Assistant Professor - Biological Psychology

The California State University; California (MO); On-site; USD 88,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

San José State University invites applications for an Assistant Professor in Biological Psychology to begin August 2027. The department seeks a scholar with a strong teaching record and student‑driven research, proficient in human psychophysiological methods (EEG, skin conductance, HRV, pupillometry) and data analytics (Python/R).

The candidate will teach courses at both undergraduate and MA levels, develop a vibrant research program, mentor diverse students, and participate in governance, with

Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in Psychology with emphasis on Biological or Physiological Psychology by date of appointment.
• Demonstrated scholarly productivity and a strong research agenda in Biological Psychology.
• Proficiency with experimental methods used in Biological/Physiological Psychology.
• Commitment to teaching and mentoring excellence at undergraduate level and graduate program.
• Awareness of diverse student populations and inclusive teaching.
• Ability to work in a collegial atmosphere of shared governance.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in biological psychology and related areas.
• Develop and maintain a research program in biological psychology with funding pursuit.
• Mentor diverse undergraduate and graduate students in research.
• Contribute to the MA in Research and Experimental Psychology program as advisor and mentor.
• Participate in departmental, college, and university governance.

Skills

Teaching excellence

Research program development

EEG methods

Python data analysis

Mentoring students

Education

Ph.D. in Psychology (Biological/Physiological)

Tools

Canvas LMS

Python

R

EEG analysis tools

Job description

Assistant Professor - Biological Psychology

Job no: 559920 | Work type: Instructional Faculty – Tenured/Tenure-Track | Location: San José | Categories: Unit 3 – CFA, Faculty – Social Sciences, Tenured/Tenure‑Track, On‑site (work in‑person at business location)

Compensation: Commensurate with qualifications, experience, and rank as established by the CSU Salary Schedule. Anticipated annual salary range: $88,000 – $92,000.

Faculty employee benefits are competitive for the higher education sector.

Target start date: August 2027 | Application deadline: October 1, 2026 (Applications accepted until filled or closed)

The Department of Psychology at San José State University is seeking an Assistant Professor in Biological Psychology (area open) beginning in August 2027. We seek a biological psychologist with a strong record of teaching and student‑involved research. Proficiency with human psychophysiological research methods (e.g., EEG, skin conductance, heart rate variability, pupillometry, hormonal assays) and with modern data analytics tools (Python or R) is highly valued.

Required Qualifications

• 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 a 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.
• Ability to work effectively in a collegial atmosphere of shared governance.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Key Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate coursework in biological psychology, the candidate’s area of specialization, and undergraduate service courses as needed. Undergraduate courses may include introductory psychology, writing in psychology, statistics, and/or research methods.
• Develop and maintain a program of research in biological psychology, pursuing internal and external funding.
• Mentor and support undergraduate and graduate students from diverse backgrounds in conducting research.
• Contribute to the MA in Research and Experimental Psychology graduate program as a mentor, advisor, instructor, and program committee member.
• Participate in shared governance, serving on departmental, college, and university committees and other service assignments.
• Organize courses within the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS).
• Demonstrate awareness and experience in meeting the needs of a diverse student population through inclusive course materials, teaching strategies, and advising.

Equal Employment Statement

San José State University prohibits discrimination on the basis of Age, Ancestry, Caste, Color, Disability, Ethnicity, Gender, Gender Expression, Gender Identity, Genetic Information, Marital Status, Medical Condition, Military Status, Nationality, Race, Religion, Religious Creed, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Sex Stereotype, and Veteran Status. This policy applies to all San José State University students, faculty, and staff as well as University programs and activities. Reasonable accommodations are made for applicants with disabilities who self‑disclose.

Inquiries may be directed to the Department Chair, Dr. Evan Palmer ([e-mail]).