Assistant Professor in Computational Neuroscience

Position Status: Faculty, Full-time regular

Location: San Diego

Position Type: Faculty, College of Arts and Sciences

Position Title & Department:

Assistant Professor in Computational Neuroscience Posting #

5030

Department Description:

The College of Arts and Sciences is at the heart of the University of San Diego. Our philosophy is built on the enduring values of the Catholic intellectual tradition, immersing students in the concepts of free inquiry, diversity and inclusion, ethical conduct and compassionate service. The College aims to establish an academic foundation for students to thrive and gain a comprehensive education, which spans the sciences, arts and social sciences. Through our exemplary liberal arts education and rigorous scholarship, we aspire to not only educate the mind but also develop the whole person.

University Description:

The University of San Diego, a contemporary and engaged Contemporary Catholic institution, was founded by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972, USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. Inspired by this centuries old tradition of Catholic higher education, the University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any, or no, religious background. The future success of USD relies on the contributions of those who seek to foster the development of engaged global citizens and an earnest confrontation of humanity's urgent challenges.

Detailed Description:

The Department of Neuroscience, Cognition and Behavior at the University of San Diego invites applicants for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Computational Neuroscience to start in Fall 2025. This new department will form in 2024 due to substantial growth to the Behavioral Neuroscience major since its inception in 2012 as part of the Department of Psychological Sciences. The department currently offers an interdisciplinary Bachelor of Arts degree in Behavioral Neuroscience. The successful candidate will have expertise in neuroscience with a focus on computational methods. Candidates whose scholarship involves techniques such as machine learning, non-linear statistical analyses, data mining and data fusion within the field of neuroscience, computational modeling, synaptic dynamics and circuitry, or cellular physiology would align well with this position.

Our faculty are teacher-scholars with a commitment to offering the highest quality teaching and learning environment for students as well as mentoring undergraduates in meaningful research experiences year-round. We embrace our responsibility to create a welcoming and inclusive campus culture and seek candidates who are motivated to contribute to the life of the department, College, and University. The department offers robust mentoring of new faculty to support their success. More information about the current faculty and program can be found at

The teaching load for faculty is three courses per semester and may include courses such as introduction to neuroscience, statistics, research methods, and advanced topics related to the candidate's expertise. Candidates will also be expected to teach and contribute to the development of laboratory and seminar classes for the neuroscience major, serve as an academic advisor for undergraduate students, and engage in department and university service. We are especially interested in candidates who can integrate neuroscience within a larger cultural, socio-historical, and ethical framework in their teaching. Candidates should demonstrate a clear commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including advocating for the advancement of the perspectives of minoritized or marginalized students.

The College of Arts and Sciences at USD supports three cluster themes of faculty that provide robust possibilities for interdisciplinary collaboration. These clusters include faculty from multiple academic disciplines who have research or teaching interests in one of the following substantive themes: Borders and Social Justice, Technology and the Human Experience, and Climate Change and Environmental Justice. Participation is optional, but if a candidate sees a fit between one of these themes and their interests in teaching or research, they can describe the link in their letter of application. The goal of these themed clusters is to facilitate collaborative research, provide opportunities for interdisciplinary teaching, and build community among faculty and students throughout the University. See for more information.

Special Conditions of Employment:

Effective June 1, 2023, based on CDC guidance, the University strongly encourages all campus members to stay up to date with Influenza and COVID-19 vaccination recommendations. For more regarding information USD's COVID-19 protocols, please visit

Background check: Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Degree Verification Requirement: Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes.

Job Requirements:

The successful candidates will

• Hold a doctorate degree in neuroscience or a related field.
  
• Have postdoctoral experience with independent research.
  
• Have demonstrated a commitment to teaching and research, mentoring undergraduates, and fostering a climate of inclusion and diversity.
  
  Posting Salary:
  
  $6,932-7,250/month; Excellent Benefits
  
  The University of San Diego offers a very competitive benefits package including; medical, dental, vision, a retirement contribution given to you by the University, and access to on-campus Fitness Centers. Please visit the benefits section of our website to view all of the perks and benefits that USD has to offer. USD: Human Resources: Benefits
  
  

  The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including departmental budget.
  
  

  Special Application Instructions:
  
  

  go to
  
  

  Click the 'Apply Now' button to complete our online application.
  
  

  Candidates are asked to submit the following materials by October 1, 2024. For questions, please contact the department chair, Tammy Dwyer )
  
  

  • Letter of application
    
  • Curriculum vitae
    
  • Teaching Statement (limit 2 pages) and a sample syllabus
    
  • Research Statement highlighting past research and articulating a plan for future research (limit 2 pages) and a sample of scholarly work
    
  • Diversity statement (limit 2 pages), in which you address A) your values with respect to diversity, equity, and inclusion; B) your experience working with minoritized populations and/or on issues that disproportionately affect diverse populations; and C) your plans related to diversity and inclusion in your teaching and research.
    
  • Contact information for three references who will be sent a link to upload letters.
    
    If you have any technical questions or difficulties, including uploading materials, please contact the Employment Services Team at
    
    

    Additional Details:
    
    

    The University of San Diego sits on the Indigenous homeland of the Kumeyaay people. The San Diego region is the third most populated area for American Indians in California and is surrounded by four autonomous Indigenous nations: the Kumeyaay, Luiseño, Cupeño, and Cahuilla. These four nations, represented by 19 tribes, make San Diego County home to the largest concentration of individual tribes in the United States. San Diego is also the second largest city in the state, near the busiest port of entry on an international border, and hosts significant ethnic, immigrant, and refugee communities from around the globe, including Central America, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and Africa. Serving more than 5,500 undergraduate students, the university holds a commitment to advancing academic excellence, global citizenship, ethical knowledge and conduct, and compassionate service.
    
    

    The University of San Diego is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, age, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, covered veteran status, genetic information, or other characteristic protected by federal or state law. USD offers same sex domestic partner benefits.
    
    

    The University of San Diego is committed to diversity and inclusion and is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the campus community.
    
    The University of San Diego is a smoking and tobacco-free campus. For more information, visit
    
    

    Advertised: August 08, 2024 Pacific Daylight Time
    
    Applications close: October 01, 2024 Pacific Daylight Time
    
    

    Back to search results Apply nowRefer a friend
    
    

    Notice of Availability: In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act), the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at This report is published by October 1st of each year and includes current institutional policies and procedures concerning campus safety and security; fire safety and evacuation policies; sexual misconduct and relationship violence reporting and response stands and protocols; and crime and fire statistics for the three previous calendar years. To request a paper copy, please contact the Clery Act Compliance Manager via email at , by calling , or in-person in the Hughes Administration Center, room 150.