Assistant Professor - Behavioral Neuroscience

Overview

The Psychology Department at Utah State University invites applications for two tenure-track Assistant Professor positions in Behavioral Neuroscience. We are interested in candidates whose research programs advance understanding of brain-behavior relationships using behavioral, cognitive, developmental, affective, computational, or translational neuroscience approaches. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates whose work aligns with behavioral neuroscience broadly construed. The department newly offers a B.S. in Behavioral Neuroscience and is actively expanding the program’s curriculum and research activities. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate courses within this program, as well as advanced graduate seminars. We are particularly interested in candidates whose research program provides meaningful opportunities for undergraduate participation. We seek new colleagues who are committed to involving students in research through laboratory experiences, thesis supervision, conference presentations, and other high-impact learning opportunities. To support these endeavors, the Department offers a supportive research environment, including dedicated laboratory space, specialized equipment, and facilities that support both human and non-human animal research.

Located on the main campus in Logan, Utah, the positions are tenure-track, full-time, nine-month academic year appointments and are not eligible for remote work. Start date for the positions will be August 1, 2027. The positions are contingent on a successful background check.

Review of applications will begin November 10, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.

Inquiries may be directed to the search committee chair, Dr. Christopher Warren ([email protected]).

Responsibilities

• Conduct and disseminate research in behavioral neuroscience (e.g., develop an independent research program, publish in peer-reviewed journals)
• Establish an active research program with the potential to attract external funding and that actively involves undergraduate and graduate students.
• Contribute to undergraduate and graduate instruction, including the continued development of the B.S. in Behavioral Neuroscience, through courses aligned with the candidate’s expertise and departmental needs.
• Mentor graduate students in psychology and/or the interdisciplinary Neuroscience PhD program
• Participate in departmental governance, including committee work and program development
• Contribute service to the college, university, and profession

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Completed PhD in Psychology, Neuroscience, or a closely related field before appointment (ABD considered with a timely completion plan)
• Active or developing research program in behavioral neuroscience
• Evidence of research productivity and potential to secure external research funding
• Effective teaching and mentoring ability
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated potential to engage undergraduate and graduate students in research, professional, clinical, community-engaged, or other experiential opportunities that support their academic and career development
• Evidence of grant involvement or success
• Research program complementing or extending departmental and university neuroscience strengths
• Potential to contribute to the growth of the undergraduate Behavioral Neuroscience program, including development of training that prepares students for post-baccalaureate education and training, and/or careers in neuroscience, health, human-technology interaction, or related fields
• Ability to teach graduate-level methods or quantitative coursework
• Evidence of effective supervision or mentorship
• Experience working collaboratively across disciplinary contexts

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.*

Advertised Salary

ADA

Employees typically work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.

College/Department Highlights

The Department of Psychology at Utah State University is a research-intensive department within the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, with strengths spanning basic, translational, and applied psychological science. The department is entering a period of significant faculty growth, with five tenure-track faculty hires planned across four searches in 2026-27.

The department includes more than 30 faculty and offers doctoral training through four Ph.D. specializations: Behavior Analysis, Brain and Cognition, Combined Clinical/Counseling Psychology, and School Psychology. Department faculty also contribute to USU’s interdisciplinary Ph.D. program in Neuroscience. At the undergraduate level, the department offers B.S. degrees in Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience, as well as an award-winning online Psychology program. The department also offers a distance-learning M.Ed. in Professional School Counseling.

Faculty maintain active programs of research supported by federal and other external funding and collaborate extensively within the department, across the college, and throughout the university. Existing collaborations connect Psychology faculty with colleagues in areas including biology, human development and family studies, special education and rehabilitation counseling, nursing, speech and hearing sciences, kinesiology, economics, mathematics and statistics, sociology, and natural resources. The department values research that crosses traditional disciplinary boundaries and creates opportunities for collaboration in areas such as behavioral and mental health, neuroscience, health and aging, intervention science, and emerging health technologies.

The department is committed to excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, research and scholarship, and service to communities in Utah and beyond. Faculty joining the department during this period of growth will have opportunities to help shape new research collaborations, academic programs, and training initiatives while contributing to established programs with strong records of student mentorship, research productivity, and professional impact.

The Emma Eccles Jones College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences is dedicated to excellence in research, teaching, and service activities that advance education, improve health and well-being, and elevate human potential across the lifespan. The college is home to eight academic departments with approximately 200 faculty who are engaged in innovative research and impactful, student-focused graduate and undergraduate education. The college is consistently ranked by US News and World Report as one of the top Graduate Colleges of Education in the country, ranking among the top 30 public institutions of higher education in 2026 and 1st in the state of Utah since 2000. The college’s programs and outreach missions are strengthened by an on-campus elementary laboratory school and five stand-alone centers, including the Sorenson Legacy Foundation Center for Clinical Excellence, Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Research Center, Center for the School of the Future, Institute for Disability Research, Policy, & Practice, and National Center for Hearing Assessment & Management. Faculty, students, and staff within the college collaborate with a broad range of community partners to facilitate community-engaged research and provide transformative experiential learning opportunities. Through dedicated teaching, innovative research, and meaningful engagement the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences advances education, health, and well-being, enriching the lives of individuals, families, and communities throughout Utah.

University Highlights

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level in 16 sports, USU is a proud member of the Pac-12 Conference, officially joining on July 1, 2026. The Aggies capped a historic final season in the Mountain West by capturing nine combined regular-season and tournament titles in 2025-26, with five teams advancing to postseason play. This tradition of excellence extends to the classroom, where 232 student-athletes earned academic honors, and to the community, where USU ranked second nationally in Division I service hours, with nine teams placing in the top 10 for community service.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU.

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or [email protected].

*updated 07/2026

Notice of Non-discrimination

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Civil Rights & Title IX Office

Old Main Room 405

1475 Old Main Hill, Logan UT 84322

[email protected]

(435) 797-1266

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| [email protected]

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 | [email protected]

*updated 08/2026