pathways
Assistant Professor Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a assistant professor in California?
Becoming an assistant professor in California requires a terminal degree in your field, typically a Ph.D. or equivalent, plus a competitive application including a research statement, teaching portfolio, and writing samples. California's public university systems, the University of California and California State University, post faculty openings through their respective HR portals and require evidence of scholarly activity. Community college positions may accept a master's degree plus professional experience, and applicants often pursue affiliate or lecturer roles to build a California teaching record before securing a tenure-track appointment.
Which companies hire assistant professors in California?
Companies currently hiring assistant professors in California include UC San Diego, University of Southern California, and California State University, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's scale across research universities, liberal arts colleges, and one of the largest community college systems in the nation means faculty openings appear throughout the year across a wide range of disciplines.
Which California cities have the most assistant professor jobs?
The California cities with the most assistant professor openings are San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Marcos. Los Angeles leads because of its density of research universities, medical schools, and community colleges, while the Bay Area's concentration of research institutions and technology-adjacent academic programs drives strong demand there, and San Diego's life sciences and defense research sectors anchor sustained faculty hiring.
Are there remote assistant professor jobs in California?
Yes, but they're limited. About 35% of assistant professor openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the fundamentally in-person nature of most faculty roles. The parts of the role most likely to be conducted remotely are online course sections, certain research and writing responsibilities, and administrative service, while laboratory instruction, clinical supervision, and campus committee work remain on-site.
How can I get hired as a assistant professor in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is securing a postdoctoral fellowship, lecturer position, or visiting assistant professor appointment at a California institution to build your teaching and research record locally. The University of California and California State University systems regularly hire lecturers and visiting faculty, which often leads to tenure-track consideration. Transitioning from industry roles in technology, healthcare, or engineering into clinical or practice-based faculty tracks is another well-established route, particularly at Cal Poly, UC San Diego, and CSU campuses with strong applied programs. Completing a California-based postdoc and publishing in peer-reviewed journals strengthens any application considerably.
Where can I find and apply to assistant professor jobs in California?
You can find and apply to assistant professor jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California faculty openings updated regularly. Search for roles that match your discipline, institution type, and experience level, then apply directly to the ones that fit. No sign-up is required to see the listings.
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