Assistant Professor of Behavior Analysis (BCBA) and Special Education (6130)

MePA; DeKalb (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Northern Illinois University’s Department of Special and Early Education (SEED) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Behavior Analysis beginning August 16, 2027. The position focuses on teaching BCBA certification and licensure coursework, conducting an active research program, mentoring students, and contributing to service within the department and university.

The role includes teaching courses in behavior analysis and special education, pursuing scholarly work, and

Qualifications

• Earned doctorate by time of appointment or ABD with defense date
• Current Board Certified Behavior Analyst credential
• Evidence of ability to publish research and present at professional meetings
• Minimum of three years full-time experience as a behavior analyst or teacher delivering research-based behavioral instruction
• Experience working with diverse populations in professional settings
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and social justice
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to collaborate across viewpoints and teams
• Expertise in translating research to practice
• Experience with grant development and management

Responsibilities

• Teach graduate and/or undergraduate courses in behavior analysis and special education
• Engage in scholarly activities (research, publications, presentations, grant‑writing)
• Advance department, college, and university goals
• Participate in student recruitment and retention initiatives and curricular development
• Supervise graduate and undergraduate students in clinical, field, and internship settings

Skills

Research publication

Academic writing

Collaboration across diverse groups

Data collection and analysis

Grant development

Education

Doctorate in Special Education or Behavior Analysis (psychology)

BCBA credential

Job description

Overview
The Department of Special and Early Education (SEED) at Northern Illinois University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Behavior Analysis beginning August 16, 2027. SEED is a highly collaborative department dedicated to preparing educators, behavior analysts, and leaders who positively impact children, families, schools, and communities. Faculty engage in meaningful partnerships with area school districts, clinics, and community organizations while mentoring undergraduate and graduate students through research, scholarship, and experiential learning opportunities.

Located in DeKalb, Illinois, Northern Illinois University is a comprehensive public research university with a diverse student population of approximately 16,000 students. NIU is committed to student success, educational access, and community engagement, providing students with opportunities for hands‑on learning and close interaction with faculty. We seek a colleague who shares these commitments and is dedicated to advancing excellence in teaching, research, and service.

Position Summary

This nine-month, tenure-track appointment will teach coursework in the BCBA certification and special education licensure programs; maintain an active research agenda leading to scholarly publications and presentations; mentor undergraduate and graduate students; and contribute to program, department, college, and professional service.

• Teach graduate and/or undergraduate courses in behavior analysis and special education
• Engage in scholarly activities (e.g., research, publications, presentations, grant‑writing)
• Advance the goals of the department, college, and university
• Participate in student recruitment and retention initiatives, support innovative program and curricular developments, and mentor undergraduate and graduate students
• Supervise graduate and undergraduate students in clinical, field, and internship experiences

Required Qualifications

• Earned doctorate in Special Education, Behavior Analysis, or related field such as psychology by time of appointment (ABD considered with established defense date)
• Current Board Certified Behavior Analyst credential
• Evidence of ability to engage in and publish research and present at professional meetings
• Minimum of three years of full-time experience as a behavior analyst or teacher delivering research-based behavioral instruction
• Experience working collaboratively with students, families, and/or colleagues from diverse backgrounds in a professional setting
• Ability and willingness to contribute to the organization’s vision and mission of preparing excellent educators
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with people with varying viewpoints
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and social justice
• Expertise in data collection and analysis, intervention, professional development, and translating research to practice
• Experience with or potential for grant development and management

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional experience in special education or behavior analysis (e.g., autism, learning disabilities, transition services, etc.)
• Evidence of effectiveness and innovation in teaching at the college level including hybrid, synchronous, and/or asynchronous instruction
• Experience directing student research
• Experience supervising student teachers or student analysts
• Record of collaboration and scholarly productivity within and across disciplines