Assistant Professor in Brain and Cognitive Sciences

The Department of Psychology’s Brain and Cognitive Science area within the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences at the University of Southern California welcomes applicants for a tenure track position with the rank of Assistant Professor. In particular, we seek applicants with a computational approach to higher-order cognition. Recent advances in computational methods, including machine learning and artificial intelligence, are rapidly creating new avenues for the study of higher-order cognition both in the lab and in naturalistic settings—for instance, studying memory for dynamically unfolding events, brain activity during live social interactions, fluctuations in evolving emotional states over time, and utilization of multi-modal behavioral and neural data. Moreover, modern neuroscience often combines machine learning techniques with existing and emerging technologies in neuroscience, such as neuroimaging (e.g., fMRI, EEG, MEG, fNIRS), and neuromodulation approaches (e.g., TMS, tDCS, tACS, deep brain stimulation, and neurofeedback). The successful applicant will have a rigorous research program that utilizes such cutting-edge methods and technologies to investigate cognition, especially in the domain of memory, executive functions, decision-making, socioemotional processing or language.

The appointment is expected to begin in August 2024. Candidates must have completed their Ph.D. and demonstrate an excellent doctoral and/or post-doctoral record that includes a strong track record of publications and potential to secure extramural funding. The department aims to foster a diverse intellectual community and strongly encourages applications from all underrepresented groups. 

Applicants should submit a cover letter; current CV; representative publications; and a list of three to five names who can provide letters of references; and separate statements describing their research, teaching, and a service statement that highlights contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion. In order to be considered for this position, all candidates must apply via the "Apply" link at the top or bottom of this page.  

For questions related to the search, please contact John Monterosso, johnrmon@usc.edu. We encourage candidates to apply by October 15th for full consideration. More information about the program at USC can be found at the following website:  https://dornsife.usc.edu/psyc/.

The annual base salary range for this nine-month position is $109,250 - $115,300. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

USC is an equal-opportunity educator and employer, proudly pluralistic and firmly committed to providing equal opportunity for outstanding persons of every race, gender, creed and background. The university particularly encourages members of underrepresented groups, veterans and individuals with disabilities to apply. USC will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship. Further information is available by contacting uschr@usc.edu.