Assistant Professor - Biological Psychology

CSU Careers • San José, CA

6d • $88,000 - $92,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Psychology at San José State University is seeking an Assistant Professor in Biological Psychology (area open) beginning in August 2027. The department is looking for a candidate with a strong track record of teaching and student-involved research. Proficiency with human psychophysiological research methods (e.g., EEG, skin conductance, heart rate variability, pupillometry, or hormonal assays) and proficiency with modern data analytics tools (e.g., data analysis or machine learning libraries in Python or R) are highly valued. The Psychology Department's vision is to provide high-quality education in psychology that fosters student development and societal contributions, emphasizing a student-centered approach with teaching, research, and applied training. SJSU, located in Silicon Valley, is recognized for its academic excellence and commitment to equitable and inclusive teaching and learning. The department is part of the College of Social Sciences, which supports faculty and student success through culturally-sustaining and academically-affirming approaches. SJSU serves a diverse student population, including many historically underserved students, and is a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI). The university aims to create holistic learning environments that facilitate transformation and seeks teacher-scholars who cultivate inclusive, empowering spaces for mutual learning and knowledge exchange.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. in Psychology with an emphasis on Biological or Physiological Psychology (or closely related field, such as Cognitive Neuroscience) by date of appointment.
• Demonstrated scholarly productivity and strong research agenda in the scientific study of Biological Psychology.
• Proficiency with experimental research methods typically used in Biological or Physiological Psychology.
• Commitment to, and demonstrated potential for, teaching and mentoring excellence at the undergraduate level and within the MA in Research and Experimental Psychology graduate program.
• Awareness of and sensitivity to the educational goals of a socially and economically diverse student population as might have been gained in cross-cultural study, training, teaching, and other comparable experience.
• Ability to work effectively in a collegial atmosphere of shared governance.
• US residence and proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
• Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check).

Nice To Haves

• Experience teaching Biological Psychology, Physiological Psychology, and/or Neuroscience.
• Proficiency with human psychophysiological research methods, such as EEG, peripheral psychophysiology (e.g., skin conductance, heart rate variability, pupillometry), or hormonal assays.
• Proficiency with modern data analytics tools (e.g., data analytics or machine learning libraries in Python or R).
• Commitment to seeking external funding to support research-related activities and/or to enhance student learning.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Teaching responsibilities will include undergraduate and graduate coursework in biological psychology (e.g., introductory psychobiology, neuroscience, drugs, brain, and behavior), the candidate’s area of specialization, and undergraduate service courses as needed by the department. Undergraduate courses may include introductory psychology, writing in psychology, statistics, and/or research methods.
• Develop a program of research in biological psychology and pursue both internal and external funding.
• Maintain a productive research program, which may consist of collaborative research across the University, with other academic institutions, or other external agencies.
• Mentor and support undergraduate and graduate students of diverse backgrounds in conducting research.
• Take an active role in the MA in Research and Experimental Psychology graduate program, including serving as a mentor and advisor to graduate students, instructor in graduate courses, and member of the MA program committee.
• Participate in shared governance, usually in department, college, and university committees and other service assignments.
• Organize all classes within the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS).
• Demonstrate awareness and experience in understanding the needs of a student population of great diversity – in age, abilities, cultural background, ethnicity, religion, economic background, primary language, sexual orientation, gender identity, and academic preparation – through inclusive course materials, teaching strategies, and advising.
• Comply with requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment (mandated reporter status).
• Complete Clery Act training and immediately report Clery incidents if designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA).
• Complete assigned and required CSU employee training (e.g., Data Security, FERPA, Preventing Discrimination and Harassment, Title IX, Health and Safety).
• Comply with safety measures that decrease the likelihood of COVID-19 transmission or illness as recommended or required by the President.

Benefits

• Commensurate with qualifications, experience, and rank as established by the CSU Salary Schedule.
• Anticipated hiring academic year annual salary range: $ 88,000 - $ 92,000
• Faculty employee benefits are very competitive for the higher education sector. See the CSU Employee Benefits Summary for details about the CSU’s excellent benefits package.

What This Job Offers

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