Assistant Professor in Cognition/Cognitive Science & AI in Education

Position Overview
The Department of Educational Psychology in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Minnesota seeks to fill a tenure track Assistant Professor position. We are seeking a candidate with expertise in Cognition/Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education, broadly construed. Qualified candidates will have a strong research program focused on one or more of the following areas: theoretical and empirical examinations of the various ways people think and learn in relation to technology and AI; factors that influence learning with AI or the trust of AI; design of AI-based systems that incorporate cognitive science theories; and ethical and societal implications of AI in learning and education, including bias and data privacy.

This is a 9-month, full-time appointment located on the (Minneapolis campus) with a target start date of August 25, 2025.

Job Responsibilities
This position will be responsible for:
Research (40%)

• Develop and sustain a strong and coherent record of scholarship, pertinent to the development of theories and applications related to cognition, AI, and education
• Maintain a commitment to securing external funds in support of their scholarly inquiry.

Teaching (40%)

• Mentor and advise graduate students.
• Teach graduate and undergraduate-level courses on topics such as cognition and learning, AI in education, etc. Course assignment(s) will build on the individual’s areas of expertise and research, with the department chair’s discretion to assign.
• Develop and deliver courses in ways that effectively account for a variety of diverse backgrounds, communities, identities, and abilities.

Service (20%)

• Participate in Department, College, University, and other outreach and public engagement activities, including service on internal committees or task forces, and making presentations to external constituencies.
• Participate in the activities of relevant professional organizations in educational psychology, cognitive science, and learning analytics

Required Qualifications

• An earned doctorate, Ph.D. preferred, in Educational Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Data Science, Cognitive Science, Information Science, or related fields
• Strong record of publications and research productivity
• Strong potential for securing external funding
• Strong potential and/or commitment to training doctoral students
• Demonstrated ability to engage in interdisciplinary research.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and collegially in Department, College, University, and community service and governance.
• Evidence of a commitment to multicultural perspectives in research and teaching
• Evidence of experience and effective teaching skills for graduate instruction related to one or more of the general areas of cognition, education, data science

About the Department
The Department of Educational Psychology provides training in the cognitive, emotional, and social learning processes that underlie education and human development across the lifespan, including: the psychological foundations of education, quantitative methods in education, the practice and science of counseling psychology, school psychology, and special education. Faculty and students provide leadership and consultation to the state, nation, and international community. The Department’s scholarship and teaching enhance professional practice in schools and universities, community mental health agencies, business and industrial organizations, early childhood programs, and government agencies. https://www.cehd.umn.edu/edpsych.

About the College
The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the third largest college at the University, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of the life span. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That’s why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice. https://www.cehd.umn.edu/.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you’ll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning.  We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach the required pdfs listed below.

This position requires that you attach the following documents as PDFs:
1) cover letter
2) detailed curriculum vita
3) names and contact information of three references
4) a statement of teaching interests
5) a statement of research interests
The teaching and research statements should include prior or proposed contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Application Deadline:  The initial screening of applications will begin on 10/15/2024.

For general questions about the application process, contact epsy-hr@umn.edu. To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612)-624-UOHR (8687).

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).