Associate Professor Jobs in Spring Valley, CA (NOW HIRING)

As part of San Diego State University's (SDSU) Strategic Plan and the goal of leveraging our university's unique identity, SDSU aims to hire an Associate/Full Professor to join a diverse cohort of colleagues from a broad range of disciplines and a variety of academic and research backgrounds addressing borders, broadly defined both geographically and conceptually. The successful candidate must clearly demonstrate how their research, scholarship, or creative activities are collaborative or interdisciplinary and engage with borders as understood in their disciplines. We welcome applications from scholars in any discipline whose work addresses any of a myriad of border issues as understood in their fields and not just limited to nation state borders. Successful applicants will teach interdisciplinary courses, conduct research, and generate publications in their own disciplinary journals as well as engage in public-facing scholarship, which may include other public venues including but not limited to theater, film or other artistic venues. Candidates will be given the opportunity to request their home department and will be expected to teach both lower level and upper level undergraduate courses, and graduate level courses where appropriate, as well as courses they develop within their area of expertise. We seek a scholar who has demonstrated experience with community engagement or is committed to developing community-based projects.

Understanding Public-Facing Scholarship

Public-facing scholarship takes many forms depending on the academic field. Academics share their work outside traditional settings through podcasts, popular books, K-12 curricula, media interviews, educational websites, art, film, and public writing. Professionals who connect academic and practical work also play a role. Other examples include op-eds, public lectures, exhibitions, performances, and social media. Ethical public scholarship focuses on working with community organizations, tribal nations, and other groups as partners, not just as research subjects.

Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their materials through PageUp. The deadline for applications is January 30, 2026.

Required qualifications by date of application

• Doctoral or other equivalent terminal degree (e.g., PhD, DSc, DAud, EdD, MFA)
• A record of original research / scholarly / creative accomplishments and demonstrated capacity to a) develop a vigorous and independent program of research / scholarship / creative activity, b) teach graduate and undergraduate courses; and c) engage in both campus and professional service activities.
• Demonstration of past accomplishments and/or future plans in at least two (2) or more of the "Building on Inclusive Excellence" criteria. 

Required qualifications by date of hire

• Demonstrated record of intersectional and interdisciplinary scholarship addressing issues relevant to border regions.
• Experience producing public-facing scholarship.
• Established record of scholarly publications or clear evidence of research productivity commensurate with the rank of the position.
• Record of securing external funding.
• Record of mentorship, including guidance for junior faculty, graduate students, or community collaborators.

Preferred qualifications:

• Documented experience and sustained commitment to collaborative engagement with border communities.
• Demonstrated dedication to research initiatives that directly engage and benefit border communities.
• Demonstrated leadership in supporting and advocating for underrepresented populations within higher education.

Apply via PageUp by January 30, 2026 providing the following materials:

• Cover letter, including information indicating how the applicant meets or will meet required qualifications, preferred qualifications, and "Building on Inclusive Excellence" criteria

• Curriculum vita

• Names and contact information for three references (references will not be contacted until a candidate reaches the final rounds)

• One Writing/Creative Work sample

• Teaching philosophy statement

For questions, please contact Maria Amor (Search Committee Chair) at mamor@sdsu.edu.

The minimum salary for this position is based on the current CSU salary schedule and may be revised based on contract collective bargaining. Salary placement will be based on the selected candidate's qualifications and experience, and salaries higher than the published maximums may be offered in limited circumstances. San Diego State University offers a rich benefits package that constitutes a major portion of total compensation. For benefits information, click here.

SDSU Values

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment. We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

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, San Diego State University (SDSU) 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. SDSU 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. 

SDSU 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 SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

As part of its commitment to a safe and equitable "OneSDSU" community, SDSU requires that individuals seeking faculty employment provide at the time of application authorization to conduct background checks if they become a finalist for the position; applications without this authorization will be considered incomplete and not considered. A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.

Pursuant to Education Code 89521, the California State University requires that employment applicants disclose any final administrative decision or final judicial decision issued within the last seven years determining that the applicant committed sexual harassment. This requirement applies specifically to applicants who meet the minimum qualifications for the Academic or Administrative position they are applying to.  Disclosures shall be provided to the San Diego State University Center for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination for further adjudication. Please contact cphd@sdsu.edu.

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. SDSU is a Title IX, equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy, medical condition, or covered veteran status.