Assistant or Associate Professor of Psychology & Child Development - Cognitive Neuroscience (27/28)

Cal Poly • San Luis, CA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Psychology and Child Development Department in the College of Liberal Arts at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, is seeking applications for two full-time, academic-year, tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professors in Cognitive Neuroscience to begin approximately August 12, 2027. Candidates for this position must have a PhD in cognitive neuroscience, or related field, completed by the time of hire and demonstrated experience. Specific area of specialization is open, including but not limited to research areas such as: language, decision-making, computational/quantitative neuroscience, developmental cognitive neuroscience, collective memory and racial trauma, and social cognitive neuroscience. Candidates should have strong experience with neuroscientific methods (e.g., neuroimaging, neuromodulation, etc.) and must be able to conduct their research at a primarily undergraduate institution. Candidates must show a strong commitment to teaching excellence and provide evidence of professional activity that keeps them abreast of knowledge and developments within their discipline. In particular, we seek someone who could teach some of the following undergraduate-level courses: Biopsychology, Cognition, Memory, Cognitive Neuroscience, Behavioral Effects of Psychoactive Drugs, Memory, Sensation and Perception, and/or Research Methods. New courses within the candidate’s area of specialization may also be proposed. 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 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. 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. Due to CSU policies, the person hired must reside in the state of California at the time of hire and for the entirety of the appointment.

Requirements

• An earned doctorate (Ph.D.) in cognitive neuroscience or a related field by the time of appointment (approximately August 12, 2027). Candidates nearing completion of the doctorate (ABD) may be considered but must provide proof that the doctorate will be awarded prior to the start of the appointment.
• Evidence of scholarly achievement in candidate’s area of specialization.
• Experience with neuroscientific methods that can be done at Cal Poly and a research plan that includes those methods.
• A commitment to broadening the scope of psychology to include traditionally underrepresented groups, as demonstrated through research, service, mentorship, and/or course content.
• Demonstrated university teaching experience.
• Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language is required.
• Must reside in the state of California at the time of hire and for the entirety of the appointment.

Nice To Haves

• Specialization in research areas such as: language, decision-making, computational/quantitative neuroscience, developmental cognitive neuroscience, collective memory and racial trauma, and social cognitive neuroscience.
• Demonstrated experience and commitment to student-centered learning and teaching.
• Demonstrated ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings.
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive environment.
• Relevant work experience
• Professional capabilities

Responsibilities

• Conduct research/professional development (including publication)
• Student supervision and advising
• Participation in service activities at the department and college/university level
• Teach undergraduate-level courses such as: Biopsychology, Cognition, Memory, Cognitive Neuroscience, Behavioral Effects of Psychoactive Drugs, Memory, Sensation and Perception, and/or Research Methods
• Propose new courses within the candidate’s area of specialization

Benefits

• Reduction in course load in each of the first two years to help new faculty establish an active program of research and professional development.
• Eligible to teach in the third semester for additional compensation, subject to departmental needs and University policy.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree