Description
The Department of Educational Psychology in the College of Education at the University of Arizona, in partnership with Cognitive Science, invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position beginning in August 2027.
We seek a scholar who studies human cognition in AI- and data-rich environments, with applications to learning and education. We are particularly interested in scholars whose work examines cognitive processes such as decision-making, reasoning, memory and metacognition, or cognitive biases and applies this understanding to questions such as how people interpret data and AI-generated information, evaluate risk and probability, make data-informed decisions, or interact with AI-supported systems.
This position is part of an interdisciplinary cluster titled “Understanding the Human Intelligence Behind the Use of Artificial Intelligence.” The broader initiative connects Educational Psychology, Cognitive Science, Information Science, Public Health, and the Humanities around shared questions about using AI to recommend reform, best practices, and data-based decisions in P-16+ formal and informal education settings. The cluster emphasizes making AI and data-intensive systems interpretable, trusted, behaviorally informed, and effective in real-world human systems with a focus on mental health, wellness, and learning. We therefore especially welcome scholars whose work bridges basic and applied research and who are interested in interdisciplinary collaboration.
The position is a joint appointment between the Department of Educational Psychology in the College of Education and Cognitive Science in the College of Science. The successful candidate will be positioned to connect these communities, bringing cognitive perspectives to interdisciplinary work on AI, data, learning, and educational systems.
Formal review of applicants will begin November 15, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.
Requirements
Duties & Responsibilities
*Establish and maintain an active, independent research program that advances understanding of human cognition and decision making, particularly in AI- and data-rich environments, with applications to learning and education.
*Pursue external research funding through grant proposals.
*Develop collaborations within and across disciplines, particularly as they related to the cluster hire initiative.
*Disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and other scholarly activities.
*Teach graduate and undergraduate courses, including in-person and online courses in Educational Psychology and Cognitive Science, with opportunities to contribute to instruction in data literacy. The expected teaching load is 3 classes per academic year.
*Advise and mentor master's and Ph.D. students by supporting their research and professional development.
*Actively participate in departmental, college, university, and interdisciplinary program service.
Minimum Qualifications
*PhD in Educational Psychology, Cognitive Science, Cognitive Psychology, Learning Sciences, or a closely related field by the start date.
*Outstanding record of research, as evidenced by a notable publication history and a demonstrated record of seeking and securing funding.
*Commitment to excellence in teaching and mentoring in Educational Psychology (with some emphasis in data literacy) and Cognitive Science at both the undergraduate and graduate level.
*Ability to contribute to interdisciplinary research and collaboration across Educational Psychology and Cognitive Science.
