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Brain Imaging Center Director, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences
Position overview
Position title: Assistant Professor, Associate Professor , Full ProfessorApplication Window
Open date: September 21, 2026
Next review date: Sunday, Nov 1, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Wednesday, Jun 30, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position description
The Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences at the University of California, Santa Barbara invites applications for an open-rank, tenured or tenure-track faculty position in Human Neuroscience (or a related field) to serve as the Director of the UCSB Brain Imaging Center (BIC). The ideal candidate will bring an active, cutting-edge research program in any domain of human neuroscience along with technical expertise, leadership skills, and a compelling vision for advancing the Center's core research mission.
As Director of the BIC, the successful candidate will provide strategic and operational leadership for a state-of-the-art campus core facility. Equipped with a 3T Siemens PRISMAfit MRI system, MRI-compatible high-density EEG hardware, and advanced stimulus presentation devices, the Center supports cutting-edge structural and functional brain imaging research across campus. Directorship responsibilities include identifying growth opportunities for the BIC to advance a vibrant and innovative research program, securing external funding, managing administrative staff, and overseeing technical equipment maintenance and upgrades. The Director will also govern scanner access policies, handle annual budgeting and reporting, coordinate protocols for incidental findings, and actively support the broader UCSB neuroimaging community.
In addition to leading the BIC, the candidate will contribute fully to the academic life of the Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences. Responsibilities of faculty members generally include the development of an actively funded research program of high quality, teaching at undergraduate and/or graduate levels, mentorship of undergraduate students, recruitment, supervision, and mentorship of graduate students, and participation in university service and professional activities that meets expectations for faculty rank and step. UCSB fosters a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary environment that connects brain sciences with bioengineering, computer science, biological sciences, and linguistics.
Department: https://psych.ucsb.edu/
Qualifications
A Ph.D.or M.D., or equivalent degree conferred in Psychological and Brain Sciences or a discipline related to use of neuroimaging technologies
▪ 4 years of experience in a Tenure Track position (Assistant Prof. or equivalent) OR present appointment as an Associate Professor or higher
▪ Minimum of 4 years using MRI brain imagining technology .
● Minimum of 5 years of direct experience with MRI brain imaging methodologies.
● An active, cutting-edge research program aligned or synergistic with one or more core departmental areas (Cognition, Perception, & Cognitive Neuroscience; Neurobiology & Behavior; Social Psychology; or Developmental & Evolutionary Psychology).
● Record of scholarly publications using brain imaging techniques and/or analyzing brain imaging data.
● Previous leadership experience within a department, university, or core facility.
● Experience with technical oversight of brain imaging equipment and infrastructure.
● Experience in a clinical environment using brain imaging technology/(f)MRI
● Experience teaching (f)MRI methods at the undergraduate and/or graduate level.
Application Requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter - Cover letters should include a brief summary of educational qualifications, research interests and how they align with the department's focus, notable publications, grants, and projects.
Statement of Research - Please describe research experience and interests, highlighting major contributions to the field thus far as well as areas to be investigated in future work. This statement may also include information about the candidate’s open science practices, possible areas of collaboration within the department or campus, and the potential for sustained impact of the research (3 pages max)
Statement of Teaching & Mentoring - Please describe teaching experience and interests, highlighting courses taught and/or planned, and teaching approaches and practices (e.g., lecturing style, assessment choices) adopted or likely to be adopted in these courses. This statement should also include a description of mentoring experience and approach (3 pages max)
Statement of Experience with Brain Imaging Technology and Future Vision of the Brain Imaging Center - Please describe training background, experience with, and approach to solving technical issues associated with modern MRI systems. If the candidate has played a key role in newly-developed methods or approaches, these should be highlighted. If there is prior experience in a leadership role supporting an imaging center, this should be described. This statement should articulate a vision for the future of UCSB's Brain Imaging Center in terms of research collaborations, funding, and innovations in brain imaging technology. (4 pages max)
Representative Publication #1 - Uploaded publications are encouraged to demonstrate scholarly accomplishments related to neuroimaging and/or creative or novel uses of neuroimaging to advance understanding of the human mind and brain
Representative Publication #2
Representative Publication #3
- 3 required (contact information only)
Applicants should provide the names and contact information for 3 references and reference letters will be requested at the shortlist stage. Reference letters should address the candidate's potential as the BIC Director.
Help contact: pamelawilks@ucsb.edu
About UC Santa Barbara
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
- “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination as defined by the employer.
- UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
- UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, students and third parties
- APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment
Additionally, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.