Assistant Professor - Cognitive and Brain Sciences

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Psychology at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor position focusing on computational approaches to perception and/or cognition. The appointment is 100% time in the CAB Training Program starting Fall 2027, with possible cross-affiliation.

The package is competitive and includes start-up funds and strong mentoring commitments. Applicants should demonstrate a strong research program, effective teaching, and the

Qualifications

• PhD in Psychology or related field with research in computational approaches to perception and/or cognition.
• Ability to teach high-quality undergraduate and graduate courses in this area of research.
• Ability to mentor students from a variety of backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Advise graduate students from diverse backgrounds.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses, including core CAB program courses.
• Maintain a strong research program and pursue extramural funding.

Skills

Computational approaches to perception

Teaching undergrad & graduate courses

Mentoring diverse students

Education

PhD in Psychology or related field

Job description

About the Job

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

Location

Twin Cities

Tenure-Track Assistant Professor, Computational Approaches to Perception and/or Cognition

Department of Psychology

University of Minnesota, College of Liberal Arts

The Department of Psychology at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities announces a search for an outstanding scholar to fill a tenure-track assistant professor position focused on computational approaches to perception and/or cognition. This full-time position in the Department's Cognitive and Brain Sciences (CAB) Training Program will begin in Fall 2027. Applications are invited from researchers who would extend or complement our historic strengths in combining experimental and computational approaches to perception and cognition. Examples of desired research topics include, but are not limited to, computational approaches in human and/or non-human animal models to study perceptual function and sensory loss, learning, motivation, emotion, and/or higher cognition. While we expect the primary appointment to be in our CAB area, there is potential for cross-affiliation with other departmental areas. The appointment will be 100%-time over the nine-month academic year (late-August to late-May) and will be made at the rank of tenure-track assistant professor, depending on qualifications and experience and consistent with collegiate and University policy. Salary and start-up packages are competitive. The successful applicant should have and is expected to maintain a strong research program, advise graduate students from a variety of different backgrounds, and teach undergraduate and graduate courses, including core courses within the graduate training program. A strong record of teaching and mentorship is desired. The individual will also be expected to contribute to the service needs of the department, college, university, and profession. A successful candidate's application will demonstrate scholarly distinction, a record of publications, teaching commitment and, if applicable to the research program and the candidate's career stage, evidence of success in securing and/or pursuing extramural funding. Applicants are invited to review the Workload Principles and Guidelines for Regular Faculty in the College of Liberal Arts, as well as the Standards for Promotion and Tenure in the Department of Psychology.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in Psychology or related field with research expertise in computational approaches to perception and/or cognition.
• Ability to teach high-quality undergraduate and graduate courses in this area of research.
• Ability to effectively mentor students from a variety of different backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in teaching other substantive courses related to the candidate's expertise and departmental needs.

About the Department

About the Department:

The Department of Psychology ranks among the top academic departments in the nation and throughout the world. The Department has 50 regular faculty members and graduate programs in Clinical Science and Psychopathology Research; Cognitive and Brain Sciences; Counseling Psychology; Industrial-Organizational Psychology; Personality, Individual Differences, and Behavioral Genetics; Quantitative/Psychometric Methods; and Social Psychology. The Department of Psychology offers programs leading to B.A., B.S., and Ph.D. degrees. For additional information, please visit the Department of Psychology website, at https://cla.umn.edu/psychology

About the College of Liberal Arts:

Home to the arts, social sciences and humanities disciplines and programs, the College of Liberal Arts is the largest college in the University of Minnesota and comprises 31 academic departments, and over 20 interdisciplinary research centers and administrative/support units. CLA has over 1,300 faculty and staff spanning research, teaching, advising, outreach, and administrative functions. CLA units reside in over twenty buildings on the East Bank and West Bank of the Twin Cities campus. CLA enrolls nearly 13,000 undergraduate students, over 40% of the undergraduate enrollment on the Twin Cities campus, 1,400 graduate students, and has an annual all-funds budget of $290 million.

CLA is a destination for curious, compassionate individuals who are committed to making our increasingly interdependent and diverse global community work for everyone. That foundational commitment begins in our CLA Constitution. CLA is committed to increasing enrollment of underrepresented and under-resourced students, diversifying our faculty across all disciplines, recruiting, and retaining a diverse staff, and promoting the expression and exploration of diverse perspectives and viewpoints-so that we all gain the background knowledge and analytical skills we need to understand and respect differences.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in CLA

Working in CLA

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $75,000 - $110,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.