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Mellichamp Chair, Mind and Machine Intelligence-Psychological & Brain Sciences

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Position description

The Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences at the University of California, Santa Barbara invites applications for the Mellichamp Endowed Chair in Mind and Machine Intelligence. This is a tenured faculty position at the level of Associate or Full Professor, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2021. The Mind and Machine Intelligence Initiative at UCSB is a joint cross-disciplinary effort by UC Santa Barbara academics to understand the capabilities of the human mind and artificial intelligence (AI), and to design AI that is centered around fruitful interactions with humans. It aims to bring together computational cognitive scientists studying the human mind, with computer scientists and engineers to work on innovative ways to advance the fields of cognitive science and artificial intelligence. https://mind-machine.ucsb.edu/. The Mellichamp Faculty Cluster in Mind and Machine Intelligence is endowed by Duncan and Suzanne Mellichamp who have generously supported several timely initiatives that have helped drive the impressive growth of UC Santa Barbara over the past 50+ years. The candidate will work with the cluster of Mellichamp Endowed Chairs across Psychological and Brain Sciences, Computer Science, and Engineering and contribute to the campus-wide initiative. Successful candidates will have an active program of research in computational approaches to high-level cognition, and bridge psychological/cognitive science models and contemporary approaches to artificial intelligence. Desired topics include learning, cognitive development, language, decision making and reasoning.

The Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences conducts cutting-edge research in core areas of experimental psychology, including cognition and the perceptual sciences, developmental and evolutionary psychology, neuroscience and behavior, and social psychology. The department's commitment to interdisciplinary pursuits are reflected in expansive research and teaching collaborations with a variety of other disciplines, including the biological sciences, anthropology, communication, educational psychology, linguistics, geography, and sociology. UCSB provides a dynamic intellectual environment that prizes academic rigor and creativity to generate discoveries with wide-ranging impact.

Responsibilities of faculty members generally include the development of an actively funded research program of the highest quality, teaching at undergraduate and/or graduate levels, recruitment, supervision, and mentorship of graduate students, and participation in university service and professional activities. Applicants must have a PhD (or equivalent) in psychological & brain sciences or a related field by the time of application. A demonstrated record of excellence in research, and a record of excellent teaching are desired. Successful candidates will have a record of collaborative research, and will be able to leverage synergies within the Department, the Endowed Cluster, and Division. Applicants with a record of research and professional activity commensurate with a tenured appointment will be given preference. The department is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the inclusive excellence of the academic community through research, teaching, and service. Successful candidates for faculty positions will demonstrate evidence of a commitment to equity and inclusion in their application materials, including the Diversity Statement.

Applications should be submitted electronically, and must include:
• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Statement of Research
• Statement of Teaching
• Statement of Service
• Applicants will need to provide contact information for 3 references
• Diversity Activities Statement

Applications received by June 7, 2021 will be given priority consideration, but the position will remain open until filled. To apply please visit https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/apply/JPF01966

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter - Please include any contributions to campus-wide initiatives and how you might contribute intellectually and educationally to the campus-wide UCSB initiative in Mind and Machine Intelligence.

  • Statement of Research

  • Statement of Teaching - Please include a statement of how proposed courses might bridge various disciplines (e.g., Psychology, Computer Science, Economics,Linguistics, etc).

  • Statement of Service Accomplishments

  • Diversity Statement - Please provide a statement on how you have contributed to Diversity in your current or previous roles in teaching, research, other creative work, professional activity, and University and public service.

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)

Job location

Santa Barbara, CA