Assistant Professor, Cognitive Psychology

About the Role

The Department of Psychological Sciences at the University of San Diego invites applicants for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Cognitive Psychology to start in Fall 2027. Our faculty are dedicated teacher-scholars with a commitment to offering the highest quality teaching and learning environment for students as well as mentoring undergraduates in meaningful research experiences. We embrace our responsibility to create a welcoming and inclusive campus culture and seek candidates who are motivated to contribute to the life of the department, College, and University. The department offers robust mentoring of new faculty to support their success.

Department & University Context

The Department of Psychological Sciences is housed within the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of San Diego. The department offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, with the opportunity for students to select an emphasis in Clinical Mental Health, Child/Human Development, Health and Wellness, or Social and Cultural Processes. The College of Arts and Sciences is at the heart of the University of San Diego, with a philosophy built on the enduring values of the Catholic intellectual tradition, immersing students in the concepts of free inquiry, diversity and inclusion, ethical conduct and compassionate service. The University of San Diego, an engaged and contemporary Catholic institution, was founded by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972, USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. The University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any, or no, religious background.

Responsibilities

• Teaching load of three courses per semester, which may include introductory psychology, research methods, statistics, an advanced research methods capstone or seminar in cognitive psychology, and upper-division courses in the candidate's area of expertise (e.g., attention, perception, decision-making, language, memory, misinformation, problem-solving, cognitive performance, technology).
• Develop and maintain an independent research program with human subjects involving undergraduate research students.
• Mentor undergraduates in meaningful research experiences.
• Participate in department and University service.
• Serve as academic advisor for undergraduate students.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree, preferably a doctorate (Ph.D.) in cognitive psychology or a related field. ABD candidates will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Demonstrated commitment to teaching and research, mentoring undergraduates, and fostering a climate of inclusion and diversity.
• Expertise in cognitive psychology.
• Demonstrated potential for an independent research program with human subjects and involving undergraduate research students.
• Interest in teaching courses involving community engagement within diverse communities is welcomed.
• Postdoctoral research experience is especially encouraged.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.
• Persons offered employment will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes.

Pay & Benefits

• Salary range: $6,931.25–$7,917 monthly (dependent on experience, education, and other factors including departmental budget).
• Excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, a retirement contribution given by the University, and access to on-campus Fitness Centers.

Application Instructions

For full consideration, applications should be completed and submitted by September 15, 2026. Applicants are asked to submit the following materials:

• Letter of application or cover letter (limit 1 page)
• Curriculum vitae
• Teaching Statement including evidence of inclusive pedagogy (limit 2 pages) and a sample syllabus
• Research Statement highlighting past research and articulating a plan for future research (limit 2 pages) and a sample of scholarly work
• Contact information for three references who will be sent a link to upload letters

For questions, please contact the department chair, Dr. Jennifer Zwolinski (jzwolinski@sandiego.edu). If you have any technical difficulties, please contact the Employment Services Team at jobs@sandiego.edu.