Assistant or Associate Professor of Psychology & Child Development - Cognitive Neuroscience

The Psychology & Child Development Department

The Psychology and Child Development Department in the College of Liberal Arts at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, is seeking applications for two full-time, academic-year, tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professors in Cognitive Neuroscience to begin approximately August 12, 2027.

Candidates for this position must have a PhD in cognitive neuroscience, or related field, completed by the time of hire and demonstrated experience. Specific area of specialization is open, including but not limited to research areas such as: language, decision-making, computational/quantitative neuroscience, developmental cognitive neuroscience, collective memory and racial trauma, and social cognitive neuroscience. Candidates should have strong experience with neuroscientific methods (e.g., neuroimaging, neuromodulation, etc.)

and must be able to conduct their research at a primarily undergraduate institution.

Candidates must show a strong commitment to teaching excellence and provide evidence of professional activity that keeps them abreast of knowledge and developments within their discipline. In particular, we seek someone who could teach some of the following undergraduate-level courses:
Biopsychology, Cognition, Memory, Cognitive Neuroscience, Behavioral Effects of Psychoactive Drugs, Sensation and Perception, and/or Research Methods. New courses within the candidate’s area of specialization may also be proposed.

Anticipated Assistant Professor Hiring Range: $90,276 - $98,244/year, $7,523 - $8,187/month

Anticipated Associate Professor Hiring Range: $102,768 – $113,045/year, $8,564 – 9,420/month

(Note that hiring level will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the candidate.)

Although Cal Poly is primarily a teaching university, our faculty are expected to balance teaching with an active program of research/professional development (including publication), student supervision and advising, and participation in service activities at the department and college/university level. The typical teaching load is 12 units per semester, with a reduction in course load in each of the first two years to help new faculty establish an active program of research and professional development.

Subject to further planning and approval, Cal Poly anticipates a possible transition to semester-based year-round operations (YRO). Under YRO, full-time academic year faculty may be assigned to teach in two consecutive semesters (Fall/Spring, Spring/Summer, or Summer/Fall) out of the three semesters offered annually. The two-semester sequence will constitute the regular academic year appointment. Faculty may also be eligible to teach in the third semester for additional compensation, subject to departmental needs and University policy.

Due to CSU policies, the person hired must reside in the state of California at the time of hire and for the entirety of the appointment.

This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities.

Cal Poly complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of…