Cognitive Psychology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Department of Psychological Science at Boise State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position beginning Fall 2027.

We seek a dynamic colleague with an active research program in cognitive psychology that engages undergraduate students and contributes to our teaching needs in cognitive psychology and related areas, including biological psychology, learning, and sensation and perception.

The successful candidate will maintain a productive research program that involves undergraduate students and demonstrate a clear trajectory toward tenure. Expectations for tenure include a record of peer-reviewed scholarship, including at least three publications (with at least one first-author publication) within the five years preceding application for tenure.

In addition to an active research program, the successful candidate will:

• Teach undergraduate courses in cognitive psychology and related areas.

• Pursue excellence in undergraduate teaching by using evidence-based practices.

• Contribute to departmental, college, university, and professional service.

• Participate in the mentorship and development of undergraduate researchers. 

The standard teaching load is 1 to3 courses per semester, depending on course enrollment and instructional needs. Adjustments may be made for significant service responsibilities or externally funded research. This is a nine-month academic-year position, with opportunities for summer salary through teaching or externally funded research. Flexibility in course modality and scheduling is available.

The Department of Psychological Science at Boise State University is a collaborative and interdisciplinary community of faculty dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service. Faculty maintain active research programs while prioritizing meaningful mentorship of undergraduate students and engagement in scholarship.

Our departmental culture emphasizes collegiality, shared governance, transparency, effective mentorship, and cooperative working relationships. We value data-informed decision-making and a rigorous, evidence-based curriculum grounded in the scientific study of behavior and cognition. Faculty work collectively to ensure that our programs remain responsive to student learning needs and aligned with best practices in psychological science. We encourage prospective candidates to more fully explore our values here.

Faculty are supported through a collaborative departmental culture that emphasizes mentorship, professional development, and shared success. Early-career faculty benefit from guidance from experienced colleagues, opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, and institutional support for developing sustainable programs of teaching, scholarship, and service. 

Undergraduate research is central to our mission. Students regularly collaborate with faculty on research projects, present their work at regional and national conferences, and contribute to peer-reviewed scholarship. Faculty are committed to providing hands-on research and learning experiences that prepare students for graduate study and professional pathways.

The department maintains active partnerships with community organizations, including state agencies, schools, and nonprofit organizations, creating opportunities for applied research, community-engaged scholarship, and experiential learning. Faculty also engage in interdisciplinary collaboration across the university. The recently launched interdisciplinary Neuroscience major provides additional opportunities for teaching and research partnerships, particularly for faculty working at the intersection of cognitive and biological approaches to psychological science.

Boise State University is a powerhouse of creativity, transformational research, and impact. Our campus sits along the Boise River and reaches into the heart of Idaho's capital - a vibrant hub for innovation, culture, and outdoor adventure. We're nationally recognized for trailblazing research, student success, and community impact.

Our faculty are scholars, mentors, and changemakers who advance ideas, discoveries, and inspire the next generation of leaders. Boise offers the perfect backdrop - a welcoming city with a thriving arts and food scene, growing tech sector, and mountains on the horizon. Join us and help shape a bold, collaborative academic community. 

Learn more about faculty careers at Boise State and the City of Boise.

• Earned doctorate in Cognitive Psychology or other closely related field by August 1, 2027. ABD candidates will be considered, provided the degree is conferred by this date;

• Experience teaching at the undergraduate level;

• Demonstrated experience, or clear potential, to develop and manage a research program that includes undergraduate research assistants.

• Demonstrated success or potential for success in teaching, research, and service;

• An established research program that actively involves undergraduate students;

• Evidence of teaching effectiveness and evidence-based pedagogy;

• Experience teaching across a range of class sizes and instructional modalities;

• Experience teaching cognitive psychology, and ideally additional courses such as biological psychology, learning, or sensation and perception;

• Experience and interest in working collaboratively toward shared goals.

• A cover letter outlining your interests and qualifications relating to teaching, research, and service;

• A current CV which lists the names and contact information, including phone number, for three professional references (no letters at this time, please);

• A research statement, including your plan for including undergraduates in your program;

• A teaching statement, including discussion of implementation of, or preparation for, evidence-based teaching practices.

Interested applicants should electronically submit their applications by 11:55 p.m. MST on September 15, 2026. Please ensure that all requested application materials are uploaded prior to submitting the online application.

Our standard faculty contract is a 9-month contract, with pay and benefits spread over 12 months. This is a yearly, renewable contract, unless noted that the position is temporary. More information about the faculty contract and work days is available here. 

The salary range for this position is $65,000 to $68,000, and is commensurate with experience. The university is committed to investing in the successful candidate's research through a competitive and negotiable start-up package. 

Boise State University provides a best-in-class benefits package, including (but not limited to):

• 10.76% University contribution to your ORP retirement fund (Professional and Faculty employees)

• Excellent medical, dental and other health-related insurance coverages

• Tuition fee waiver benefits for employees, spouses and their dependents

• Dual Career Assistance Support for spouses and partners.

• See our full benefits page for more information