Assistant Professor Political Science Jobs in Minnesota

Tenure-Track Assistant Professor, Computational Approaches to Perception and/or Cognition
Department of Psychology
University of Minnesota, College of Liberal Arts
The Department of Psychology at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities announces a search for an outstanding scholar to fill a tenure-track assistant professor position focused on computational approaches to perception and/or cognition. This full-time position in the Departments Cognitive and Brain Sciences (CAB) Training Program will begin in Fall 2027.
Applications are invited from researchers who would extend or complement our historic strengths in combining experimental and computational approaches to perception and cognition. Examples of desired research topics include, but are not limited to, computational approaches in human and/or non-human animal models to study perceptual function and sensory loss, learning, motivation, emotion, and/or higher cognition. While we expect the primary appointment to be in our CAB area, there is  potential for cross-affiliation with other departmental areas.
The appointment will be 100%-time over the nine-month academic year (late-August to late-May) and will be made at the rank of tenure-track assistant professor, depending on qualifications and experience and consistent with collegiate and University policy. Salary and start-up packages are competitive. 
The successful applicant should have and is expected to maintain a strong research program, advise graduate students from a variety of different backgrounds, and teach undergraduate and graduate courses, including core courses within the graduate training program. A strong record of teaching and mentorship is desired. The individual will also be expected to contribute to the service needs of the department, college, university, and profession.
A successful candidate's application will demonstrate scholarly distinction, a record of publications, teaching commitment and, if applicable to the research program and the candidates career stage, evidence of success in securing and/or pursuing extramural funding.
Applicants are invited to review the Workload Principles and Guidelines for Regular Faculty in the College of Liberal Arts, as well as the Standards for Promotion and Tenure in the Department of Psychology.

Required Qualifications: 

• PhD in Psychology or related field with research expertise in computational approaches to perception and/or cognition. 
• Ability to teach high-quality undergraduate and graduate courses in this area of research. 
• Ability to effectively mentor students from a variety of different backgrounds. 

 Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience in teaching other substantive courses related to the candidates expertise and departmental needs. 

About the Department:

The Department of Psychology ranks among the top academic departments in the nation and throughout the world. The Department has 50 regular faculty members and graduate programs in Clinical Science and Psychopathology Research; Cognitive and Brain Sciences; Counseling Psychology; Industrial-Organizational Psychology; Personality, Individual Differences, and Behavioral Genetics; Quantitative/Psychometric Methods; and Social Psychology. The Department of Psychology offers programs leading to B.A., B.S., and Ph.D. degrees. For additional information, please visit the Department of Psychology website, at https://cla.umn.edu/psychology

About the College of Liberal Arts:

Home to the arts, social sciences and humanities disciplines and programs, the College of Liberal Arts is the largest college in the University of Minnesota and comprises 31 academic departments, and over 20 interdisciplinary research centers and administrative/support units. CLA has over 1,300 faculty and staff spanning research, teaching, advising, outreach, and administrative functions. CLA units reside in over twenty buildings on the East Bank and West Bank of the Twin Cities campus. CLA enrolls nearly 13,000 undergraduate students, over 40% of the undergraduate enrollment on the Twin Cities campus, 1,400 graduate students, and has an annual all-funds budget of $290 million.

CLA is a destination for curious, compassionate individuals who are committed to making our increasingly interdependent and diverse global community work for everyone. That foundational commitment begins in our CLA Constitution. CLA is committed to increasing enrollment of underrepresented and under-resourced students, diversifying our faculty across all disciplines, recruiting, and retaining a diverse staff, and promoting the expression and exploration of diverse perspectives and viewpointsso that we all gain the background knowledge and analytical skills we need to understand and respect differences.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in CLA

Working in CLA

Pay Range: $75,000 - $110,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience 

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff 

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services 
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

The following materials related to your candidacy must be attached, including:

• Cover letter (1 page limit).
• Curriculum vitae.
• Statement of research interests and achievements (3 page limit).
• Statement of teaching philosophy with evidence of teaching effectiveness or commitment to teaching (2 page limit).
• 3 samples of written work.

• 3 letters of recommendation.

Applicants are asked to arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent directly to the Department of Psychology Search Committee. The letters of recommendation should be e-mailed from letter writers to psyappt@umn.edu. 

In addition to the material submitted electronically, applicants are asked to arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent directly to the Department of Psychology Search Committee. The letters of recommendation should be e-mailed from letter writers to psyappt@umn.edu.

Additional application materials may be requested at a later date.

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact us via email at psyappt@umn.edu or phone our Chairs Office at 612-625-7852.

To be assured of full consideration in the selection process, application materials should be submitted by October 1, 2026. The position will, however, remain open until filled. Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. 

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.