Research Assistant Professor Jobs in California
Research Assistant Professor jobs in California are concentrated in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego, where major research universities and life science institutions maintain large faculty pipelines. UC San Francisco, UCLA, and UC San Diego are among the most established employers of research assistant professors, with consistent openings in biomedical sciences, computational biology, and public health. California stands as one of the most active markets in the country for early-career academic researchers, with demand running across both bench and translational research tracks. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 22+ Research Assistant Professor jobs
Work type: Instructional Faculty – Tenured/Tenure-Track
Location: Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo Campus
Categories: Unit 3 - CFA - California Faculty Association, Faculty - Social Sciences, Probationary, Full Time, On-site (work in-person at business location)
Social Sciences Department
The Social Sciences Department in the College of Liberal Arts at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, is seeking applications for a full-time, academic-year, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Sociology to begin approximately August 12, 2027. The faculty member will teach at the flagship Cal Poly San Luis Obispo campus, as well as for Cal Poly’s Bachelor’s Pathway Program in Sociology at the Allan Hancock College campus in nearby Santa Maria. Ability to teach in the following areas is required: Race, Social Theory, and Research Methods.
The ideal candidate will have a combination of university-level teaching experience and research potential. We are seeking applicants with a Ph.D. in sociology or closely related discipline conferred prior to or by the time of appointment, a successful teaching record, evidence of or potential for scholarly achievement in sociological research, and experience working with students (particularly undergraduate and/or underrepresented students) in research, teaching, service, advising, mentoring and/or community engagement.
Teaching responsibilities will be balanced between the San Luis Obispo campus and the Bachelor’s Pathway Program in Sociology (i.e. the “Sociology BPP”). The Sociology BPP is a partnership between California Polytechnic State University and Allan Hancock College, a community college in Santa Maria (~35 minutes from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo). Students in the Sociology BPP apply at the end of, or after completing, their associate degree and, if accepted, complete two years of Cal Poly classes as transfer students at the Allan Hancock campus. Many Sociology BPP students are Latinx/e, lower socioeconomic status, and/or first generation. Sociology BPP students graduate with a BA in Sociology from Cal Poly.
This position will have the following responsibilities:
- Teach, conduct research, and perform Cal Poly service responsibilities at the San Luis Obispo campus to support the overall sociology program
- Teach at the Allan Hancock College campus in Santa Maria to support the Sociology BPP
- Advise students about concentrations and supervise senior projects
- Teach core and GE sociology courses in the areas of race, social theory, and/or research methods, as well as additional elective and concentration courses, depending on program need
- Develop and teach undergraduate classes based on the candidate’s own interests
- Teach in-person and/or virtually based on program need
- Contribute to the University’s mission of “Learn by Doing”
- Develop and maintain an active research agenda that involves undergraduate students
Salary: Anticipated Hiring Range: $90,276 - $98,244/year, $7,523 - $8,187/month
(Note that hiring level will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the candidate.)
Although Cal Poly is primarily a teaching university, our 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 9-12 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. Additional efforts to manage instructors’ workload include offering course release credit for advising students’ capstone senior projects and, when possible, allowing faculty to teach multiple sections of the same course in the same term and/or to teach hybrid classes in a combined face-to-face and asynchronous modality.
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.
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
- An earned doctorate (Ph.D.) in Sociology or a related field 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 or by the start of the appointment.
- Ability to teach courses in Race (US Race and Ethnic Relations and/or Global Race and Ethnic Relations), Social Theory (Classical Social Theory), and Sociological Research Methods (Quantitative and/or Qualitative Methods).
- Experience working with undergraduate students in research, teaching, service, advising, mentoring and/or community engagement
- Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive environment
- Demonstrated university teaching experience.
- Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language.
- Willingness to teach at both the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo campus and in Santa Maria to support the Sociology Bachelor’s Pathway program.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with underrepresented students in research, teaching, service, advising, mentoring, and/or community engagement.
- Evidence of scholarly engagement with social justice-oriented frameworks, theories, and/or practices.
- Demonstrated expertise in critical studies of race.
- Demonstrated experience with academic program administration, student support initiatives, and/or collaborative leadership in higher education settings.
- Willingness to take on a program leadership role for the Sociology BPP, depending on future program need.
- Demonstrated experience with and commitment to student-centered learning and teaching.
- Demonstrated ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings.
Special Conditions
All CSU employees are designated "mandated reporters" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act. As a condition of your employment, you will be required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 and any subsequent amendments.
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.
About the Department
The Department of Social Sciences houses two majors (Sociology and Anthropology/Geography) and four minors (Anthropology/Geography, Latin American Studies, Social and Environmental Justice, and Sociology), and offers courses on both the Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo campus and the Allan Hancock College campus in Santa Maria. It currently comprises 17 tenured/tenure-track faculty (9 sociology, 4 anthropology, and 4 geography), 7 full-time lecturers, and 4 part-time lecturers serving approximately 275 Sociology majors (around 50 of whom are in the BPP), 130 Anthropology/Geography majors, and 125 minors, as well as General Education students from across the university. The department’s website is https://socialsciences.calpoly.edu/
How to Apply
To apply, please visit http://jobs.calpoly.edu/, complete a required online faculty application and apply to Requisition #560200. Please upload the following required materials as part of the electronic application:
- A cover letter providing details of the applicant's qualifications and interest in the position
- A current curriculum vitae
- Copy of unofficial transcripts (sealed official transcripts and letters of recommendation will be required for final consideration)
- A 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 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.
- Statement of research interests/research plan within the context of a primarily teaching-oriented undergraduate program
- A teaching portfolio with evidence of teaching effectiveness including student feedback and course syllabi related to requested teaching subject area(s)
- An example of scholarship or creative work
Please be prepared to provide three professional references with names and email addresses when completing the online faculty application. Cal Poly will directly solicit letters from the listed individuals after the first stage of application review.
Cal Poly’s ability to sponsor employment-based visas will depend on institutional priorities, budget availability, and current federal regulations. Cal Poly does not commit to providing visa sponsorship for this position, and applicants should not expect that such sponsorship will be offered.
Projected Start Date: August 12,2027
Review Begin Date: October 15, 2026
Applicants with complete files by the Review Begin date will be given full consideration. Applications received after this date may be considered.
For questions about the position please contact Dr. Martine Lappé via email at mlapp@calpoly.edu.
Advertised: Sep 16 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:
Work type: Instructional Faculty – Tenured/Tenure-Track
Location: Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo Campus
Categories: Unit 3 - CFA - California Faculty Association, Faculty - Social Sciences, Probationary, Full Time, On-site (work in-person at business location)
Social Sciences Department
The Social Sciences Department in the College of Liberal Arts at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, is seeking applications for a full-time, academic-year, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Sociology to begin approximately August 12, 2027. The faculty member will teach at the flagship Cal Poly San Luis Obispo campus, as well as for Cal Poly’s Bachelor’s Pathway Program in Sociology at the Allan Hancock College campus in nearby Santa Maria. Ability to teach in the following areas is required: Race, Social Theory, and Research Methods.
The ideal candidate will have a combination of university-level teaching experience and research potential. We are seeking applicants with a Ph.D. in sociology or closely related discipline conferred prior to or by the time of appointment, a successful teaching record, evidence of or potential for scholarly achievement in sociological research, and experience working with students (particularly undergraduate and/or underrepresented students) in research, teaching, service, advising, mentoring and/or community engagement.
Teaching responsibilities will be balanced between the San Luis Obispo campus and the Bachelor’s Pathway Program in Sociology (i.e. the “Sociology BPP”). The Sociology BPP is a partnership between California Polytechnic State University and Allan Hancock College, a community college in Santa Maria (~35 minutes from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo). Students in the Sociology BPP apply at the end of, or after completing, their associate degree and, if accepted, complete two years of Cal Poly classes as transfer students at the Allan Hancock campus. Many Sociology BPP students are Latinx/e, lower socioeconomic status, and/or first generation. Sociology BPP students graduate with a BA in Sociology from Cal Poly.
This position will have the following responsibilities:
- Teach, conduct research, and perform Cal Poly service responsibilities at the San Luis Obispo campus to support the overall sociology program
- Teach at the Allan Hancock College campus in Santa Maria to support the Sociology BPP
- Advise students about concentrations and supervise senior projects
- Teach core and GE sociology courses in the areas of race, social theory, and/or research methods, as well as additional elective and concentration courses, depending on program need
- Develop and teach undergraduate classes based on the candidate’s own interests
- Teach in-person and/or virtually based on program need
- Contribute to the University’s mission of “Learn by Doing”
- Develop and maintain an active research agenda that involves undergraduate students
Salary: Anticipated Hiring Range: $90,276 - $98,244/year, $7,523 - $8,187/month
(Note that hiring level will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the candidate.)
Although Cal Poly is primarily a teaching university, our 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 9-12 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. Additional efforts to manage instructors’ workload include offering course release credit for advising students’ capstone senior projects and, when possible, allowing faculty to teach multiple sections of the same course in the same term and/or to teach hybrid classes in a combined face-to-face and asynchronous modality.
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.
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
- An earned doctorate (Ph.D.) in Sociology or a related field 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 or by the start of the appointment.
- Ability to teach courses in Race (US Race and Ethnic Relations and/or Global Race and Ethnic Relations), Social Theory (Classical Social Theory), and Sociological Research Methods (Quantitative and/or Qualitative Methods).
- Experience working with undergraduate students in research, teaching, service, advising, mentoring and/or community engagement
- Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive environment
- Demonstrated university teaching experience.
- Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language.
- Willingness to teach at both the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo campus and in Santa Maria to support the Sociology Bachelor’s Pathway program.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with underrepresented students in research, teaching, service, advising, mentoring, and/or community engagement.
- Evidence of scholarly engagement with social justice-oriented frameworks, theories, and/or practices.
- Demonstrated expertise in critical studies of race.
- Demonstrated experience with academic program administration, student support initiatives, and/or collaborative leadership in higher education settings.
- Willingness to take on a program leadership role for the Sociology BPP, depending on future program need.
- Demonstrated experience with and commitment to student-centered learning and teaching.
- Demonstrated ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings.
Special Conditions
All CSU employees are designated "mandated reporters" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act. As a condition of your employment, you will be required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 and any subsequent amendments.
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.
About the Department
The Department of Social Sciences houses two majors (Sociology and Anthropology/Geography) and four minors (Anthropology/Geography, Latin American Studies, Social and Environmental Justice, and Sociology), and offers courses on both the Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo campus and the Allan Hancock College campus in Santa Maria. It currently comprises 17 tenured/tenure-track faculty (9 sociology, 4 anthropology, and 4 geography), 7 full-time lecturers, and 4 part-time lecturers serving approximately 275 Sociology majors (around 50 of whom are in the BPP), 130 Anthropology/Geography majors, and 125 minors, as well as General Education students from across the university. The department’s website is https://socialsciences.calpoly.edu/
How to Apply
To apply, please visit http://jobs.calpoly.edu/, complete a required online faculty application and apply to Requisition #560200. Please upload the following required materials as part of the electronic application:
- A cover letter providing details of the applicant's qualifications and interest in the position
- A current curriculum vitae
- Copy of unofficial transcripts (sealed official transcripts and letters of recommendation will be required for final consideration)
- A 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 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.
- Statement of research interests/research plan within the context of a primarily teaching-oriented undergraduate program
- A teaching portfolio with evidence of teaching effectiveness including student feedback and course syllabi related to requested teaching subject area(s)
- An example of scholarship or creative work
Please be prepared to provide three professional references with names and email addresses when completing the online faculty application. Cal Poly will directly solicit letters from the listed individuals after the first stage of application review.
Cal Poly’s ability to sponsor employment-based visas will depend on institutional priorities, budget availability, and current federal regulations. Cal Poly does not commit to providing visa sponsorship for this position, and applicants should not expect that such sponsorship will be offered.
Projected Start Date: August 12,2027
Review Begin Date: October 15, 2026
Applicants with complete files by the Review Begin date will be given full consideration. Applications received after this date may be considered.
For questions about the position please contact Dr. Martine Lappé via email at mlapp@calpoly.edu.
Advertised: Sep 16 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:
See All 22 Research Assistant Professor Jobs in California
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Find JobsResearch Assistant Professor Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Assistant Professor Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research assistant professor jobs across California.
- PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in a relevant scientific or academic discipline
- Active record of peer-reviewed publications demonstrating independent research contributions
- Experience securing or contributing to extramural grant funding from agencies like NIH or NSF
- Demonstrated ability to mentor graduate students or postdoctoral researchers
- Proficiency with discipline-specific research methods, tools, or laboratory techniques
- Strong written communication skills for manuscript preparation and grant applications
Research Assistant Professor Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research assistant professor in California?
Becoming a research assistant professor in California requires a completed doctoral degree in your field and a postdoctoral research appointment at a university or research institute. California institutions typically expect candidates to show an emerging independent research program, peer-reviewed publications, and some experience with grant writing. There is no state-issued license or board examination for this academic role, so your academic record and research output are the primary credentials reviewed.
Which companies hire research assistant professors in California?
Employers hiring research assistant professors in California right now include UC San Diego, University of Southern California, and City of Hope, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's dense concentration of research universities, academic medical centers, and federally funded research institutes makes it one of the most active states for these appointments year-round.
Which California cities have the most research assistant professor jobs?
Los Angeles, San Diego, and Duarte have the most research assistant professor openings in California. The Bay Area and Los Angeles dominate because of their large University of California campuses, academic medical centers, and proximity to biotech and pharmaceutical corridors, while San Diego's concentration of Scripps Research, Salk Institute, and UC San Diego sustains strong demand in life sciences.
Are there remote research assistant professor jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. About 0% of research assistant professor openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting how lab-based and clinically embedded most of these roles are. The portions most likely to allow remote or hybrid arrangements are computational, bioinformatics, and social or behavioral science positions where the work centers on data analysis and writing rather than physical laboratory access.
How can I get hired as a research assistant professor in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is completing a postdoctoral fellowship at a California research institution before applying, since most research assistant professor appointments treat postdoc experience as a baseline requirement. UC campuses, Cedars-Sinai, Stanford Health Care, and Children's Hospital Los Angeles all run structured postdoctoral programs that serve as direct pipelines. Candidates transitioning from a senior research scientist or research associate role can also make competitive applications, particularly if they hold first-author publications and have contributed to grant proposals.
Where can I find and apply to research assistant professor jobs in California?
You can find and apply to research assistant professor jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated in real time. Search the listings to find roles that match your discipline and institution type, then apply directly to the ones that fit your background and career stage.
See All 22 Research Assistant Professor Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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