Assistant Professor

The Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill invites applications for a tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level in the field of Developmental Psychology, to begin in July 2026. We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in the developmental origins and trajectories of early cognitive and social processes, including (but not limited to) social, cognitive, or emotional development (e.g., theory of mind, prosocial behavior, generative AI and learning, influence of early environments on learning and development).

The ideal candidate will employ novel methodological approaches, such as computational methods, longitudinal modeling, neuroimaging, or physiological measurements, to examine developmental processes. Other areas of expertise that complement the Department will also be considered. We welcome applications from candidates whose work aligns with our departmental mission and values as outlined at: https://psychology.unc.edu/mission-values/.

The Department of Psychology and Neuroscience supports opportunities for exciting collaboration and innovation across 6 program areas: Behavioral & Integrative Neuroscience, Clinical, Cognitive, Developmental, Quantitative, and Social Psychology. The School of Education, Gillings School of Public Health, and School of Data Science and Society, and many Centers and Institutes (e.g., Biomedical Research Imaging Center, Carolina Population Center, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute; Winston National Center for Technology Use, Brain, and Psychological Development; Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities) provide opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

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 140 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 include high-quality research, publishing in peer-reviewed journals and broader dissemination, seeking external funding for research, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, contributing to research mentoring of doctoral students, and engaging in departmental, university, and professional service activities.

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Psychology, Neuroscience, or a related field by the time of appointment.

We are seeking a candidate with an excellent record of research productivity, the potential to develop an independent, externally funded, interdisciplinary, and internationally recognized research program, and a commitment to teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, writing/research samples, teaching philosophy, and research statement. When submitting an application, candidates will be required to identify the names, titles, and email addresses of four professional references whom the search committee may contact during the search process.

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.