Assistant Professor of Psychology

University of California, Davis; Utah; On-site; USD 117,000 - 142,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Psychology at the University of California, Davis invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in the Biological Psychology area. We seek an outstanding scholar investigating the biological mechanisms underlying behavior, whose research complements our strengths in affect, cognition, and social behavior.

The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate courses and mentor students.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent in psychology (or related field) or anticipated to be completed by July 1, 2027.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain an active, externally funded research program in biological psychology.
• Teach and mentor undergraduate and graduate students in biology and psychology.
• Contribute to curriculum development and student engagement.

Skills

Strong research record

Teaching excellence

Mentoring

Education

Ph.D. in psychology (or related field)

Job description

Assistant Professor of Psychology, College of Letters and Sciences

The Department of Psychology at the University of California, Davis invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in the Biological Psychology area. We seek an outstanding scholar investigating the biological mechanisms underlying behavior whose research complements and extends the department’s strengths in affect, cognition, and social behavior. The department has a newly built, state-of-the-art vivarium designed to support a wide range of small animal research programs. UC Davis also offers facilities for non-human primate research through the National Biomedical Research Institute. Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and affiliation may be available through the National Biomedical Research Institute (nbri.ucdavis.edu), the Center for Neuroscience (UC Davis Center for Neuroscience), the UC Davis Genome Center (UC Davis Genome Center), and the UC Davis School of Medicine (health.ucdavis.edu). Candidates must have a Ph.D. and demonstrate a strong record of, or clear potential for, excellence in research, undergraduate and graduate teaching and mentoring in biological psychology, and securing external research funding.

The expected start date for this position is July 1, 2027. The position will remain open until filled. Applications must be submitted by October 11, 2026 for full consideration. Applications submitted after this date may not be considered. If you have any questions about the search or position, contact the Search Committee Chair, Dr. Brian Trainor: [e-mail].

Salary Information

“Off-scale salaries” and other components of pay (i.e., a salary that is higher than the published systemwide salary at the designated rank and step), are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions, qualifications, and experience. A reasonable estimated salary range for this position is $117,300 - $141,900, inclusive of the salary scale and off-scale salary components.

Qualifications (required at time of application)

• Ph.D. or equivalent in psychology (or related field) or anticipated to be completed by July 1, 2027.

Preferred Qualifications

• Evidence of a productive research program and potential for leadership and scholarly impact in the study of the biological bases of behavior
• Demonstrated ability or potential to obtain extramural support for research activities
• Demonstrated ability or potential in teaching and curriculum development that supports student engagement, learning, and success at the undergraduate and Ph.D. levels
• Demonstrated ability or potential to mentor undergraduate and Ph.D. students
• Evidence of communication and perspective-taking skills and collegiality consistent with effective departmental, campus, and professional citizenship

Requirements

• Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.
• Statement of Research – The research statement should describe your research to date and future research goals
• Statement of Teaching and Mentoring – The teaching and mentoring statement should describe your experience as well as beliefs and practices related to effective teaching
• Authorization to Release Information Form – A reference check will be completed only if you are selected as the first-choice candidate. Download, complete, sign, and upload the form: https://aadocs.ucdavis.edu/yourresources/forms-and-checklists/forms/ARF.pdf
• References – Contact information for at least three letters writers is required.
• Representative Publications/Preprints – Submit three representative publications or preprints.
• Cover Letter – Can describe how you believe your research area complements the department, why you are interested in UC Davis, and/or any extenuating circumstances you would like the committee to consider when evaluating your application (Optional)

About UC Davis

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check.

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and students. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service are embodied by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values. A variety of resources and programs are available to academics, staff, and students that reflect the core values reflected in our strategic plan: “To Boldly Go,” our Principles of Community, the Office of Academic Affairs’ Mission Statement, and the UC Board of Regents Policy 4400.

UC Davis is also a national leader in inclusive practice. There are numerous links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our administration, campus rankings, locations, campus safety, sustainability, visiting UC Davis and UC Davis Health.

The university is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the world for campus sustainability practices by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings. UC Davis is focused on achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and repeatedly shown its commitment to preserving a healthy and sustainable environment for generations to come. The University of California and UC Davis are committed to offering a wide variety of benefits for employees. The University of California Employee benefits and UC Davis New Employee benefits webpages have additional information.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
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