Job Summary

The Bailey College of Science and Mathematics at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo is seeking a Frost Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the area of plant evolution and ecology. The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will work with Dr. Dena Grossenbacher in Biological Sciences. In addition, the Frost Postdoctoral Research Fellow will help mentor undergraduate and graduate students and will have the opportunity to teach classes by separate assignment as a part-time lecturer. 

This position will begin Summer or Fall 2026 according to candidate’s availability. The term of employment is one-year, with a second-year possible based on performance and funding. The annual salary for this position is anticipated to be between $68,004, with full benefits, plus a travel allowance. This position is supplemented by separate assignment pay as a part-time lecturer for the teaching assignments.

Specific responsibilities will include:

• Contribute to on-going studies in any of the following research areas: flower color evolution in Leptosiphon, alpine species distribution shifts in response to warming in the Sierra Nevada, or serpentine adaptation and phylogenetics in monkeyflowers.
• Propose and conduct research projects based on the laboratory’s overall interests in plant ecology and evolution.
• Propose and write manuscripts based on the conducted research.
• Work with mentors in developing research project goals, including writing manuscripts and grant applications.
• Participate in professional development activities, including attending national conferences.
• Directly supervise research staff, including undergraduate and graduate students.
• Receive mentorship and training in effective teaching practices and teach at least 1 undergraduate course during the fellowship under the mentorship of experienced faculty (paid by additional assignment as a part-time lecturer).

Required Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in biology or a closely related field.
• Desire to learn new skills and work in teams including students, researchers, and faculty.
• Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and statistical software such as R.
• Experience with writing peer-reviewed scientific articles.
• Ability to prioritize, plan, organize, and meet timelines.
• Ability to lead others in managing tasks; train and evaluate the performance of assigned personnel.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationship with others.
• Excellent verbal and written skills and the ability to interface with all levels of staff, university community, including students, faculty and staff, and the public.
• Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance.

About the Frost Postdoctoral Research Fellow Program

The Frost Postdoctoral Research Fellowship program is designed to allow recent Ph.D. graduates gain valuable experience in both research and teaching. Frost Postdoctoral Research Fellows will have the time, space, and support to build an impactful line of research and gain experience in mentoring undergraduate students within research and teaching contexts. Frost Postdoctoral Research Fellows will be mentored by experienced faculty and have opportunities to engage in research and teaching in a vibrant, supportive scholarly community. Research Fellows will develop critical research skills as well as learn to mentor undergraduates and integrate research in undergraduate teaching. These experiences will be invaluable to postdoctoral candidates seeking to make progress toward research and teaching careers in academia. The program is part of a larger vision spurred by William and Linda Frost, whose $110 million commitment to the College of Science and Mathematics is supporting undergraduate research so that many more students will engage in meaningful research and have the same transformational experience of discovery Mr. Frost had as a student at Cal Poly.

The Frost Postdoctoral Research Fellowship is a key component of a strategy to elevate our already highly-regarded undergraduate science teaching and research programs to further renown. The Frost Fund also supports equipment, facilities, scholarships, and student and faculty support for research.

About the University

Founded in 1901, Cal Poly is one of only five comprehensive polytechnic universities in the nation, with approximately 22,000 undergraduates, 120 postbaccalaureate, and 900 graduate students. In 2023, Cal Poly not only marked its 29th year in a row as the #1 public non-doctoral institution in the West but was designated for the first time as the #1 non-doctoral institution, private or public, in the West by U.S News & World Report. Also in 2023, Cal Poly was rated by Money Magazine as one of only 34 5-star universities in the country; it is the only California State University on this prestigious list, where it joins the California Institute of Technology, Stanford, and several University of California campuses. A primarily undergraduate university, Cal Poly offers academically focused students 66 baccalaureate degrees and 27 master's degrees. Operating on the semester calendar system starting Fall 2026, Cal Poly takes pride in its "Learn-by-Doing" approach to teaching and learning, which has characterized Cal Poly since its founding. One of the 23 campuses of the California State University system, Cal Poly has a statewide mandate as a polytechnic university. Cal Poly is one of the largest land-holding universities in the nation and uses all of its land holdings in active support of its educational programs. Cal Poly is located in historic San Luis Obispo, a city of 47,000, 12 miles from the Pacific Ocean and midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles on California's scenic Central Coast. With excellent public education resources, recreational facilities and an expanding dedication to the arts, the area is known for its scenic landscapes and extraordinarily temperate climate.

Special Conditions

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.

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.

This position classification has been defined as "Exempt" and is not subject to the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo will not sponsor an H-1B for this position.

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.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must attach (1) a cover letter explaining your background, interest in the project, and career goals following postdoctoral work,, (2) curriculum vitae, and (3) a statement of research experience and interests. These documents are not accepted in hard copy format. When completing the online faculty application, please be prepared to provide three professional references with names and email addresses. Official transcripts are required prior to appointment.

Review of applications will begin January 12, 2026. Complete applications received after that date may be considered. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.  For questions, please contact Dr. Dena Grossenbacher (dgrossen@calpoly.edu).