Assistant Professor of Psychology - Human Cognition or Cognitive Neuroscience

Position Overview

Salary range: “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 $110,000 - $136,000, inclusive of the salary scale and off‑scale salary components.

Open date: September 8, 2025

Most recent review date: Tuesday, Oct 21, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Tuesday, Jun 30, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

The Department of Psychology at the University of California, Davis invites applications for an Assistant Professor (tenure-track) position. We seek applicants whose research falls in any area of human cognition or cognitive neuroscience, broadly construed. The successful candidate may have the opportunity to affiliate with or be a member of the UC Davis Center for Mind and Brain ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).) and/or the UC Davis Center for Neuroscience ().

UC Davis is internationally recognized for excellence in mind and brain research. Our collaborative, interdisciplinary culture fosters innovation and supports high-impact scholarship.

The expected start date for this position is July 1, 2026. The position will remain open until filled. Applications must be submitted by October 21, 2025 for full consideration. Applications submitted after this date may not be considered. If you have any questions about the search or position, feel free to contact the Search Committee Chair, Dr. Andrew Yonelinas: apyonelinas.

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Ph.D. or equivalent in psychology (or related field) or anticipated to be completed by July 1, 2026.

Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)

• Evidence of a productive research program and potential for leadership and scholarly impact in the study of human cognition or cognitive neuroscience.
• 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.

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated CV

• Statement of Research – The research statement should describe your research to date and future research goals.

• Statement of Teaching – The teaching statement should describe your experience as well as beliefs and practices related to effective teaching.

• Authorization to Release Information Form – This form is required for all applicants applying to academic recruitments. Please see the Employment Disclosure Requirements webpage for more information. Download, complete, sign, and upload the form.

• Representative reprint or preprint 1

• Representative reprint or preprint 2

• Representative reprint or preprint 3

• 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 (e.g., Covid impact on research productivity). (Optional)

Reference requirements

• 3-5 letters of reference required

For your application to be complete, you must request 3-5 reference letters through our system by October 21. While we also prefer all letters to be received by that date, your application will still be considered if some arrive later. Please encourage referees to…