"Assistant Professor, Cognitive and Brain Sciences"

Job Description

The Department of Psychology at the University of Nevada, Reno seeks applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor, Cognitive and Brain Sciences position with a start date of July 1, 2026. We seek an outstanding scholar with a strong research program that complements and enhances our existing strengths in cognitive psychology and sensory neuroscience. Candidates whose research bridges multiple areas of cognitive and brain sciences—such as memory, perception, language, attention, decision-making, neuroplasticity, or cognitive aging—are especially encouraged to apply.

Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to high-quality research, excellence in undergraduate and graduate teaching, and a dedication to fostering an inclusive and collaborative academic environment. Our department heavily emphasizes the involvement of undergraduate students in research to both provide low-stakes access to the research experience and to break down the barriers to new scientific discoveries.

The Department of Psychology comprises four main programs: Clinical Psychology (APA accredited), Behavioral Analysis, and Social Psychology, along with the CBS program. In addition, CBS faculty and researchers are a part of the Institute for Neuroscience, an interdisciplinary program incorporating scientists across Biology, Computer Science, Engineering, and the Medical School, that was recently awarded a NIH T32 for graduate training.

We have several shared research facilities available to researchers in our department, including high-density EEG, 3T MRI, fNIRS, an adaptive optics (AO) system, and have access to a computational modeling and analysis core that are all currently supported by a NIMGS COBRE grant.

Responsibilities include:

• Maintaining an active and productive research program with potential for external funding
• Teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in cognitive and brain sciences and related areas
• Supervising graduate student research in the Cognitive and Brain Sciences Ph.D. specialization
• Contributing to service at the department, college, and university levels

Preferred and Required Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Psychology, Neuroscience, Cognitive Science, or a related field by the time of appointment
• A strong record of scholarly achievement and productivity in cognitive psychology or neuroscience or closely related field
• Evidence of, or clear potential for, effective teaching and mentoring at undergraduate and graduate levels

Preferred Qualifications

• A research program that complements or enhances existing departmental strengths in areas such as perception, attention, memory, language, decision-making, cognitive control, or neural mechanisms of cognition.
• Potential to secure external research funding (federal and/or private)
• Proficiency in advanced research methodologies, such as:
  • Neuroimaging (e.g., fMRI, EEG, fNIRS)
  • Computational modeling or machine learning
  • Brain stimulation techniques (e.g., TMS, tDCS)
  • Adaptive optics
• Commitment to teaching, mentoring, and engaging with diverse student populations
• Interest in interdisciplinary collaboration across departments at UNR

Application Details

Department Information: The Department of Psychology (https://www.unr.edu/psychology) comprises four main programs: Clinical Psychology (APA accredited), Behavioral Analysis, and Social Psychology, along with the CBS program. In addition, CBS faculty and researchers are a part of the Institute for Neuroscience, an interdisciplinary program incorporating scientists across Biology, Computer Science, Engineering, and the Medical School, that was recently awarded a NIH T32 for graduate training.

We have several shared research facilities available to researchers in our department, including high-density EEG, 3T MRI, fNIRS, an adaptive optics (AO) system, and have access to a computational modeling and analysis core that are all currently supported by a NIMGS COBRE grant (https://www.unr.edu/neuroscience/center).

The University of Nevada, Reno is a land-grant institution for the state of Nevada and is classified as a Carnegie R1 institution. The University has a diverse student population of approximately 21,000, including over 3,500 graduate students. The university is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and supports new faculty through mentoring programs, professional development resources, and research infrastructure.

The city of Reno is rapidly growing and lies in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, one hour from Lake Tahoe and four hours east of San Francisco on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada. A highly rated location for living and outdoor recreation, the Reno area also enjoys a flourishing and diverse intellectual, artistic, and cultural community.

Application Materials: The following materials must be submitted with your application:

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• Research Statement
• Teaching Statement
• Contact Information for three professional references

Full Consideration: Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply immediately with an initial review of applications starting December 1, 2025.

This posting is open until filled. Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply immediately. This search will close without notice when a sufficient number of applications are received or a hiring decision has been made.

For more information, and to apply, please visit: https://nshe.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UNR-external/job/University-of-Nevada-Reno---Main-Campus/Assistant-Professor--Cognitive-and-Brain-Sciences_R0149374

EEO/AA. Women, under-represented groups, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.

Application Deadline

Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply immediately with an initial review of applications starting December 1, 2025. This posting is open until filled.