Assistant Professor - Cognitive Psychology

Boise State University; Boise (ID); On-site; USD 65,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

10.76% University contribution to ORP retirement fund

Job summary

Boise State University is inviting applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Cognitive Psychology starting in Fall 2027. The role involves engaging undergraduate students in an active research program, with expectations for peer-reviewed scholarship.

The successful candidate will teach courses in cognitive psychology and related fields, maintain an active research agenda, and contribute to the departmental community through service and mentorship.

This nine-month academic position offers competitive salary and benefits, aiming to support the faculty’s research endeavors.

Qualifications

• Experience teaching at the undergraduate level.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a research program with undergraduate research assistants.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate courses in cognitive psychology.
• Maintain a productive research program that includes undergraduates.
• Engage in departmental and professional service activities.

Skills

Research in cognitive psychology

Undergraduate teaching

Collaboration

Evidence-based pedagogy

Education

Earned doctorate in Cognitive Psychology or closely related field

Job description

Assistant Professor - Cognitive Psychology

Job No: 499729
Work type: Faculty
Location: Boise, ID
Categories: College of Arts & Sciences

Position Overview

The Department of Psychological Science at Boise State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position beginning Fall 2027.

We seek a dynamic colleague with an active research program in cognitive psychology that engages undergraduate students and contributes to our teaching needs in cognitive psychology and related areas, including biological psychology, learning, and sensation and perception.

The successful candidate will maintain a productive research program that involves undergraduate students and demonstrate a clear trajectory toward tenure. Expectations for tenure include a record of peer-reviewed scholarship, including at least three publications (with at least one first-author publication) within the five years preceding application for tenure.

In addition to an active research program, the successful candidate will:

• Teach undergraduate courses in cognitive psychology and related areas.
• Pursue excellence in undergraduate teaching by using evidence-based practices.
• Contribute to departmental, college, university, and professional service.
• Participate in the mentorship and development of undergraduate researchers.

The standard teaching load is 1 to 3 courses per semester, depending on course enrollment and instructional needs. Adjustments may be made for significant service responsibilities or externally funded research. This is a nine‑month academic‑year position, with opportunities for summer salary through teaching or externally funded research. Flexibility in course modality and scheduling is available.

Department Overview

The Department of Psychological Science at Boise State University is a collaborative and interdisciplinary community of faculty dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service. Faculty maintain active research programs while prioritizing meaningful mentorship of undergraduate students and engagement in scholarship.

Our departmental culture emphasizes collegiality, shared governance, transparency, effective mentorship, and cooperative working relationships. We value data-informed decision-making and a rigorous, evidence-based curriculum grounded in the scientific study of behavior and cognition. Faculty work collectively to ensure that our programs remain responsive to student learning needs and aligned with best practices in psychological science.

Undergraduate research is central to our mission. Students regularly collaborate with faculty on research projects, present their work at regional and national conferences, and contribute to peer‑reviewed scholarship. Faculty are committed to providing hands‑on research and learning experiences that prepare students for graduate study and professional pathways.

The department maintains active partnerships with community organizations, including state agencies, schools, and nonprofit organizations, creating opportunities for applied research, community‑engaged scholarship, and experiential learning. Faculty also engage in interdisciplinary collaboration across the university. The recently launched interdisciplinary Neuroscience major provides additional opportunities for teaching and research partnerships, particularly for faculty working at the intersection of cognitive and biological approaches to psychological science.

Qualifications

Earned doctorate in Cognitive Psychology or other closely related field by August 1, 2027. ABD candidates will be considered, provided the degree is conferred by this date.

Experience teaching at the undergraduate level.

Demonstrated experience, or clear potential, to develop and manage a research program that includes undergraduate research assistants.

The preferred candidate will have:

• Demonstrated success or potential for success in teaching, research, and service.
• An established research program that actively involves undergraduate students.
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness and evidence‑based pedagogy.
• Experience teaching across a range of class sizes and instructional modalities.
• Experience teaching cognitive psychology, and ideally additional courses such as biological psychology, learning, or sensation and perception.
• Experience and interest in working collaboratively toward shared goals.

Required Application Materials

• A cover letter outlining your interests and qualifications relating to teaching, research, and service.
• A current CV which lists the names and contact information, including phone number, for three professional references (no letters at this time, please).
• A research statement, including your plan for including undergraduates in your program.
• A teaching statement, including discussion of implementation of, or preparation for, evidence‑based teaching practices.

Closing Date

Interested applicants should electronically submit their applications by 11:55 p.m. MST on September 15, 2026. Please ensure that all requested application materials are uploaded prior to submitting the online application.

Salary and Benefits

Our standard faculty contract is a nine‑month contract, with pay and benefits spread over 12 months. This is a yearly, renewable contract, unless noted that the position is temporary. More information about the faculty contract and work days is available here.

The salary range for this position is $65,000 to $68,000, and is commensurate with experience. The university is committed to investing in the successful candidate’s research through a competitive and negotiable start‑up package.

Boise State University provides a best‑in‑class benefits package, including (but not limited to):

• 10.76% University contribution to your ORP retirement fund (Professional and Faculty employees)

Advertised: June 23, 2026 Mountain Daylight Time
Applications close: September 15, 2026 11:55 PM Mountain Daylight Time

Equal Employment Opportunity

Boise State University is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants for employment as provided for by federal, state, and local law. The university does not discriminate in employment opportunities or actions on the basis of any status or class protected under applicable federal, state, and local law. The University endeavors to recruit, hire, train, and promote the most qualified employees in all job titles. All other personnel actions are administered without regard to protected class under federal, state, and local law. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 426‑1616 or [e-mail].