Professor Jobs in California
Professor jobs in California are among the most competitive and active in the country, concentrated in public higher education, private research universities, and community college systems, with openings at every level from visiting instructor through tenured full professor. The largest hiring markets are Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, home to anchor institutions like the University of California system, California State University system, and Stanford University, which hire professors across disciplines year-round. The most in-demand specialties right now are computer science, nursing and health sciences, and business, reflecting California's technology economy and persistent healthcare workforce pipeline. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Professor JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 363+ Professor jobs











Job no: 556741
Work type: Instructional Faculty - Temporary/Lecturer
Location: Los Angeles
Categories: Unit 3 - CFA - California Faculty Association, Faculty - Letters/Humanities, Temporary, Part Time
College: College of Arts and Letters
Position Title: 2026-27 AY Lecturer Pool - College of Arts and Letters
The College of Arts and Letters at Cal State LA is seeking applications for a pool of part-time faculty lecturers with positions available as determined by need during the 2026-2027 academic year. Positions will be filled as needed for each academic semester.
Part-time faculty lecturers are hired with conditional appointments based on enrollment and budget. Hires from the pool of applicants are made when there are instructional needs to fill coursework offered by the College of Arts and Letters based on changing enrollment patterns, changes to tenure-track faculty assignments, and other factors that cannot be addressed with existing faculty. Initial appointments are typically for one semester, but occasionally academic year initial appointments are made. Appointments may be renewed based on department needs, funding, and performance. Often appointments are made just prior to the start of the semester so some faculty lecturers may need to be available on very short notice.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Candidate must have an appropriate degree from an accredited university (for upper division undergraduate courses - master’s degree; for graduate courses - doctoral degree, or master’s degree and substantial teaching experience). Demonstrated excellence in teaching at a college level.
Applicants should have the ability to relate well to others within the academic environment and demonstrate ability and/or interest in working in a multiethnic, multicultural environment. Demonstrated experience and commitment to student-centered learning and teaching.
As a University dedicated to engagement, service and the public good, the successful candidate will be expected to join faculty, staff, students, and administrators in our University’s shared commitment to the principles of engagement, service, and the public good.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Candidate with demonstrated excellence in teaching First Year students at the college level.
DUTIES:
Faculty will teach Introduction to Higher Education for the College. Introduction to Higher Education serves all majors in the College and may be taken by students outside the College. It is a 2-unit course, serving the student first year experience.
SALARY:
Initial Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. The salary schedule information for the faculty lecturer: Academic Year-month Classification is available based on the following ranges: (per salary schedule 7/1/2024)
- Lecturer A/2 Full-time equivalent Salary Range: $5,507 - $6,677
- Lecturer B/3 Full-time equivalent Salary Range: $6,221 - $13,224
- Lecturer C/4 Full-time equivalent Salary Range: $6,825 - $14,523
- Lecturer D/5 Full-time equivalent Salary Range: $8,593 - $15,211
The anticipated monthly hiring range is generally at or near the minimum of the appropriate range, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Most new faculty lecturers are hired at the Lecturer A or B rank.
THE UNIVERSITY:
California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) is one of 22 campuses within the California State University system. The University is the premier comprehensive public university in the heart of Los Angeles. Cal State LA is ranked number one in the U.S. for the upward mobility of its students, and is dedicated to engagement, service, and the public good. We offer nationally recognized programs in science, the arts, business, criminal justice, engineering, nursing, education, ethnic studies, and the humanities. Our faculty have a strong commitment to scholarship, research, creative pursuits, community engagement, and service.
Our 240,000 alumni reflect the City and County’s dynamic mix of populations. The University has one of the most diverse student populations of any college or university in the nation. As a federally recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution, and Asian-American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving Institution, Cal State LA recognizes the transformative power of education and embraces its duty to identify and serve the needs of all of its students. The University is committed to creating a community in which a diverse population can live, work and learn in an atmosphere of civility and respect for the rights and sensibilities of each individual.
THE DEPARTMENT/DIVISION SCHOOL:
The College of Arts and Letters transforms lives and sustains thriving communities and cultures. We develop and amplify our students’ unique talents, diverse life experiences, and intellects through the study and practice of the Arts and Humanities so that they can tell meaningful stories, forge their professional pathways, and inspire their communities.
The College of Arts and Letters is made up of ten departments:
- Art
- Communication Studies
- English
- Liberal Studies
- Modern Languages and Literatures
- Music
- Philosophy
- Theatre and Dance
- Television, Film and Media Studies
- Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION:
Please submit the following with the employment application:
1) a cover letter specifically addressing minimum and preferred qualifications.
2) a narrative statement describing your commitment to working effectively with faculty, staff, and students in a multicultural/multiethnic urban campus environment with a substantial population of students who are among the first-generation of their family to attend a college or university.
3) an updated curriculum vitae.
4) List of CSU courses previously taught, and/or courses or topics areas qualified for and requesting careful consideration to teach in the upcoming academic year.
5) unofficial transcripts.
Official Transcripts will be required upon hire offer and prior to employment. Employment is contingent upon proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
A United States (US) Equivalency certification is required for earned/awarded/conferred foreign terminal degrees. The US Equivalency certification is used to validate foreign studies by an academic credential evaluation agency and is evaluated on foreign studies and deemed to be equivalent to degrees from the United States. The certification must translate the information in English, and confirm that your highest terminal degree is US Equivalent to a US terminal degree (i.e., Master’s, Doctorate’s, Doctor’s of Philosophy).
APPLICATION:
Deadline: For full consideration, complete applications must be submitted by April 15, 2026. Applications received after the deadline may be considered.
Please address all questions to the department chair Katherine Weiss (kweiss@calstatela.edu).
Note: 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.
Beginning January 1, 2022, campuses may not hire or reappoint an Employee to perform CSU-related work outside of California. Requests for exceptions are very limited based on CSU Policy and must have prior written approval from the University President.
BACKGROUND CHECK: A background check (including a criminal records check) must be satisfactorily completed. Offers of employment are conditional and may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.
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 seven 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 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.
Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment:
All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, California State University, Los Angeles 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. California State University, Los Angeles 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. California State University, Los Angeles 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 California State University, Los Angeles, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/TITLE IX EMPLOYER
Upon request, reasonable accommodation will be provided to individuals with protected disabilities to (a) complete the employment process and (b) perform essential job functions when this does not cause undue hardship.
Advertised: Apr 15, 2026 (9:00 AM) Pacific Daylight Time
See All 363+ Professor Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Professor JobsProfessor Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Professor Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- California State University, Stanislaus53

- University of the Pacific51

- California State University, Los Angeles44

- University of California, San Francisco39

- University of California Merced32

Top Industries Hiring
- Education327
- Healthcare & Medical Services55
- Electronics & Hardware11
- Chemicals & Materials3
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals2
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in professor jobs across California.
- Terminal degree (Ph.D., M.F.A., or equivalent) required in the relevant discipline
- Demonstrated record of scholarly research, publication, or creative achievement in the field
- Prior college or university teaching experience, including as instructor of record
- Commitment to teaching diverse student populations consistent with California community standards
- Ability to contribute to curriculum development, program review, and departmental service
- Familiarity with California community college or CSU/UC accreditation and curriculum approval processes
Professor Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a professor in California?
Most professor positions in California require a terminal degree in your field, typically a Ph.D. or M.F.A., plus prior teaching or research experience. California community colleges, which make up the largest segment of public higher education hiring in the state, do not require a state teaching license for faculty, but they do evaluate candidates through formal hiring committees and often require a master's degree plus two years of professional experience for career and technical education roles.
Which companies hire professors in California?
Employers hiring professors in California right now include California State University, Stanislaus, University of the Pacific, and California State University, Los Angeles, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's combination of the UC system, CSU campuses, and over a hundred independent community college districts makes it one of the broadest professor hiring markets in any state.
Which California cities have the most professor jobs?
Los Angeles, Turlock, and San Francisco have the most professor openings in California right now. Los Angeles leads because of the density of UC, CSU, and private campuses in the region, while San Francisco and San Diego benefit from major research universities and a strong demand for health sciences and technology faculty tied to each city's dominant industries.
Are there remote professor jobs in California?
Yes, but they're less common than in fully desk-based fields, since most professor roles involve scheduled in-person instruction, lab supervision, or campus committee work. About 1% of professor openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and the positions most likely to offer that flexibility are in online program divisions, continuing education, and certain business or computer science courses taught asynchronously.
How can I get hired as a professor in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an adjunct or part-time lecturer position at a California community college or CSU campus, which typically requires only a master's degree and allows you to build a teaching record. Many UC campuses also hire postdoctoral scholars and visiting assistant professors who are completing their dissertations. Gaining experience as a teaching assistant during graduate school, assembling a strong teaching portfolio, and applying for temporary or one-year positions at institutions across the CSU system gives candidates the most direct route to a full-time role.
Where can I find and apply to professor jobs in California?
You can find and apply to professor jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings at California institutions. Search the available roles, find the ones that fit your discipline and experience level, and apply directly through each listing.
See All 363+ Professor Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Professor Jobs