Assistant Professor in -level Human Cognition

Position overview

Position title: Assistant Professor

Salary range: A reasonable salary range estimate for this position is $88,300 - $108,900. The posted UC Academic salary scales set the minimum pay as determined by rank and/or step  the following table(s) for the salary scale(s) for this position: 10/1/26 Table 1 Salary Scale. The base salary range, from the salary table(s), for this position is $88,300. “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.

Additional UCSD salary information can be found here:
Salary Programs and Scales

Open date: September 9, 2026

Next review date: Friday, Oct 9, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Saturday, May 1, 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 (psychology.ucsd.edu) within the School of Social Sciences at UC San Diego invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position focused on high-level human cognition, with an anticipated start date of July 1st, 2027. We seek candidates ready to establish a rigorous, independent research program on high-level cognitive processes in humans (e.g. aesthetics, attention, attitudes, decision‑making, effort, inference, language, learning, memory, preferences, reasoning, self‑control, social cognition, well‑being) that leverages insights from experimental research to inform formal/computational theories.

Ideal candidates will possess strong empirical, theoretical, and quantitative skills, with the potential to bridge between areas of the department. Additional responsibilities include teaching graduate‑and undergraduate‑level courses and mentoring students within the Department of Psychology, as well as participating in department and university service.

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

• PhD or ABD in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Decision Science, or a closely related field focused on high-level human cognition.
• Evidence of independent scholarly impact and research productivity.
• Evidence of and/or demonstrated ability to teach and advise students.

Additional Qualifications (required At Time Of Start)

Completed PhD in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Decision Science, or a closely related field focused on high-level human cognition.

Document Requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research
• Statement of Teaching
• Publication or Preprint
• Publication or Preprint
• Publication or Preprint
• Publication or Preprint (Optional)
• Publication or Preprint (Optional)
• Misc / Additional (Optional)

Reference Requirements

• 3-5 letters of reference required

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.

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.

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