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Human Resources

2026-27 Assistant Professor of Behavioral Neuroscience

The Departments of Neuroscience and Psychology at Illinois Wesleyan University invite applications for a Tenure Track position for a Behavioral Neuroscientist beginning August 15, 2026. 

About IWU:  Founded in 1850, Illinois Wesleyan University is a nationally ranked, small, private undergraduate liberal arts university with highly selective admission criteria and a tradition of teaching excellence emphasizing the integration of the liberal arts and professional education. We are located in Bloomington, IL, a metro area of 190,000 people, which is about a two or three hour drive from Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. We are strongly committed to fostering an environment that values varied perspectives and backgrounds.

Qualifications:

The successful candidate should ideally have completed a Ph.D. degree in Neuroscience, Psychology or a closely related field in the Life Sciences by the start date of August 2026, although ABD will be considered for applicants who will complete their Ph.D. within a year following the start date. A demonstrable commitment to excellence in undergraduate education is essential; as such, preference will be given to candidates with prior teaching and research experience at the university level. 

Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will teach undergraduate neuroscience and psychology courses as well as courses that serve the larger IWU student population. The typical teaching load is three courses per semester (six per year). The successful candidate will also be expected to engage in research and other scholarly activities, provide academic advising to students, and participate in department, college, and university service.

Teaching responsibilities will include introductory behavioral neuroscience and psychology courses as well as advanced seminars or laboratory courses in the candidate’s area of expertise. The ability to teach courses that contribute to the University general education and writing programs will also be highly valued. The specific research area within behavioral neuroscience (animal or human) is open but the applicant’s research program should be able to incorporate undergraduate students. Support for research is provided in the form of start-up funds, laboratory space, computer labs, and university research grants. Tenure-line faculty are eligible for a semester-long, pre-tenure sabbatical after the third year, along with our regular sabbatical program for tenured faculty. Our departmental research efforts are greatly benefited by existing lab space and equipment including animal colony space (e.g. rodent, zebrafish), surgical suites, tissue culture incubators and biosafety cabinets, microscopes, imaging facilities and EEG equipment, as well as a full-time laboratory manager and a university grants office.  

Application Information:

Interested applicants should submit the following files as a single PDF to neurosearch@iwu.edu, with the subject heading "Tenure Track Professor in Neuro/Psych":

Please submit the following: 

  1. a cover letter addressing qualifications 
  2. a curriculum vitae
  3. a statement of one’s teaching philosophy (1-2 pages)
  4. a statement of one’s intended research agenda, including how the applicant will involve undergraduate students in their research (1-2 pages)
  5. a statement that:
  6. addresses how your philosophy and practice have contributed to fostering an environment that values varied perspectives and backgrounds and 
  7. notes how you would collaborate at IWU to embrace a wide range of experiences and viewpoints.
  8. the names and contact information for three professional references
  9. unofficial copies of all academic transcripts

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position has been filled. 

Questions may be directed to the Director of Neuroscience: Dr. Tyler Schwend, Associate Professor of Biology/Neuroscience, at tschwend@iwu.edu.

Illinois Wesleyan University may offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term.

  Compensation and Benefits:

  • Nine-month appointment
  • Salary Range: $59k-$62k, and based on experience
  • The final candidate will pass a pre-employment background investigation.   
  • An overview of IWU benefits can be found here. Illinois Wesleyan University does not sponsor work visas at the time of hire or anytime during employment for this position. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term.

Illinois Wesleyan University is committed to recruiting, supporting, and fostering a community that values a wide range of perspectives and backgrounds among our outstanding faculty, staff, and students. We seek candidates who have a demonstrated commitment to contributing to and enhancing our community in these areas. Illinois Wesleyan University is an EEO Employer. Illinois Wesleyan University’s sexual misconduct policy may be accessed at www.iwu.edu/human-resources/SexualMisconductPolicy.html. Illinois Wesleyan University is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to promoting excellence through a variety of viewpoints.