Assistant Professor of Psychology - Biological Bases of Behavior

Salary

Salary range: "Off-scale salaries" and other components of pay, i.e., a salary that is higher than the published system-wide 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.

Open date: August 19, 2026

Next review date: Sunday, Oct 11, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Final date: Wednesday, Jun 30, 2027 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 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, the Center for Neuroscience CNS, the UC Davis Genome Center GC, and the UC Davis School of Medicine SOM. 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: bctrainor.

(required at time of application)

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

(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 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

• 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 and Mentoring
  - The teaching and mentoring statement should describe your experience as well as beliefs and practices related to effective teaching and mentoring.
• Representative reprint or preprint 1
• Representative reprint or preprint 2
• Representative reprint or preprint 3
• Cover Letter
  - The 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. (Optional)
• 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.

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

Contact information for at least three letter writers is required by the Final date to…