Assistant Professor of Biological Psychology

The Carleton Psychology Department is seeking candidates for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Biological Psychology with a focus on the neural basis of complex human behavior and mental states (i.e., the neural correlates underlying cognitive, social, affective psychological processes) to begin September 1, 2027.  The person hired into this position will teach five courses per year in Carleton’s trimester system (Fall, Winter, Spring).  Carleton is a highly-ranked liberal arts college in Minnesota that enrolls intellectually curious and engaged undergraduate students. The College prioritizes excellence in teaching and provides a wide variety of professional development resources to faculty. 

Carleton is committed to developing its faculty to better reflect the diversity of our student body and American society. Candidates from population groups that are under-represented at the College are strongly encouraged to apply. For further information regarding our faculty and useful resources for prospective faculty candidates at Carleton College, please visit the Office of the Provost’s website. Carleton College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, veteran status, actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, status with regard to public assistance, disability, or age in providing employment or access to its educational facilities and activities.

We seek candidates who can teach introductory psychology, psychological data analysis (statistics), mid-level courses in biological psychology and/or a related subfield (e.g., physiological psychology, learning, development, cognition), research laboratory classes that include methods instruction and hands-on demonstrations, and upper-level seminar(s) in their area of expertise. The candidate’s courses will also contribute to Carleton’s Neuroscience Program. The ideal candidate will work with undergraduate students on a research program housed on campus that focuses on biological and brain processes associated with core aspects of human behavior, affect, and/or cognition; the expectation is that most data collection would occur at Carleton. We are prioritizing individuals who can teach about biological and brain processes in ways that make the material accessible to undergraduate psychology students, particularly students who may otherwise be intimidated to explore this area of the curriculum. A completed Ph.D. in psychology is preferred, but applicants who will complete their Ph.D. by September 2027 will be considered. We are particularly interested in candidates committed to teaching a student body with different backgrounds and perspectives.

Carleton’s Department of Psychology includes nine tenure-track faculty, two part-time permanent lecturers, an administrative assistant, an educational associate, and an animal colony supervisor (shared with the Neuroscience Program). We have 35-45 majors per class year, many of whom work for the department as teaching assistants, lab assistants, research assistants, and graders. The Psychology department is housed in a newly renovated space within an integrated science center, including specially designed teaching labs and classrooms as well as dedicated space for student-faculty research collaboration.

Carleton is a highly selective liberal arts college with a student body of approximately 2,000. Located in the thriving two-college town of Northfield, Minnesota, it is forty-five miles from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, in easy reach of a vibrant metropolitan area that is home to three million people and rich cultural resources.

To apply, please complete the online application at go.carleton.edu/carletonjobs. Your application should include: 1) a cover letter that highlights key elements of your background relevant to teaching and conducting research at a liberal arts institution and suggests courses (including new courses) that you could envision contributing to the current curricular offerings in the department; 2) a curriculum vitae; 3) a statement about your teaching philosophy and practice (including examples of pedagogical reflection and growth and demonstrated commitment to teaching students from diverse backgrounds at a liberal arts institution) (2-4 pages); 4) a statement about your research (including specific contributions to multi-author publications) and plans for establishing a sustainable and productive research program at a small, undergraduate, liberal arts institution (2-4 pages).  Shortly after your application is received, you may receive a request for the contact information for three references, at least one of which should address your teaching. We will contact your letter writers directly to request their letters of reference through electronic submission. Additional guidance in applying for this position can be found at our job website. Questions about the position or the application process may be directed to [email protected]. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by October 1, 2026; later applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis as allowed by the interviewing timeline.

The expected starting salary range for this position is between $87,480 and $93,290. Actual pay will be adjusted based on job-related factors permitted by law, such as experience and training; licensure and certifications; market factors; departmental budgets; and responsibility. Carleton also offers a robust suite of benefits including:

• A generous 403(b) retirement plan with a 10% employer contribution and 2% employee contribution

• Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees

• A dependent tuition program after six years of service