Assistant Professor

The Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of North Carolina ( UNC) at Chapel Hill invites applications for two tenure-track positions at the Assistant Professor level in the field of Behavioral and Integrative Neuroscience, with appointments to begin July 2027.

We seek outstanding candidates in each of the following areas:

(1) Human Neuroscience of Substance Use Disorders. We seek candidates conducting human-subjects research focused on the neural mechanisms of substance use disorders. Relevant research may address risk factors, development, maintenance, recovery, and treatment. Relevant approaches may include neuroimaging, computational modeling, functional neural network analyses, fNIRS, EEG/ ERP, noninvasive brain stimulation, machine learning approaches or other related methodologies that provide mechanistic insight to advance our understanding of substance use disorders.

(2) Pre-Clinical Neuroscience of Substance Use Disorders. We seek candidates investigating the neural and cellular mechanisms underlying substance use disorders using pre-clinical animal models. Relevant approaches include, but are not limited to, circuit, cellular, molecular, and systems neuroscience approaches, as well as the integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, computational methods, New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), human iPSC-derived neural systems or organoids, and advanced behavioral and physiological analyses.

Successful applicants will join the Behavioral and Integrative Neuroscience program within the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, which has longstanding strengths in the neurobiology of reward, addiction, and motivated behavior and a collaborative research environment including the UNC Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, the UNC Neuroscience Center, the Biomedical Research Imaging Center, the School of Medicine, and other programs across campus. Candidates who leverage innovative computational, methodological and quantitative, approaches to address questions related to alcohol and substance use disorders are especially encouraged to apply.

The primary purpose of the Psychology and Neuroscience Department is to provide excellent education, research and service in the field. This goal breaks down into four important components: 1) to teach psychology and neuroscience to undergraduates in a manner that will introduce them vigorously to its broad scope; 2) to offer scientific and professional training to graduate students in the areas of behavioral and integrative neuroscience, clinical, cognitive, developmental, quantitative, and social psychology; 3) to carry out cutting-edge research in these areas, and 4) to provide consulting and administrative support services to the science and profession of psychology as well as to the university, the community, the state, and the nation.

The Department consists of six programs: behavioral and integrative neuroscience; clinical psychology; cognitive psychology; developmental psychology; quantitative psychology, and social psychology. Each program is designed to acquaint the student thoroughly with the theoretical and research content of the specialty and to provide training in the research skills needed to become a competent and creative investigator. In addition, the programs focus on the development of appropriate professional skills.

The Department of Psychology and Neuroscience currently ranks 2nd in the College in grant funding with over $15 million annually in awarded grants and approximately $20 million annually in expenditures from all funds. The Department of Psychology and Neuroscience has the largest undergraduate major in the College of Arts and Sciences with approximately 1900 majors, and one of the largest graduate Ph.D. programs with approximately 130 graduate students. The Department is also home to the UNC Psychology and Neuroscience Community Clinic, which provides therapeutic treatment and assessment services to a variety of constituencies on campus and in the community.

Primary responsibilities of the position will be to establish a productive research program in Behavioral and Integrative Neuroscience and seek external funding to support said research program. Responsibilities also include teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as mentorship of trainees, and professional service activities at the levels of department, university, and broader scientific communities.

PhD or equivalent degree in the areas of Psychology, Neuroscience, Computer Science, or a related field is required.

We seek candidates with an excellent record of research productivity, the potential to develop an independent, externally funded, and interdisciplinary research program, and a commitment to teaching and mentorship at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Please use the Research Statement option to upload research, teaching, and service statements as a combined pdf.

Please include names and contact information for three letters of reference with the
application. A fourth letter will be requested upon interview invitation.

Please use the Writing/Research Sample option to upload up to three published papers or preprints of your work.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University's Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost office at (919)-962-1091 or send an email to facultyrecruitment@unc.edu.

Please note: The Executive Vice Chancellor & Provost office will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

If you have any questions about the job requirements or the hiring department notify the Department Contact.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.