Assistant Professor - Biological Psychology

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

Job summary

San José State University in San José, CA invites applications for an Assistant Professor in Biological Psychology beginning August 2027. We seek a biological psychologist with a strong teaching and student-involved research record, proficient with human psychophysiological methods (EEG, skin conductance, HRV, pupillometry, hormonal assays) and data analytics in Python or R.

The department offers a BA in Psychology, MS/MA programs, and is located in Silicon Valley with a commitment to equitable,

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Psychology with emphasis on Biological or Physiological Psychology by date of appointment.
• Evidence of scholarly productivity and a strong research agenda in Biological Psychology.
• Experience with experimental methods used in Biological/Physiological Psychology.
• Commitment to teaching and mentoring excellence at undergraduate level and in graduate programs.
• Awareness of diverse student needs and ability to work in a shared governance environment.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in biological psychology and related areas.
• Develop a research program in biological psychology and pursue internal and external funding.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students from diverse backgrounds in research.
• Participate in graduate program mentoring and department/service duties.
• Support inclusive teaching strategies and contribute to departmental governance.

Job description

Overview

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

Position Rank and Title: Assistant Professor

School/Department Name: Psychology

Compensation: 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 competitive for the higher education sector. See the CSU Employee Benefits Summary for details about the CSU’s benefits package.

Target Start Date: August, 2027

Position Description: The Department of Psychology at San José State University is pleased to announce a search for an Assistant Professor in Biological Psychology (area open) beginning in August 2027. We seek a biological psychologist 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 vision of the Psychology Department is to provide high-quality education in psychology that fosters the development of students so that they will make contributions to society. We value a student-centered approach emphasizing teaching, research, and applied training. The Department offers a BA in Psychology, MA in Research and Experimental Psychology, MS in Clinical Psychology, and MS in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, SJSU is ranked as the fifth-best public university in the nation by the Wall Street Journal and has been named the number-one most transformative university in the nation by Money Magazine for several years. The Psychology department is part of the College of Social Sciences, which is committed to equitable and inclusive teaching and learning. We provide opportunities for faculty development around asset-based, holistic student success, and support scholarship of engagement that addresses issues that affect our campus and community. We invite all applicants to include a Statement of Institutional Excellence to share how your experiences will contribute to the SJSU community, particularly in relation to student success.

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 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.
• Applicants should demonstrate an 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Priority will be given to candidates who possess one or more of the following: 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. Note that the department does not have animal or neuroimaging facilities.
• 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.

Key Responsibilities

• Teach 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. Courses may include introductory psychology, writing in psychology, statistics, and/or research methods.
• Develop a program of research in biological psychology and pursue internal and external funding. Maintain a productive research program, potentially collaborating across the University, with other academic institutions, or external agencies.
• Mentor and support undergraduate and graduate students of diverse backgrounds in conducting research.
• Prepare to participate in the MA in Research and Experimental Psychology graduate program as a mentor/advisor, instructor in graduate courses, and member of the MA program committee.
• Engage in shared governance and service on department/college/university committees; organize classes within the Canvas LMS. Demonstrate awareness of diverse student needs through inclusive course materials and teaching strategies.

Other Duties

Note: This posting includes mandatory reporting requirements and campus safety policies. Faculty duties may involve compliance with California and CSU requirements and safety trainings.

Expiring Status This position includes a note that applications were advertised in 2026 and the posting may be closed. Please verify current status with the department.