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Assistant Professor, Neuroscience, Cognition and Behavior

Apply now Posting #: 5316
Position Status: Faculty, Full-time regular
Location: San Diego
Position Type: Faculty, College of Arts and Sciences

Position Title & Department:

 Assistant Professor, Neuroscience, Cognition and Behavior
Posting #

5316

Department Description:

The College of Arts and Sciences is at the heart of the University of San Diego. Our philosophy is built on the enduring values of the Catholic intellectual tradition, immersing students in the concepts of free inquiry, ethical conduct and compassionate service. The College aims to establish an academic foundation for students to thrive and gain a comprehensive education, which spans the sciences, arts and social sciences. Through our exemplary liberal arts education and rigorous scholarship, we aspire to not only educate the mind but also develop the whole person.

University Description:

The University of San Diego, an engaged and contemporary Catholic institution, was founded by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972, USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. Inspired by this centuries old tradition of Catholic higher education, the University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any, or no, religious background. The future success of USD relies on the contributions of those who seek to foster the development of engaged global citizens and an earnest confrontation of humanity’s urgent challenges.

Detailed Description:

The Department of Neuroscience, Cognition and Behavior at the University of San Diego invites applicants for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Cognitive Neuroscience to start in Fall 2026. This new department, formed in 2024 in the natural sciences division of the College of Arts and Sciences, offers two interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science degrees: one in Neuroscience and one in Cognition and Behavior. The successful candidate will have expertise in neuroscience with a focus on cognition. Ideal candidates will conduct research in at least one of the areas: perception, attention, memory, language, or decision-making and involves techniques in human subjects research such as noninvasive neuroimaging, recording, and/or stimulation.

Our faculty are teacher-scholars with a commitment to offering the highest quality teaching and learning environment for students, as well as mentoring undergraduates in meaningful research experiences year-round. We embrace our responsibility to create a welcoming and inclusive campus culture and seek candidates who are motivated to contribute to the life of the department, College, and University. The department offers robust mentoring of new faculty to support their success. The department has equipment and instrumental holdings for teaching and research as well as support staff. More information about the current faculty and programs can be found at https://www.sandiego.edu/cas/neuroscience-cognition-behavior/.

The typical teaching load for faculty is three courses per semester and may include teaching foundational courses for our majors such as Introduction to Neuroscience, Statistics and/or Research Methods, Cognitive Psychology, Learning & Behavior, Sensation & Perception; and developing a Cognitive Neuroscience course in the applicant’s area of expertise for both majors. Candidates will also be expected to teach and contribute to the development of laboratory and seminar classes for the neuroscience and cognition and behavior majors, serve as academic advisor for undergraduate students, and engage in department and university service. We are especially interested in candidates who can integrate neuroscience within a larger cultural, socio-historical, and ethical framework in their teaching. Candidates should demonstrate a clear commitment to advocating for the advancement of the perspectives of students. 

Background check:  Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Degree Verification Requirement: Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes. 

Job Requirements:

The successful candidates will:

  • Hold an advanced degree, preferably a doctorate or other terminal degree in neuroscience, psychology, or a related field.    
  • Have postdoctoral experience with independent research.
  • Have demonstrated a commitment to teaching and research, mentoring undergraduates, and fostering a climate of inclusion and diversity.
Posting Salary:

$7,000-7,333/month; Excellent Benefits

The University of San Diego offers a very competitive benefits package including; medical, dental, vision, a retirement contribution given to you by the University, and access to on-campus Fitness Centers.  Please visit the benefits section of our website to view all of the perks and benefits that USD has to offer.  USD: Human Resources: Benefits

The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position.  Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including departmental budget.

Special Application Instructions:
Resume Required
 
Click the 'Apply Now' button to complete our online application and upload materials.

Candidates are asked to submit the following materials by October 1, 2025. For questions, please contact the department chair, Tammy Dwyer (tdwyer@sandiego.edu). 

  1. Letter of application 
  2. Curriculum vitae
  3. Teaching Statement including a discussion of a commitment to inclusive pedagogical practices (limit 2 pages)
  4. A sample syllabus from a previously taught course or workshop or a course you would teach at USD
  5. Research Statement highlighting past research and articulating a plan for future research (limit 3-4 pages)
  6. A sample of scholarly work
  7. Contact information for three references who will be sent a link to upload letters. 
If you have any questions or difficulties please contact the Employment Services Team at jobs@sandiego.edu.
 
Additional Details:

The University of San Diego is a smoking and tobacco-free campus. For more information, visit www.sandiego.edu/smokefree.

Advertised: Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: Pacific Daylight Time

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