Assistant Professor - Systems Neuroscience and Neurobiology of Behavior

Boston University’s College of Arts and Sciences invites applications for tenure-track Assistant Professor positions in systems neuroscience and neurobiology of behavior in either the Department of Biology or Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences. We seek scholars using cutting-edge approaches to investigate how neural circuits generate and regulate behavior across a broad range of organismal models. We are particularly interested in novel approaches for measuring and perturbing activity at large scales, the complementary application of molecular tools and functional recording, and their relationship to complex behaviors in naturalistic environments. These positions are part of BU’s major investment in convergent research , which brings together innovative ideas, deep disciplinary expertise, and diverse perspectives to address complex challenges in brain and cognitive health. We particularly seek candidates whose research will complement other areas represented in the convergent search, including human neuroimaging, computational neuroscience, brain-computer interfaces, and rehabilitation applications.

The position is part of a University-wide cluster hire in Advancing Brain and Cognitive Health , which builds on BU’s strength in Health Across the Lifespan. The cluster hire draws on BU’s strengths in neuroscience, engineering, computation, and AI to pursue transformative research questions, advance our understanding of neural information processing, and develop new approaches to neurological and psychiatric disease. This cluster hiring initiative is recruiting faculty in departments spanning biology, biomedical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, health sciences, mathematics and statistics, and psychological and brain sciences. Boston University’s broader Neuroscience community offers extensive opportunities for collaboration across neuroscience, medicine, public health, engineering, data science, and psychology, fostering innovative approaches to understanding and preventing neurological disease, promoting cognitive resilience, improving treatment and care, reducing health inequities, and enhancing quality of life across the lifespan.

Since its founding in 1839, Boston University has embraced a mission of openness and access, becoming one of the first universities in the nation to welcome all students of ability regardless of race, gender, or creed. That tradition shapes our enduring commitment to academic freedom, free inquiry, and the robust exchange of ideas. Please visit to learn more about our shared values.

We seek scholars who will contribute to our community of teachers and researchers through excellence in innovative scholarship, engaged teaching, and participation in the intellectual life of the University. Boston University provides an environment where faculty and students work together across disciplines, perspectives, and experiences to advance knowledge and address society’s most pressing challenges.

Position Qualifications

Candidates should have a PhD or equivalent degree in biology, neuroscience, psychology, or a related field, demonstrated ability to obtain external funding to support their program of research and scholarship, and a commitment to excellence and innovation in teaching, education, and mentorship of students. Successful candidates will be expected to lead an independent research program; actively engage in collaborative research; teach and mentor students; and provide rank-appropriate service to the department, university, and profession.

The salary allocated for these roles is $115,000 to $130,000. Final salary determination and rank placement will be based on the candidate's academic record, research background, years of qualifying experience, and a variety of other factors, including but not limited to licenses, specialty, departmental budgets, training and internal pay comparison. The stated hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Application Requirements

Applicants should provide a personal statement that describes their interest in both the convergent area of Advancing Brain and Cognitive Health and the department; a curriculum vitae; a research statement describing their research interests and experience; a teaching and mentoring statement detailing their approach to teaching and mentoring in an inclusive and diverse learning environment; and three letters of recommendation.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a priority deadline of November 15. Applications will close November 30.

Boston University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, age, national origin, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Retaliation is also prohibited. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Under Massachusetts law, we may not require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment.

Boston University, consistent with the AAU’s Principles on Preventing Sexual Harassment, conducts background checks for final candidates for certain faculty and staff positions. As part of this process, we ask current and past employers of the last seven years whether there has been a substantiated finding of sexual misconduct under their policies. To move forward, final candidates must complete and sign an “Authorization to Release Information” form after receiving an offer to enable this background check.