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Assistant Professor of Psychology - Biological Bases of Behavior

University of California - Davis
United States, California, Davis
Aug 20, 2026
Position overview
Salary range:
"Off-scale salaries" and other components of pay, i.e., a salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions, qualifications, and experience. A reasonable estimated salary range for this position is $117,300-$141,900, inclusive of the salary scale and off-scale salary components.


Application Window


Open date: August 19, 2026




Next review date: Sunday, Oct 11, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.




Final date: Wednesday, Jun 30, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.



Position description

The Department of Psychology at the University of California, Davis invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in the Biological Psychology area. We seek an outstanding scholar investigating the biological mechanisms underlying behavior whose research complements and extends the department's strengths in affect, cognition, and social behavior. The department has a newly built, state-of-the-art vivarium designed to support a wide range of small animal research programs. UC Davis also offers facilities for non-human primate research through The National Biomedical Research Institute. Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and affiliation may be available through the National Biomedical Research Institute NBRI, the Center for Neuroscience CNS, the UC Davis Genome Center GC, and the UC Davis School of Medicine SOM. Candidates must have a Ph.D. and demonstrate a strong record of, or clear potential for, excellence in research, undergraduate and graduate teaching and mentoring in biological psychology, and securing external research funding.

The expected start date for this position is July 1, 2027. The position will remain open until filled. Applications must be submitted by October 11, 2026 for full consideration. Applications submitted after this date may not be considered. If you have any questions about the search or position, contact the Search Committee Chair, Dr. Brian Trainor: bctrainor@ucdavis.edu.


Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Ph.D. or equivalent in psychology (or related field) or anticipated to be completed by July 1, 2027.

Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)

* Evidence of a productive research program and potential for leadership and scholarly impact in the study of the biological bases of behavior

* Demonstrated ability or potential to obtain extramural support for research activities

* Demonstrated ability or potential in teaching and curriculum development that supports student engagement, learning, and success at the undergraduate and Ph.D. levels

* Demonstrated ability or potential to mentor undergraduate and Ph.D. students

* Evidence of communication and perspective-taking skills and collegiality consistent with effective departmental, campus, and professional citizenship


Application Requirements
Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated CV


  • Statement of Research - The research statement should describe your research to date and future research goals.


  • Statement of Teaching and Mentoring - The teaching and mentoring statement should describe your experience as well as beliefs and practices related to effective teaching and mentoring.


  • Representative reprint or preprint 1


  • Representative reprint or preprint 2


  • Representative reprint or preprint 3


  • Cover Letter - The cover letter can describe how you believe your research area complements the department, why you are interested in UC Davis, and/or any extenuating circumstances you would like the committee to consider.

    (Optional)


  • Authorization to Release Information Form - This form is required for all applicants applying to academic recruitments. Please see the Employment Disclosure Requirements webpage for more information. Download, complete, sign, and upload the form.


Reference requirements
  • 3-5 required (contact information only)

Contact information for at least three letter writers is required by the application deadline. Referees will be contacted by the search committee after initial review of applications and encouraged to submit their letters promptly.



Apply link:
https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07812

Help contact: ycpersonnel@ucdavis.edu



About UC Davis

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.



  • "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
  • APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment


To implement this process, UC Davis requires all applicants for any open search to complete, sign, and upload the form entitled, "Authorization to Release Information" into UC RECRUIT as part of their application. If an applicant does not include the signed authorization with the application materials, the application will be considered incomplete, and as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration.

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check.

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and students. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service are embodied by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values. A variety of resources and programs are available to academics, staff, and students that reflect the core values reflected in our strategic plan: "To Boldly Go," our Principles of Community, the Office of Academic Affairs' Mission Statement, and the UC Board of Regents Policy 4400.

UC Davis is also a national leader in inclusive practice. There are numerous links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our administration, campus rankings, locations, campus safety, sustainability, visiting UC Davis and UC Davis Health.

The university is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the world for campus sustainability practices by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings. UC Davis is focused on achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and repeatedly shown its commitment to preserving a healthy and sustainable environment for generations to come.

The University of California and UC Davis are committed to offering a wide variety of benefits for employees. The University of California Employee benefits and UC Davis New Employee benefits webpages have additional information.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.



Job location
Davis, CA
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