The Department of Psychology at Tufts University invites applications for a full-time faculty position in behavioral neuroscience at the Assistant Professor (tenure-track) level to begin September 1, 2027. We seek a scientist whose research program focuses on mechanistic explanations of brain–behavior relationships relevant to mental and brain health. Area of specialization is open, with preference for researchers working on systems- and circuit-based approaches, developmental or experience-dependent plasticity, and/or translationally relevant models of psychopathology (e.g., anxiety, stress-related disorders, addiction, or other mental health conditions). Research programs that complement and bridge directly to existing departmental strengths are especially encouraged. Expertise in advanced neurobiological and quantitative methods—such as electrophysiology, in vivo optogenetics and single-cell imaging, neuropharmacology, genomics or epigenomics, or computational and AI-based modeling of neural–behavioral data—is welcome.
The successful applicant will have (1) a Ph.D. in psychology, neuroscience, or a closely related discipline, (2) an active research program capable of attracting extramural funding; applicants with a K99/R00 award or equivalent are particularly competitive, and (3) will be expected to contribute to our introductory level courses in the area of specialization, statistics, and/or research methods. Typical teaching load is four courses per year in our undergraduate and graduate programs, with opportunities for reductions related to grant support, department service, graduate training, and undergraduate advising.
All applications are submitted via Interfolio (apply.interfolio.com/192278) and should include the following: 1) a cover letter expressing interest and fit with the department mission (https://as.tufts.edu/psychology/about); 2) a C.V.; 3) a statement of research accomplishments and future plans; 4) a statement of teaching philosophy, experience, and potential new and existing course offerings (https://as.tufts.edu/psychology/academics/courses); 5) copies of no more than three representative scholarly papers; 6) three letters of reference submitted directly by the referees. When relevant, candidate materials should clearly convey the applicant’s efforts to promote inclusive practices through teaching, research, and service and commitment to open and reproducible science practices. The Psychology Department welcomes applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds in the U.S. and from across the globe.
Please contact Rob Kim, Department Manager, [email protected] with questions. Review of applications will begin October 15, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.
All offers of employment are contingent upon the completion of a background check.
Tufts University is committed to providing competitive and equitable compensation that reflects each candidate’s experience, expertise, responsibilities, and performance. The pay offered within the posted range will be determined based on a variety of factors such as (but not limited to) the individual’s education and experience, discipline, rank, internal equity, and budgetary considerations. Ranges represent full-time 9- or 12- month base salaries.
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The Department of Psychology at Tufts University conducts cutting-edge research aimed at understanding the causes and consequences of mental processes and behavior. Our work addresses social, cognitive, and neural levels of analysis. We are innovative and interdisciplinary in our approach and emphasize understanding phenomena that have a direct impact on society. Scientists at all levels - faculty, postdoctoral trainees, and graduate and undergraduate students - engage in collaborative scholarship and critical thinking in the classroom and in the laboratory. This synthesis, between research and teaching, positions us to ask and answer fundamental questions while also enriching our students' understanding of psychology.
At Tufts, we are distinctive in having one of the largest majors on campus, while simultaneously maintaining one of the university's highest research profiles. Our focus is strongly experimental, with researchers at the forefront of neuroscience, cognition, social cognition, experimental clinical psychology, cognitive and affective neuroscience, and developmental psychology.
By bridging across these different areas of Psychology, we create a more complete picture of the how and why of behavior, from the microstructure of perception and cognition to the robustness of social behavior. In our undergraduate and graduate programs, we are committed to involving our students in collaborative scholarship at every level, both inside and outside the classroom. Our department prepares undergraduate and graduate students to ask science-based questions about the origins and mechanisms of human and animal behavior using discovery-oriented research and teaching. We are student-centered, striving to combine excellence in teaching, research and advising.
We hope you will join us in exploring the mysteries and mechanisms of behavior.