Assistant Professor - Biological Psychology

San Jose State University; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 88,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

San Jose State University in California seeks an Assistant Professor of Biological Psychology to advance teaching, research, and mentoring in a student-centered program. The successful candidate will conduct human psychophysiological research (EEG, skin conductance, HRV, pupillometry, hormonal assays) and employ modern data analytics with Python or R.

The department offers multiple psychology programs and seeks a colleague who can teach undergraduates and graduates, develop an active research

Qualifications

• 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 or physiological psychology.
• Commitment to teaching and mentoring excellence at undergraduate and MA levels.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in biological psychology.
• Develop and maintain a research program, seek internal and external funding, and foster collaborations.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students from diverse backgrounds.
• Serve in the MA in Research and Experimental Psychology program as mentor and instructor.
• Participate in shared governance at department, college, and university levels.
• Use Canvas LMS to organize all classes.
• Demonstrate awareness of inclusive teaching materials and advising for a diverse student population.

Skills

Teaching & mentoring

Student involvement in research

Biological psychology research

Data analysis (Python)

Data analysis (R)

Education

Ph.D. in Psychology

Tools

Python

R

Job description

Position Details

Rank and Title: Assistant Professor

School/Department: Psychology

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

Benefits: Competitive benefits package. See CSU Employee Benefits Summary for details.

Target Start Date: August 2027

Application Deadline: October 1, 2026 (Applications accepted until filled or closed)

Position Description

The Department of Psychology at San Jose State University seeks an Assistant Professor in Biological Psychology. The candidate should have a strong track record of teaching and student‑involved research, proficiency in human psychophysiological methods (EEG, skin conductance, heart rate variability, pupillometry, hormonal assays) and modern data analytics tools (Python or R).

The department offers a BA in Psychology, MA in Research and Experimental Psychology, MS in Clinical Psychology, and MS in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. The faculty member will contribute to a student‑centered program that emphasizes teaching, research, and applied training.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Psychology with 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 biological psychology.
• Proficiency with experimental research methods used in biological or physiological psychology.
• Commitment to and demonstrated potential for teaching and mentoring excellence at the undergraduate level and in the MA in Research and Experimental Psychology 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 methods (EEG, peripheral psychophysiology, hormonal assays). Note: No animal or neuroimaging facilities.
• Proficiency with modern data analytics tools (Python or R).
• Commitment to seeking external funding to support research and enhance student learning.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in biological psychology, including introductory psychobiology, neuroscience, drugs, brain and behavior, and other relevant subjects.
• Develop and maintain a program of research, seek internal and external funding, and foster collaborations.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students, especially those from diverse backgrounds.
• Serve in the MA in Research and Experimental Psychology program as a mentor, advisor, instructor, and committee member.
• Participate in shared governance at departmental, college, and university levels.
• Use Canvas LMS to organize all classes.
• Demonstrate awareness of and experience with inclusive course materials, teaching strategies, and advising for a diverse student population.

Other Duties

All faculty are mandated reporters under California law and must comply with Clery Act training and reporting. Faculty must complete required CSU employee training, including data security, FERPA, Title IX, and other relevant areas.

Application Procedure

Apply online and attach the following documents:

• Letter of interest (≈1000 words)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Institutional excellence statement (dedicated or included in the letter)
• Statement of teaching interests/philosophy (≈1000 words)
• Statement of research plans (≈1000 words)Three reference contacts (letters may be requested later)

Conditional Offer

The position is limited to the State of California. Employment is contingent upon U.S. residence, work eligibility, and successful background check.

Equal Employment Statement

San Jose State University prohibits discrimination on a wide range of protected characteristics. Reasonable accommodations are provided for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.

Campus Security and Fire Safety Notification

Information about Clery Act and fire safety reports is available on the SJSU website.