"Assistant Professor, Tenure-Track, Neuroscience, University of San Francisco"

Job Summary: The Neuroscience Program at the University of San Francisco invites applications for a full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor position to begin in August 2026. The successful candidate must demonstrate a commitment to teaching, service, and research in cellular or molecular neuroscience.

The Neuroscience major, launched in 2024, will prepare students to:

• Apply the scientific method to rigorously tackle questions at the forefront of Neuroscience,
• Embrace neurodiversity in our society, advocating for effective accommodations for those who need them,
• Shape socially responsible communities committed to justice in the Bay Area, where many of the technological innovations that alter society are developed,
• Center mental health equity in their communities, and
• Compete for a wide array of jobs in industry, as well as academia and other fields, advancing multi-disciplinary excellence for service to society.

The department seeks a candidate whose research program is anchored in innovative approaches in cellular or molecular neuroscience, with a strong published track record of research accomplishments and a strong record of published interest or experience in teaching at the undergraduate level.

The ideal candidate's area of research will address questions at the molecular, cellular, synaptic, or local-circuit levels using methods including, but not limited to, cellular imaging, single-cell electrophysiology, molecular methods (e.g., immunohistochemistry), and genetics. In vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro approaches will all be considered. Please note that the University of San Francisco does not provide facilities or support for research using rodents.

Job Responsibilities: The standard teaching load for this position is two 4-unit courses per semester with an additional third course every fourth semester (2-2-2-3 over two years). The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Teach a subset of the following neuroscience courses: Introduction to Neuroscience (lecture and/or lab), Research Methods and Data Analysis for Cellular Neuroscience, Advanced Topics/Advanced Project in Neuroscience.
• Design, develop, and teach Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience, a new upper-division course for Neuroscience majors.
• Possibly, depending on programmatic need and candidate's area of specialization, teach one or more courses in a related department like Biology, Chemistry, or Computer Science.
• Maintain an active research program, preferably one that actively recruits, welcomes, and engages undergraduate students from different backgrounds.
• Engage in service to the department, college, and university. Of particular importance will be providing research mentorship, academic and career advising, and comprehensive support for Neuroscience majors and USF students.

Minimum Qualifications: Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Biology, or a related field, earned before the start of employment. This position requires a commitment to excellence in teaching within a culturally diverse environment. In addition, a strong record of teaching at the university level, evidence of scholarship, and an understanding of and commitment to supporting the mission of the University of San Francisco are required.

Required Materials: Applicants should submit a cover letter summarizing interests and qualifications, curriculum vitae, a statement of teaching philosophy and experience (which should include reflection on teaching in a culturally diverse educational environment), evidence of teaching ability (e.g., sample syllabi, teaching evaluations), and a research statement. All of these elements should be submitted electronically as separate PDF documents. Three letters of recommendation will also be requested upon submission of application. Questions can be addressed to NeuroscienceSearch@usfca.edu. Priority deadline for full consideration is November 15th, 2025, but applications will continue to be accepted through January 1, 2026.

We invite candidates to find out more about the Neuroscience program at https://www.usfca.edu/arts-sciences/programs/undergraduate/neuroscience. In addition all new faculty have access to a free membership with the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity, and support from the Center for Teaching Excellence and the Center for Research, Artistic and Scholarly Excellence.

Full-Time/Part-Time: Full time

Pay Rate: Salary

Salary Range: $103,184.83 - $113,633.96 annualized; commensurate with experience