Assistant Professor of Cognitive and Information Sciences (4 Positions) (EXPIRED)

The Department of Cognitive and Information Sciences (CIS) at UC Merced seeks applicants for four (4) tenure-track faculty positions at the Assistant Professor level. CIS is a highly interdisciplinary group offering bachelor’s degrees in cognitive science and philosophy as well as an intensive research-based PhD in Cognitive and Information Sciences (http://cogsci.ucmerced.edu/). We seek outstanding scholars who will establish and maintain creative research paradigms, participate actively in the development of interdisciplinary programs, and teach and mentor effectively at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Applicants must have either a strong research record or evidence of the potential to develop an independent and innovative research program.

We are especially seeking candidates whose research involves one or more of the following areas.

(1) Cognitive and Data Science: The ideal candidate will conduct groundbreaking 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 biological, social, cultural, or evolutionary bases of cognition. Candidates should work with one or more methods and analysis techniques associated with data science, including (but not limited to) machine learning, natural language processing, network analysis, and computational modeling.

(2) Language, Communication, and Culture: We are interested in individuals who take a holistic and scientifically grounded approach to the study of language and/or communication, situating individuals in their social and cultural environments. Approaches may derive from any discipline associated with the cognitive science of language and communication, including linguistics, experimental psychology, communication studies, or anthropology.

(3) Applied Ethics: We are seeking candidates who take an interdisciplinary approach to ethics, applying ethical theories and principles to topics within the purview of CIS. Sample topics might include neuroethics or the ethics of technology. Applied ethicists working on topics outside the scope of CIS who use scientific methods will also be considered (for example, someone who draws on large data sets). Applicants will be expected to contribute to the undergraduate philosophy program (http://philo.ucmerced.edu).

Applicants must hold a PhD in a relevant discipline — such as Cognitive Science, Psychology, Philosophy, Neuroscience, Linguistics, Computer Science, or Anthropology — by the position start date.

The anticipated start date for this position is July 1, 2019.

Applications must be submitted online. Completed applications must be received no later than November 15, 2018, in order to be considered. Interested applicants are required to submit: 1) a cover letter; 2) curriculum vitae; 3) statement of research; 4) statement of teaching; 5) contributions to diversity statement; 6) two publications; and 7) a list of references with contact information including mailing address, phone number and e-mail address.

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. A more developed and substantial plan is expected for senior candidates.  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 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 November 15, 2018.

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. UC Merced is a Hispanic-Serving Institution with a high proportion of first-in-family undergraduate students. We welcome candidates who understand the barriers facing women and minorities who are underrepresented in higher education careers (as evidenced by life experiences and educational background), and who have experience in equity and diversity with respect to teaching, mentoring, research, life experiences, or service towards building an equitable and diverse scholarly environment.

The Department of Cognitive & Information Sciences has interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate programs which integrate methods and approaches from linguistics, psychology, philosophy, neuroscience, and computer science, to study thought and behavior. Our faculty have highly diverse research interests, and serve as graduate advisors, committee members, and collaborators. One of the signature groups on our campus, The Cognitive Science department offers B.A. and B.S. degrees, and a research-intensive Ph.D. program in Cognitive and Information Sciences. Specialties are computational modeling, cognitive engineering, high-level cognition, language and communication, perception and action, and philosophy of cognitive science.

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

For additional information, please contact Ramesh Balasubramaniam: [email protected].

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

About UC Merced:

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.

To apply, please visit: https://aprecruit.ucmerced.edu/apply/JPF00699.