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Assistant Professor of Cognitive and Information Sciences

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Position description

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system’s 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 7,500 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities to highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design, and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

In Fall 2016, UC Merced broke ground on a $1.3 billion public-private partnership that is unprecedented in higher education. The Merced 2020 Project will nearly double the physical capacity of the campus by 2020, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced is also building the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building in the heart of Merced.

We seek applicants for one tenure-track assistant professor position in Cognitive and Information Sciences to join a group of excellent faculty in the Cognitive & Information Sciences (CIS) academic unit at UC Merced. The CIS unit offers programs that lead to an undergraduate BA/BS degree and an intensive research-based PhD in cognitive and information sciences. Applicants must have a strong record in research and must have demonstrated the potential to develop an independent, innovative, and extramurally-funded research program. The ideal candidate will conduct innovative research in computational and data analytic approaches to human cognition and behavior, including areas such as spoken or written language and communication, human interaction, and the physical, biological, social, cultural, or evolutionary bases of cognition. Candidate should work with one or more methods and analysis techniques associated with data science.

In order to be considered, candidates must have a doctorate in Cognitive Science/Psychology/Computer Science or a closely related field by the position start date; a strong record of publication; and, demonstrable track record and interest in obtaining external funding. Postdoctoral experience is highly desirable.

We seek outstanding scholars who will establish and maintain creative research programs, participate actively in the development of innovative interdisciplinary programs, and teach and mentor effectively at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

The anticipated start date for this position is July 1, 2018.

Applications must be submitted online. Completed applications must be received no later than December 15, 2017, in order to be considered. Interested applicants are required to submit 1) a cover letter; 2) curriculum vitae; 3) research statement; 4) teaching statement; 5) diversity statement; 6) two publications; and, 7) three letters of reference electronically uploaded by the letter writers.

The contributions to diversity statement should describe your past experience, activities and future plans to advance diversity, equity and inclusion, in alignment with UC Merced’s mission to reflect the diversity of California and to meet the educational needs and interests of its diverse population. Some faculty candidates may not have substantial past activities. If that is the case, we recommend focusing on future plans in your statement. For additional information on what should be included on your Diversity Statement, please visit http://facultyexcellence.ucsd.edu/c2d/index.html#Are-there-any-guidelines-for-wr.

Applicants for the Assistant Professor level should arrange to have three letters of reference submitted online. After an application is submitted, the letters of reference should be electronically uploaded by the letter writers (instructions will be provided by the application system). Letters of reference should be received no later than December 15, 2017.

The University of California, Merced is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer with a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of diversity among its faculty, students and staff.

Salary is commensurate with education, experience, and UC academic salary scales.

For additional information, please contact Michael Spivey at spivey@ucmerced.edu.

Applicants will be notified when the final candidate has been selected.

To apply, please visit our UC Merced job posting at: https://aprecruit.ucmerced.edu/apply/JPF00550

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter

  • Statement of Research

  • Statement of Teaching

  • Statement of Contributions to Diversity - Statement addressing past and/or potential contributions to diversity through research, teaching, and/or service.

  • List of References

  • Publication #1

  • Publication #2

  • Publication #3 (Optional)

  • Publication #4 (Optional)

  • Publication #5 (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3 letters of reference required

Job location

Merced, CA