Assistant Professor - Biological Psychology

Position Details

Rank and

Title:

Assistant Professor

School/Department: Psychology

Compensation: Commensurate with qualifications, experience, and rank as established by the CSU Salary Schedule. Anticipated annual salary range: $88,000 - $92,000

Benefits: Competitive benefits package. See CSU Employee Benefits Summary for details.

Target

Start Date:

August 2027

Final date to receive applications: October 1, 2026 (Applications accepted until filled or closed)

The Department of Psychology at San Jose State University seeks an Assistant Professor in Biological Psychology. The candidate should have a strong track record of teaching and student‑involved research, proficiency in human psycho-physiological methods (EEG, skin conductance, heart rate variability, pupillometry, hormonal assays) and modern data analytics tools (Python or R).

The department offers a BA in Psychology, MA in Research and Experimental Psychology, MS in Clinical Psychology, and MS in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. The faculty member will contribute to a student‑centered program that emphasizes teaching, research, and applied training.

• Ph.D. in Psychology with emphasis on Biological or Physiological Psychology (or closely related field such as Cognitive Neuroscience) by date of appointment.
• Demonstrated scholarly productivity and strong research agenda in biological psychology.
• Proficiency with experimental research methods used in biological or physiological psychology.
• Commitment to and demonstrated potential for teaching and mentoring excellence at the undergraduate level and in the MA in Research and Experimental Psychology program.
• Awareness of and sensitivity to the educational goals of a socially and economically diverse student population.
• Ability to work effectively in a collegial atmosphere of shared governance.

• Experience teaching biological psychology, physiological psychology, and/or neuroscience.
• Proficiency with human psycho-physiological methods (EEG, peripheral psychophysiology, hormonal assays).
  
  Note:
  
  No animal or neuroimaging facilities.
• Proficiency with modern data analytics tools (Python or R).
• Commitment to seeking external funding to support research and enhance student learning.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in biological psychology, including introductory psychobiology, neuroscience, drugs, brain and behavior, and other relevant subjects.
• Develop and maintain a program of research, seek internal and external funding, and foster collaborations.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students, especially those from diverse backgrounds.
• Serve in the MA in Research and Experimental Psychology program as a mentor, advisor, instructor, and committee member.
• Participate in shared governance at departmental, college, and university levels.
• Use Canvas LMS to organize all classes.
• Demonstrate awareness of and experience with inclusive course materials, teaching strategies, and advising for a diverse student population.

All faculty are mandated reporters under California law and must comply with Clery Act training and reporting. Faculty must complete required CSU employee training, including data security, FERPA, Title IX, and other relevant areas.

Apply online and attach the following documents:

• Letter of interest (≈1000 words)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Institutional excellence statement (dedicated or included in the letter)
• Statement of teaching interests/philosophy (≈1000 words)
• Statement of research plans (≈1000 words)
  Three reference contacts (letters may be requested later)

The position is limited to the State of California. Employment is contingent upon U.S. residence, work eligibility, and successful background check.

San Jose State University prohibits discrimination on a wide range of protected characteristics. Reasonable accommodations are provided for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.

Information about Clery Act and fire safety reports is available on the SJSU website.