Assistant Professor (T/TE), Educational Psychology and Cognitive Science

The University of Arizona•Tucson, AZ

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Arizona’s Department of Educational Psychology, in the College of Education, and the Cognitive Science Program, in the College of Science, invite applications for a joint, tenure-track Assistant Professor position beginning in August 2027. The successful candidate will connect the two communities and advance understanding of human cognition and decision-making in AI- and data-rich environments, with applications to learning and education. Areas of interest include decision-making, reasoning, memory, metacognition, cognitive biases, and how people interpret AI-generated information, evaluate risk and probability, make data-informed decisions, and interact with AI-supported systems. The position is part of the interdisciplinary cluster initiative “Understanding the Human Intelligence Behind the Use of Artificial Intelligence,” which connects Educational Psychology, Cognitive Science, Information Science, Public Health, and the Humanities. The initiative focuses on making AI and data-intensive systems interpretable, trusted, behaviorally informed, and effective in real-world human systems, particularly in relation to mental health, wellness, and learning. The faculty member will establish an independent research program, seek external funding, develop interdisciplinary collaborations, disseminate research, teach undergraduate and graduate courses, mentor students, and contribute service. The expected teaching load is three classes per academic year, including in-person and online instruction in Educational Psychology and Cognitive Science, with opportunities to teach data literacy. The position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, with a 40-hour work week. The University of Arizona offers full benefits. Salary is listed as DOE. Formal review begins November 15, 2026, and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The position is based at the Tucson campus; visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, Cognitive Science, Cognitive Psychology, Learning Sciences, or a closely related field by the position’s start date.
Outstanding record of research, demonstrated by a notable publication history and a record of seeking and securing funding.
Commitment to excellence in teaching and mentoring in Educational Psychology, including some emphasis in data literacy, and Cognitive Science at undergraduate and graduate levels.
Ability to contribute to interdisciplinary research and collaboration across Educational Psychology and Cognitive Science.

Nice To Haves

Experience conducting research in educational or other real-world settings.
Experience teaching and mentoring students from a range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds and/or conducting multilingual or cross-cultural research.

Responsibilities

Establish and maintain an active, independent research program advancing understanding of human cognition and decision-making, particularly in AI- and data-rich environments, with applications to learning and education.
Pursue external research funding through grant proposals.
Develop collaborations within and across disciplines, particularly in connection with the cluster hire initiative.
Disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and other scholarly activities.
Teach undergraduate and graduate courses, including in-person and online courses in Educational Psychology and Cognitive Science, with opportunities to contribute to data literacy instruction.
Advise and mentor master’s and Ph.D. students in their research and professional development.
Participate in departmental, college, university, and interdisciplinary program service.