Join a Legacy of Innovation and Inclusion at Oberlin College & Conservatory
Oberlin College and Conservatory stands as a beacon of progressive higher education in the United States. Founded in 1833, the institution was the first to embed interracial education and co‑education into its core mission, shaping a culture that values intellectual rigor, artistic expression, and social responsibility. Located near Cleveland, Ohio, Oberlin enrolls roughly 2,900 undergraduate students across its College of Arts and Sciences and Conservatory of Music, creating a vibrant, interdisciplinary community where ideas flourish across the humanities, sciences, and the arts.
Today, Oberlin continues to set national standards for preparing students for graduate study, professional careers, and lifelong learning. The Department of Psychology, recognized for its strong tradition of teaching excellence and impactful research, is seeking an ambitious, forward‑thinking scholar to join its faculty as an Assistant Professor of Cognitive Psychology. This tenure‑track appointment offers a unique platform to influence undergraduate education, expand scholarly work, and contribute meaningfully to Oberlin’s enduring commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Position Overview
We invite applications for a full‑time, tenure‑track Assistant Professor of Cognitive Psychology. The initial appointment will span three years, beginning in the Fall semester of 2024, with a standard teaching load of 4.5 courses per academic year. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to teach undergraduate courses ranging from introductory surveys to advanced seminars, develop specialized curricula, and mentor students in research projects that bridge cognitive science with interdisciplinary themes such as Data Science, Music Cognition, and Global Health.
This role is designed for scholars who are passionate about both high‑quality research and transformative teaching, and who wish to practice their craft in a hybrid work model that blends remote scholarship with on‑campus collaboration in Oberlin’s state‑of‑the‑art facilities.
Core Responsibilities
- Teaching & Curriculum Development: Deliver 4.5 courses per year, including a core Cognitive Psychology course, a specialized seminar reflecting your research focus, and an advanced methods class. Contribute to introductory courses such as Introduction to Psychological Sciences and the Research Methods sequence, as well as interdisciplinary concentrations like Data Science, Music and Cognition, or Global Health.
- Research & Scholarship: Maintain an active, externally funded research agenda that engages undergraduate participants. Publish in peer‑reviewed journals, present at national conferences, and seek collaborative opportunities across Oberlin’s College and Conservatory divisions.
- Student Mentorship: Supervise undergraduate research assistants, guide senior theses, and support students seeking to present at conferences or pursue graduate education. Foster an inclusive mentorship environment that celebrates diverse perspectives.
- Service & Governance: Participate in departmental, college, and university committees. Contribute to curriculum planning, faculty hiring processes, and community outreach initiatives that align with Oberlin’s mission of equity and social justice.
- Advising & Community Building: Provide academic advising to majors and minors, assist with career development workshops, and engage in activities that strengthen the sense of belonging among students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Essential Qualifications
- A Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology, Cognitive Science, or a closely related field, completed or expected by the start of the 2024‑2025 academic year.
- Demonstrated potential for excellence in undergraduate teaching, evidenced by prior teaching experience, teaching awards, or strong teaching statements.
- Evidence of a robust research program with a clear trajectory for securing external funding, publishing scholarly work, and involving undergraduate collaborators.
- Commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning environment, with experience or clear intent to work with historically underrepresented student populations.
- Effective communication skills, both oral and written, and the ability to convey complex concepts to a broad audience of students and faculty.
Preferred Qualifications & Desirable Experiences
- Experience teaching courses that integrate cognitive psychology with interdisciplinary applications such as data analytics, music cognition, or health sciences.
- Successful acquisition of external research grants (e.g., NSF, NIH, private foundations) and a record of securing funding for undergraduate research initiatives.
- Professional involvement in national societies (e.g., Society for Cognitive Science, APA, Cognitive Neuroscience Society) and active participation in conferences.
- Demonstrated leadership in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives—such as curriculum redesign, mentorship programs, or community outreach.
- Proficiency with modern research methodologies, including experimental design, neuroimaging techniques, computational modeling, or advanced statistical analysis.
Skills and Competencies for Success
- Pedagogical Innovation: Ability to design and implement active‑learning strategies, flipped classrooms, and experiential learning modules that cater to varied learning styles.
- Collaborative Spirit: Willingness to engage in interdisciplinary projects with faculty across the arts, sciences, and humanities, leveraging Oberlin’s unique college-conservatory synergy.
- Technological Proficiency: Familiarity with learning management systems (e.g., Canvas), virtual classroom tools, and data analysis software (e.g., R, Python, MATLAB).
- Mentorship Acumen: Commitment to nurturing student growth, providing constructive feedback, and creating pathways for students to present research at regional and national venues.
- Strategic Vision: Capacity to align personal research goals with the department’s strategic plan, contributing to the broader institutional objectives of academic excellence and societal impact.
Career Advancement and Professional Development
Oberlin College invests heavily in the professional growth of its faculty. As an Assistant Professor, you will receive:
- Comprehensive research support, including internal seed funding, access to state‑of‑the‑art laboratories, and assistance from research staff.
- Competitive conference travel reimbursements to present your work and expand your professional network.
- Opportunities for sabbatical leave and reduced‑load semesters to focus on major research projects or scholarly writing.
- Mentorship programmes pairing early‑career faculty with senior scholars to navigate tenure processes, pedagogical development, and grant acquisition.
- Access to Oberlin’s extensive library resources, data repositories, and collaborative platforms that facilitate interdisciplinary scholarship.
Work Environment and Institutional Culture
Oberlin’s campus life is defined by intellectual curiosity, artistic expression, and a steadfast commitment to social justice. Faculty members benefit from:
- A supportive, collegial department that values collaborative teaching, shared research interests, and interdisciplinary dialogue.
- Inclusive policies that promote work‑life balance, including flexible scheduling, family‑friendly leave, and on‑site childcare options.
- Vibrant campus resources such as the Music Conservatory, the Center for Intercultural Studies, and the Innovation Lab, which foster cross‑disciplinary connections.
- A residence community that encourages faculty‐student interaction through informal gatherings, seminars, and cultural events.
- Commitment to sustainability, with green campus initiatives, bike‑share programs, and eco‑friendly building standards.
Compensation, Benefits, and Perks
While specific salary ranges are set according to qualifications and experience, the position offers a highly competitive remuneration package that includes:
- Base salary commensurate with academic rank and market benchmarks for cognitive psychology scholars.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans with generous employer contributions.
- Retirement savings options, including a 403(b) plan with matching contributions.
- Paid parental leave, sabbatical eligibility, and professional development funds.
- Access to campus amenities such as fitness centers, performing arts venues, and dining services.
- Travel and relocation assistance for eligible candidates relocating to Oberlin.
Application Process – How to Submit Your Materials
Prospective candidates must submit the following documents through Oberlin College & Conservatory’s online portal:
- Cover Letter outlining teaching philosophy, research agenda, mentorship experience, and commitment to inclusive education.
- Curriculum Vitae detailing academic achievements, publications, presentations, and service activities.
- Unofficial graduate transcripts.
- Teaching Philosophy Statement describing instructional approaches and evidence of effectiveness.
- Research Statement that highlights current work, future plans, and strategies for integrating undergraduate researchers.
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Statement articulating past contributions and future goals related to fostering an inclusive academic environment.
- Three letters of reference (electronic submission will be facilitated through the application system).
All materials must be uploaded electronically. Review of applications begins on October 1, 2023, and will continue until the position is filled. Applications received by the October 1 deadline will receive full consideration.
For inquiries, please contact Travis Wilson, Chair of the Psychology Department, at 440‑775‑8365 or via email at the address provided on the application portal.
Why Oberlin? – A Call to Visionary Scholars
Joining Oberlin means becoming part of a community that prizes intellectual boldness, cultural vibrancy, and social impact. As an Assistant Professor of Cognitive Psychology, you will shape the next generation of thinkers, influence cutting‑edge research, and contribute to an institution that has, for nearly two centuries, been a catalyst for progressive change. If you are ready to advance your scholarly career while making a tangible difference in the lives of diverse students, we encourage you to apply today.
Take the Next Step – Apply Now
Seize this opportunity to leave a lasting imprint on a world‑class liberal arts college. Submit your application through the Oberlin online system and embark on a rewarding journey of academic discovery, mentorship, and community engagement.
Apply Now