Assistant Professor in Behavioral & Systems Neuroscience, Tenure-Track

The Department of Psychology in the Rutgers University-New Brunswick, School of Arts and Sciences in Piscataway, New Jersey invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor level in Behavioral & Systems Neuroscience ( BSN), with a start date of September 1, 2025. The ideal candidate is expected to lead a research program using advanced neuroscience approaches that would complement departmental strengths in one or more of the following pre-clinical areas: 1) sensory and computational neuroscience; 2) motivational and affective neuroscience; and 3) learning and memory. Ideal candidates will have research programs that include non-human animal models and embrace new ways to look at neural processing. This could include new technologies and modern conceptual approaches including applications of information theory, network analysis, big data, and other efforts to understand the neural activities underlying the microstructure of behavioral function. In support of this domain of inquiry, further research links are possible with the Rutgers Center for Cognitive Science (RuCCS), the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, the Center for Advanced Biotechnology & Medicine ( CABM), the Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, the Center of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Studies, and the Brain Health Institute, which comprises tremendous opportunities for research collaboration and translation within its various nationally-recognized Centers including the Addiction Research Center ( RARC), the Herbert and Jacqueline Krieger Klein Alzheimer's Research Center, the Center for Autism Research, Education & Services ( RUCARES), the Rutgers-Princeton Center for Computational Cognitive Neuro-Psychiatry ( CCNP), and Center for Advanced Human Brain Imaging Research ( CAHBIR).

The successful candidate will be expected to develop and maintain an active, extramurally-funded research program addressing key questions in behavioral neuroscience. The candidate will also be expected to participate in undergraduate and graduate training and teaching in the areas of behavioral, systems, and/or computational neuroscience in the Department of Psychology with opportunities to teach also in the Rutgers Center for Cognitive Science (RuCCS). Candidates must have a doctoral degree in behavioral neuroscience or a related field by the appointment date. Candidates with postdoctoral training in a field relevant to the position, and a history of publications and funding success are encouraged to apply. Salary, highly competitive start-up funds, facilities, faculty mentoring, and other considerations for support will be provided, consistent with the Department of Psychology and Rutgers University's commitment to recruit and retain an exceptional individual. Please see our website for information about the Department of Psychology, which offers opportunities for highly collaborative and interdisciplinary activities. BSN also has synergy with neuroscience broadly in the School of Arts & Sciences, and in particular the departments of Cell Biology & Neuroscience, Genetics, Neuroscience & Cell Biology, Biological Sciences, and Molecular Biology & Biochemistry. Ideal candidates will build upon existing strengths within BSN and further develop synergy across the Rutgers neuroscience community.

Rutgers University hosts one of the most diverse student bodies in the United States. Our institution is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion; our priority is to diversify our faculty ranks as outlined in the Rutgers DEI strategic plan. The Department of Psychology has developed plans that act on our commitment to ensure our faculty composition and practices reflect the diversity of our student population. We especially encourage applications from candidates with backgrounds underrepresented in neuroscience and psychology including women, Black, Latine, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, and neurodiverse scientists that can mentor and empower our student community. Applicants are invited to describe cultural competencies and related experience in their research, teaching, and/or diversity statements.

Candidates should submit (1) a curriculum vitae, (2) statement of research accomplishments and plans (4-page max), (3) teaching and mentoring philosophy (2-page max), (4) statement summarizing their approach to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion that may include a personal history of their own experiences and background (1-page max), and (e) three reference letters to: https://jobs.rutgers.edu/postings/235697 Applications will be reviewed beginning on October 11th 2024 until the position is filled. Any questions may be submitted to the Chair of the BSN Search Committee, Dr. Kasia M. Bieszczad at kasia.bie@rutgers.edu

Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Qualified applicants will be considered for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, military service or any other category protected by law. All individuals no matter their race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, nationality, history, geography, sexual orientation, religious practices, ability, culture, experience, or socio-economic status are valued and respected. As an institution, we value diversity of background and opinion, and prohibit discrimination or harassment on the basis of any legally protected class in the areas of hiring, recruitment, promotion, transfer, demotion, training, compensation, pay, fringe benefits, layoff, termination or any other terms and conditions of employment.

Candidate must have a doctoral degree in psychology, neuroscience or related field by the appointment date (which is September 1, 2025).