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Union College invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Cognitive Psychology, broadly defined, beginning September 1, 2026. Review of applications will begin on 9/1/2025 and continue until the position is filled. Applications received by 10/1/2025 will receive priority consideration.

The Department of Psychology at Union College, Schenectady, New York, invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor specializing in Cognitive Psychology, broadly defined. Area of specialization is less important than research and teaching excellence. Ph.D. in Psychology, Cognitive Science or a related field is required; degree in hand by appointment date is preferable. Areas of research that would complement our existing department include, but are not limited to: sensation and perception; attention; memory; complex cognition; diversity; culture; social/emotional cognition; and judgment and decision making. Ability to teach, advise, and mentor a diverse population of undergraduates is essential. Please note: Our department is also hiring this year for the position of Assistant Professor in NEUROSCIENCE. We welcome applications for both positions, but require each application to be separately submitted.

Our new colleague will offer 2 courses per trimester at a variety of levels, including a combination of some of the following: introductory psychology, statistics, attention and memory, judgment and decision making, and an upper-level seminar in cognitive psychology within the applicant’s domain. This position is also expected to contribute to the College’s interdisciplinary Neuroscience major (https://www.union.edu/neuroscience#:~:text=The%20major%20in%20Neuroscience%20is,function%2C%20cognitive%20processing%20and%20behavior.) . We also welcome a colleague with the ability to provide a cognitive perspective on topics that contribute to the College's general education curriculum (https://www.union.edu/general-education) .

We expect that our new colleague will establish and maintain a dynamic research program that involves our undergraduate students. The college and department provide outstanding research support, including generous startup funds, pre- and post-tenure sabbaticals, and ongoing internal funding opportunities for both faculty and student research. Shared departmental resources include eye-tracking and electroencephalography (EEG) equipment. The college also maintains an active Faculty Development Institute (https://www.union.edu/academic-affairs/faculty-development) that provides mentorship and various other forms of support towards growing faculty teaching, scholarship, and leadership.

About the Psychology Department:

The Psychology department consists of 14 accomplished scholars at various career stages, with diverse research expertise. We teach small courses and work closely with students, who are active in our research laboratories. We have ample research facilities, institutional support for student research, and host a vibrant speaker series that supports research collaborations. The department recognizes the rich possibilities of interdisciplinary studies (https://www.union.edu/interdisciplinary-studies) and currently provides support for the Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies (https://www.union.edu/academic/majors-minors/womens-studies) and Neuroscience programs.

Application instructions:

Please submit all application materials as pdf files. Only the materials listed below will be considered. We ask that candidates submit the following:

+ Application letter

+ Curriculum vitae

+ Statements of teaching and research interests, which should include descriptions of experience, commitment, and activities toward making classroom and research spaces inclusive for all students, and/or how personal approaches to teaching and research can contribute to a diverse community

+ Example syllabi from courses you have taught (no course evaluations, please)

+ Evidence of scholarship, including any peer-reviewed publications.

Please direct inquiries to Joshua Hart, Chair of the search committee, at [email protected]. Applicants invited to the first round of interviews will receive a request for the contact information for three professional references who can speak to their abilities in research, teaching, and departmental and institutional service.

Compensation

The annual salary range for this position is $81,500-83,500. Except for roles with a set rate of pay, the wage/salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The stated hiring rate/range represents the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the rate/range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

We offer exceptional benefits including:

+ Healthcare, Dental, and Vision Insurance (Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts)

+ Free On-Campus Fitness Facility Access and Discounts for On-Campus Wellness Programs

+ Employee Scholarships toward Certifications, Seminars, Training and Professional Development

+ Pre and Post Tax participation in a 403(b) Retirement Plan

+ Salary Continuation Program in the event of Disability

+ Tuition Assistance Program for Employee, Spouse and/or Dependents

Background Checks: In accordance with our background check policy (http://www.union.edu/human-resources/background-check-policy?\_ga=2.164769983.1635496244.1717465945-1000516401.1717465945) , finalists for hire will undergo a background check that includes education, employment, and criminal convictions.

E-Verify Participation: Union College participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify (https://www.e-verify.gov/) and your Right to Work (Derecho a Trabajar) (https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER\_RightToWorkPoster%20Eng\_Es.pdf) .

Union College

Officially chartered in 1795, Union College is the fifth-oldest liberal arts college in the country. Located in the Capital District of New York State, Union is a highly selective residential and undergraduate college, home to 2,200 students and 220 faculty, and offering 44 majors. Union was the first liberal arts college to rethink the traditional liberal arts education and adopt an engineering curriculum. That pioneering approach continues today with an education that encourages students to work beyond the limits of disciplinary boundaries, allowing them to think globally and lead innovatively in a world where problem-solving requires breadth across humanities, arts, social sciences, science, and engineering.

Accommodations

If you require an accommodation throughout the interview process, please don't hesitate to contact our Human Resources department at [email protected] or 518-388-6108. We are committed to ensuring that all candidates have equal access to opportunities and can participate in a fair and inclusive hiring process.

Diversity at Union College

Union College is an equal-opportunity employer and is strongly committed to student and workforce diversity. Increasing diversity on campus is a critical priority for Union, one that is integral to our mission of preparing students for a globally interconnected world. Union provides a blend of intellectual, social, and cultural opportunities to facilitate the integrated academic, social, and personal development of a diverse community. We value and are committed to a host of diverse populations and cultures including, but not limited to, those based on race, religion, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, and veteran status. Union College is committed to providing access and will provide reasonable accommodation in its application process to individuals with disabilities who request such accommodations.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Union College will not discriminate in the recruitment or selection of faculty and employees, or in any other area of employment, on the basis of age, sex, race, national origin, religion, religious belief, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and veteran status. In this regard, opportunities for advancement will be made available without bias. The College is also subject to state and federal laws and supports efforts to attract and retain fully qualified women and other minority group members for faculty and other positions. Union College will comply with the letter and intent of all State and Federal laws and applicable orders pursuant to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action.