Assistant Professor

The Department of Psychology at Tulane University (https://sse.tulane.edu/psyc) invites applications for a nine-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in behavioral neuroscience, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2027. We seek candidates who use nonhuman animal models to investigate neural and biological mechanisms of behavior and demonstrate the potential to establish an independent, nationally visible, externally funded research program.

Specific research specialization is open. We especially encourage applications from candidates who investigate how social and biological contexts shape brain and behavior, including social influences on neural and behavioral development; changes in neural and behavioral processes across the lifespan; or mechanisms of vulnerability and resilience. Research may address one or more of these priorities. We particularly value research that complements and builds connections among existing strengths in Psychology and the Tulane Brain Institute, including learning and memory, lifespan development, the neurobiological effects of stress, and affective neuroscience. Experience with contemporary approaches that link neural circuits, cells, or molecules to behavior will be considered a strength.

Neuroscience faculty in the Department are active members of the interdisciplinary Tulane Brain Institute (https://brain.tulane.edu), which spans multiple departments and schools, has an outstanding record of extramural funding, and fosters a highly collaborative research environment. The successful candidate will contribute to the Department’s Brain, Cognition, and Developmental Sciences graduate training area and to the interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program. We particularly value the potential to build connections with colleagues in developmental and social psychology. Tulane is a strong supporter of cross-disciplinary research, and opportunities for collaboration exist across the University, including with the Tulane National Biomedical Research Center, the Tulane Center for Aging, and the Tulane School of Medicine, as well as with the broader New Orleans neuroscience community. Tulane University is located in New Orleans, a city with a tremendous history of diverse cultures, communities, and languages.

About the School of Science and Engineering at Tulane University

The School of Science and Engineering provides exceptional opportunities for collaboration across disciplines and supports the development of cutting-edge research and educational initiatives. The School is distinctive as the only academic unit at a major research university to merge the behavioral sciences, physical sciences, life sciences, engineering, and mathematics, which provides an unusually rich environment for innovative programs and interdisciplinary research.

Tulane University is a member of the prestigious American Association of Universities (AAU), is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as an R1 (Very High Research Activity) and Community Engaged university, and is committed to research and education at the highest levels. Tulane University offers a collaborative environment for interdisciplinary interactions, a strong public service theme, and a commitment to science as a major thrust of research, scholarship, and education.

Application materials

Applicants should submit the following materials:

• A letter of application describing qualifications and interest in the position
• Curriculum vitae
• Research statement describing current and planned research
• Teaching statement addressing teaching and student mentoring
• Three representative publications
• Names and contact information of three professional references

Confidential letters of recommendation will be requested from candidates advancing in the search.

Applications received by December 1, 2026 will receive full consideration. Applications received after this date may be considered until the position is filled. Inquiries regarding the position may be directed to Dr. Jonathan P. Fadok, Chair, Behavioral Neuroscience Search Committee, at [email protected].

This nine-month tenure-track appointment emphasizes research. Responsibilities include:

• Establish and sustain an independent, nationally visible research program in behavioral neuroscience
• Seek external funding to support research and training
• Publish peer-reviewed research and contribute to the Department’s scholarly reputation
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in psychology and neuroscience
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate student research, including supervision of theses and dissertations
• Participate in the Brain, Cognition, and Developmental Sciences graduate training area and the interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program
• Develop collaborations within the Department, the Tulane Brain Institute, and the broader research community
• Provide service to the Department, the Tulane Brain Institute, and the University
• Contribute to a supportive learning and research environment for students from varied backgrounds.

Required qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in psychology, neuroscience, or a related discipline by the start date of the appointment
• Research experience using nonhuman animal models to investigate neural and biological mechanisms of behavior
• A record of peer-reviewed scholarship demonstrating the potential to establish an independent research program
• Evidence of potential to secure external research funding
• Demonstrated ability or clear potential to teach effectively at the undergraduate and graduate levels and mentor student research

Preferred qualifications:

• Postdoctoral training or equivalent research experience in behavioral neuroscience.
• Research interests that complement and connect existing strengths in the Department and the Tulane Brain Institute, particularly in social and biological contexts, lifespan development, or vulnerability and resilience
• Experience with contemporary approaches that link neural circuits, cells, or molecules to behavior
• Evidence of interdisciplinary collaboration or potential to build connections with colleagues in developmental and soci