Assistant Professor

The University of Memphis Department of Psychology invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in Cognitive Psychology at the Assistant Professor level to begin August 2027, pending final budgetary approval.

We seek an outstanding scholar whose research advances understanding of cognition and who complements existing departmental strengths in cognitive science, language, AI, learning, technology, and interdisciplinary research. The area of specialization is open, but preference will be given to candidates whose research meaningfully engages artificial intelligence, including generative AI, large language models, human-AI interaction, or related computational approaches to cognition and behavior. We are particularly interested in applicants with expertise in areas such as learning and memory, educational technology, human-computer interaction, cognitive modeling, artificial intelligence and cognition, computational approaches to behavior, or other emerging areas that connect cognitive science with real-world applications. Strong potential for external funding and interdisciplinary collaboration is especially valued.

Successful candidates must hold a Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology, Cognitive Science, or a closely related field by the start date of employment. Candidates should demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence in research and teaching, evidence of scholarly productivity, and the potential to establish and maintain an externally funded research program. The successful applicant will teach undergraduate and graduate courses, mentor graduate students, and contribute to the Department's collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment.

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person's success. Contributions from individuals with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research, and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn, and innovate. In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

The Department of Psychology consists of more than 30 full-time faculty members, approximately 110 graduate students, and over 800 undergraduate majors. Graduate degree programs include a doctoral program in Experimental Psychology, an APA-accredited doctoral programs in Clinical Psychology and School Psychology, a master's degree program in General Psychology, and a NASP-accredited Ed.S. program in School Psychology. Faculty and students frequently collaborate across these programs and with researchers at the Institute for Intelligent Systems (IIS). The IIS is an interdisciplinary research center housed within the Edwards Research and Innovation Center that is dedicated to advancing knowledge and capabilities of intelligent systems, including psychological, biological, and artificial systems. The successful candidate will have opportunities to engage with internationally recognized interdisciplinary research teams spanning cognitive science, artificial intelligence, data science, education, engineering, and health.

As a State of Tennessee Center of Excellence, the Psychology Department provides competitive salaries and strong support for faculty research and professional development. Faculty have a strong record of securing external funding from federal agencies including NSF, NIH, IES, DoD, and ONR. The University of Memphis is recognized as a Carnegie R1 institution with very high research activity and offers a highly collaborative environment for innovative and translational research.

To apply, candidates must upload:

• A curriculum vitae,

• A cover letter describing research and teaching interests,

• Contact information for three professional reference providers, and

• Three selected publications.

Review of applications will begin October 11, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.
Applicants interested in this position should direct inquiries to search committee chair, Dr. Phil Pavlik, at [email protected].

Candidates should demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence in research and teaching, evidence of scholarly productivity, and the potential to establish and maintain an externally funded research program. The successful applicant will teach undergraduate and graduate courses, mentor graduate students, and contribute to the Department's collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment.

Provide high-quality instruction, pursue excellence in research/scholarship/creative activity, and contribute to meaningful service to the university. Contribute to the missions of teaching, research / scholarship / creative activity, and public service.

Successful candidates must hold a Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology, Cognitive Science, or a closely related field by the start date of employment. Candidates should demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence in research and teaching, evidence of scholarly productivity, and the potential to establish and maintain an externally funded research program. Documented evidence of sustained ability in instruction, service, and research.

 Served at least five years at the rank of associate professor. Exceptions to this minimum rank qualification can be approved by the provost. Documented evidence of sustained high-quality professional productivity and national recognition in the academic discipline. Professional comportment consistent with the Faculty Code of Conduct.