Associate/Full Professor - Affective Motivational Neuroscience

Position Description

The Department of Neuroscience in the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences at The University of Texas at Dallas seeks a late-stage Associate or Full Professor faculty member to lead the formation of a new Center focused in affective and motivational neuroscience. The Department currently consists of 31 faculty members, eight of whom have research programs that are focused within this theme. The new hire would both lead the formation and serve as the director of the new Center. We are seeking candidates who demonstrate a strong record of nationally and internationally recognized, externally funded research, and demonstrated leadership experience, to shape the direction of growth in affective and motivational neuroscience research at UT Dallas.

The ideal candidate will leverage and extend existing Department strengths in areas such as reward seeking, reinforcement learning, affective behaviors, and/or the interplay of these processes in the context of disorders such as substance misuse, stress and anxiety, or movement disorders. Candidates should also demonstrate an extensive history of excellence in teaching and mentoring of trainees at all levels. Faculty will be expected to teach undergraduate and graduate courses related to their area of expertise.

This appointment commences for the fall 2026 semester.

Minimum Education and Experience: A PhD or equivalent in neuroscience, neurobiology, or a related discipline, postdoctoral training, and a robust record of research, teaching, and service in an academic faculty position or positions are required. Additionally, candidates should have a strong vision for growth of research and educational programs within the affective and motivational neuroscience space and the ability to implement this vision through development and management of specific strategic plans. Candidates are expected to demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative, engaging, and dynamic environment comprised of individuals with a range of backgrounds, skills, and perspectives. We are seeking candidates able to produce research and scholarly or creative achievements that enhance the program and the discipline, and able to deliver high quality teaching using evidence-based practices to effectively engage students from a range of backgrounds and experiences.

Preferred Education and Experience: In addition to a robust record of academic accomplishment, competitive candidates will have a history of academic leadership and/or development and management of large-scale collaborative research programs. Ideal candidates should demonstrate the ability to foster a collaborative research environment, support the professional development of Center faculty, and facilitate the acquisition of external funding.

UT Dallas School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences and the Department of Neuroscience

The University of Texas at Dallas is a Carnegie R1 Research Institution and is among the fastest growing universities in the nation. The School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences ( BBS) is one of seven schools at UT Dallas and is ranked 2nd in total new research grants and research expenditures over the past year. BBS stands uniquely positioned to advance knowledge and improve lives through the efforts of its 111 faculty members and 3,000 students.

In North Texas, BBS serves as a trailblazer where research, education, and clinical training come together to prepare future leaders. It is home to world-class faculty with work ranging from bench-top to bedside studies, and ample resources and opportunities for students and faculty members alike.

In the past year, BBS was recognized by the BlueRidge Institute for being #1 in Texas and #3 in the United States for NIH funding for schools of its type. Within BBS, faculty members are surrounded by colleagues who interface with science and technology at every level of translation - with a keen focus on using our science to impact the health and well-being of people around the world while training the scientific leaders of tomorrow. Collectively, BBS leads UT Dallas in R&D rate and new awards per faculty as well as many student success metrics across the university.

The Department of Neuroscience has 21 research faculty and 10 instructional faculty with extensive extramural funding and robust output of publications. It is home to the Systems and Cellular Neuroscience PhD program track with over 50 current students and the Neuroscience undergraduate BS degree with approximately 1,000 students; the latter is the 5th largest and one of the most sought-after undergraduate degree programs on the UT Dallas campus. The Department also contributes to the Applied Cognition and Neuroscience master's program with over 150 students.

The Department is housed in a cutting-edge research building that contains state-of-the-art laboratory space and top-notch core facilities. Faculty members in Neuroscience are active participants in several research centers including the Center for Advanced Pain Studies, the Texas Biomedical Device Center, the Center for BrainHealth, the Center for Vital Longevity, and the Callier Center for Communication Disorders. Our Neuroscience faculty members also have vibrant collaborations with the UT Dallas Program in Bioengineering and the UT Southwestern Medical Center.

Applicants should upload the following:

* Full curriculum vitae and cover letter summarizing their interests and qualifications for the position.

* Statement of teaching philosophy describing their conceptualizations of teaching and learning, and teaching and assessment methods, and how their teaching practices will engage students from a range of backgrounds and experiences.

* Research statement describing past, present, and future research, including how they mentor (or will mentor) student researchers and foster (or will foster) collaborative research environments.

* A writing/publication sample.

* Full contact information for at least three academic or professional references.

Priority will be given to completed applications received by January 16, 2026. Reviews will continue until the position is filled or the search is closed on February 28, 2026.

The University and Community

UT Dallas is a top public research university located in one of the nation's fastest-growing metropolitan regions. Our seven schools offer more than 140 undergraduate and graduate programs, plus professional certificates and fast-track programs. Our student body is approximately 30,000 strong, reflecting students from over 100 countries and a multiplicity of perspectives and experiences. Over 65% of our undergraduate students receive some form of need- or merit-based financial aid; and 66% of graduating seniors have no student debt compared to 48% in Texas and 32% in the nation (2021 TICAS report).

UT Dallas is committed to graduating well-rounded members of the community whose education has prepared them for rewarding lives and productive careers in a constantly changing world. Our mission centers on providing Texas and the nation with excellent and innovative education and research. The University's rapid growth is fueled by our creative and enterprising spirit, bright students, innovative programs, renowned faculty, dedicated staff, engaged alumni, and research that matters.

The University promotes a welcoming environment through programs and initiatives designed to support engagement and success for members of the campus community. Employee benefits include a range of physical and mental wellness resources, competitive insurance and retirement plan options, lactation facilities located throughout the campus, and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) comprised of individuals who share common interests to help build community among UT Dallas faculty and staff (e.g., Universal Access ERG, Military and Veteran ERG, UT Dallas Young Professionals). Additionally, the University's modern campus, 400+ campus organizations, and prime location foster collaboration and community.

Situated in Richardson, Texas, the University's location offers abundant professional development and entertainment options. The Dallas-Fort Worth ( DFW) metroplex is rich with visual and performing arts venues, museum districts, professional and semi-professional athletics teams, botanical gardens, accessible trails, and much more, ensuring there's something for everyone. The University's partnerships with regional higher education institutions, local school districts, numerous companies, and the Richardson Innovation Quarter (Richardson IQ) - a major hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and educational activities - promotes collaboration, professional growth, and educational excellence.

The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. The University prohibits unlawful discrimination against a person because of their race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status.

A history of academic leadership and/or development and management of large-scale collaborative research programs. Ideal candidates should demonstrate the ability to foster a collaborative research environment, supportthe professional development of Center faculty, and facilitate the acquisition of external funding.

To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.

Demonstrate a commitment to teaching excellence
Prepare and teach undergraduate and/or graduate classes
Contribute assessment information and data as requested
Mentor and/or advise undergraduate and/or graduate students
Establish and/or continue an independent line of research
Continue to expand professional influence in the academic discipline through research and/or publication
Engage in service within the academic unit, the university, and the profession as appropriate based on teaching and research constraints
Teach three (3) classes each academic year

1) All employees serve as a representative of the University and are expected to display respect, civility, professional courtesy, consideration of others and discretion in all interactions with members of the UT Dallas community and the general public.

2) The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator . For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator.