Job Details

Overview

Assistant Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience - Psychology & Child Development (AY 26/27). This is a full-time, academic-year, tenure-track position in the Psychology and Child Development Department at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

The Psychology and Child Development Department in the College of Liberal Arts at Cal Poly seeks applications for a full-time, academic-year, tenure-track Assistant Professor in cognitive neuroscience with expertise in the neural basis of human cognition, to begin August 17, 2026. Specific area of specialization is open. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Locations

Central California San Luis Obispo

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include teaching undergraduate courses, developing and maintaining an active research program, supervising students, and participating in service activities at the department and college/university level. Typical teaching load is 12 units per semester, with a reduction in course load in the first two years to help new faculty establish an active program of research and professional development. New courses within the candidates area of specialization may be proposed and taught, including but not limited to: Cognition, Memory, Cognitive Neuroscience, Behavioral Effects of Psychoactive Drugs, Sensation and Perception, and/or Research Methods. The successful candidate will balance teaching with research/professional development, student supervision and advising, and service activities.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in cognitive neuroscience or a related field by the time of appointment (August 17, 2026).
• Evidence of potential for scholarly achievement in the candidates area of specialization.
• Demonstrated university teaching experience.
• A commitment to broadening the scope of psychology to include traditionally underrepresented groups, as demonstrated through research, service, mentorship, and/or course content.
• Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience and commitment to student-centered learning and teaching.
• Demonstrated ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings.
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive environment.
• Preference will also be given to those with relevant work experience and those who bring professional capabilities.

Special Conditions

All CSU employees are designated "mandated reporters" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act. A background check is required after a conditional offer of employment. CSU policies and requirements related to background checks, health and well-being, and state and federal law apply.

Salary

Salary: Anticipated Hiring Range: $90,276$98,244/year, $7,523$8,187/month. Salary level commensurate with qualifications and experience.

About the Department

The successful candidate will join 24 tenure-track faculty, over 20 part-time lecturers, 650 undergraduate students and 30 masters students in Psychology and Child Development. The department's website is

How to Apply

To apply, please visit complete a required online faculty application and apply to Requisition #550661. Required materials include:

• Cover Letter address the feasibility of conducting a research program within the context of a primarily teaching-oriented undergraduate program
• Teaching Statement / Teaching Philosophy
• Research Plan
• Unofficial transcripts showing highest degree earned; official transcripts will be required prior to appointment
• Writing sample indicative of area of scholarship

Please be prepared to provide three professional references with names and email addresses when completing the online faculty application.

Projected Start Date: August 17, 2026

Review Begin Date: 10-01-2025. Applicants with complete files by the Review Begin Date will be given full consideration. Applications received after this date may be considered.

For questions about the position please contact Dr. Laura Cacciamani via email at ...@calpoly.edu

Advertised: September 03, 2025 (9:00 AM) Pacific Daylight Time. Applications close: Open Until Filled