Assistant Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience - Psychology & Child Development; AY

Overview

Assistant Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience - Psychology & Child Development (AY 26/27). Job No: 550661. Work Type:
Instructional Faculty – Tenured/Tenure-Track.

Location:

Central California:
San Luis Obispo. Department:
Psychology & Child Development, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. The department 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.

Candidates must have a PhD in cognitive neuroscience or related field by the time of hire and demonstrated experience. Areas of specialization may include, but are not limited to: language, decision-making, computational/quantitative neuroscience, developmental cognitive neuroscience, collective memory and racial trauma, and social cognitive neuroscience. The successful candidate should have strong experience with neuroscientific methods (e.g., neuroimaging, neuromodulation) and be able to conduct their research at a primarily undergraduate institution.

• Contribute to teaching at the undergraduate level across courses such as 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 be proposed.
• Balance teaching with an active program of research/professional development (including publication), student supervision and advising, and department/college/university service obligations.
• Engage in course and curriculum development to broaden psychology through research, mentorship, and inclusive teaching practices.
• Advise and supervise undergraduate students; participate in departmental activities to support student success.

• Ph.D. in cognitive neuroscience or a related field by August 17, 2026.
• Evidence of potential for scholarly achievement in the candidate’s area of specialization.
• Demonstrated university teaching experience.
• Commitment to broadening the scope of psychology to include traditionally underrepresented groups, demonstrated through research, service, mentorship, and/or course content.
• Proficiency in written and oral English.

• Experience with student-centered learning and teaching.
• Ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary settings.
• Experience working with diverse populations and fostering an inclusive environment.
• Professional experience relevant to the position.

All CSU employees are mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act. Compliance with CSU Executive Order 1083 and any amendments is required. A background check (including criminal records) is required after a conditional offer, and employment is contingent on satisfactory completion. CSU prohibits discrimination and promotes equal opportunity in education and employment. Cal Poly is smoke and tobacco-free.

CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy restricts hiring to California operations.

The Psychology and Child Development department has 24 tenure-track faculty, over 20 part-time lecturers, 650 undergraduate students, and 30 masters students. The department website is:
Cal Poly Psychology & Child Development (psycd.calpoly.edu).

the Cal Poly jobs site, complete the online faculty application and apply to Requisition #550661. Required materials include: current curriculum vitae; cover letter (address feasibility of a research program within a teaching-oriented undergraduate setting); teaching statement/philosophy; research plan; unofficial transcripts; official transcripts upon appointment; writing sample. Prepare three professional references with names and emails. Projected start date:
August 17, 2026. Review begins October 1, 2025; applications after this date may be considered. For questions, contact Dr. Laura Cacciamani (email provided in the original posting). Final application should be submitted online at the Cal Poly jobs site for requisition 550661.