Major Duties of the Position:
The Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership seeks a talented behavioral scientist for a full time, non-tenure track Instructor position, anticipated to begin on or about July 01, 2026. Applicants must have completed at least a thesis-track terminal Master's degree requirements in Psychology, Sociology, Cognitive Science, Neuroscience, or a closely related field prior to the start date. DFBL integrates psychology, sociology, and leadership studies to prepare future Air and Space Force officers to lead in complex social and information environments. Faculty responsibilities include teaching, scholarship, and service. The Air Force Academy is an in person institution dedicated to high impact undergraduate education and leader development. Experience teaching undergraduates is desirable. Primary teaching responsibilities include courses in the candidate's disciplinary area, departmental service courses such as Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Sociology, Research Methods, and contributions to interdisciplinary leadership curricula.
Faculty typically teach three to four sections per semester with one to two preparations, emphasizing small class engagement and applied learning. The primary focus of Instructor positions is to sustain the department's teaching mission, but they may engage in or support research efforts such as peer reviewed publications and conference presentations, mentor undergraduate research, and pursue collaborative scholarship aligning personal expertise with departmental strengths. The department provides access to laboratory facilities and a participant pool to support research and teaching initiatives. We seek a colleague committed to service and to our academy's mission of developing leaders prepared to confront complex future challenges. Initial service responsibilities include academic advising, with opportunities for broader institutional and professional service as the faculty member progresses. The United States Air Force Academy is a selective four-year undergraduate institution whose graduates earn a Bachelor of Science degree and commission as officers in the Air or Space Force. Our 18,500-acre campus sits at the base of the Rocky Mountains just north of Colorado Springs, a city frequently ranked among the most livable in the nation. Salaries are competitive, include cost of living adjustments, and include non-teaching but in-person working summer months.
The selected candidate will be subject to a security investigation leading to successful completion of a background investigation with a favorable adjudication. The selectee's failure to meet this requirement will be grounds for termination.
Essential qualities expected of every faculty member include the personal attributes of integrity, industry, cooperation, initiative, and breadth of intellectual interests.
Master's degree (see “Qualifications” for required academic disciplines)
The salary shown is the minimum (Annual) amount to be paid and may be set higher commensurate with individual's qualifications and experience.
If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/
As a condition of employment, male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service. For additional information go to: http://www.sss.gov
Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period.
Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS: Master's Degree (or higher) in Psychology, Sociology, Cognitive Science, Neuroscience or a closely allied field by the start date.
ACADEMIC DISCIPLINES:
Psychology, Sociology, Cognitive Science, Neuroscience or a closely allied field
It is highly desired that your cover letter and/or curriculum vitae address the following areas, as appropriate:
Teaching Accomplishments: Include teaching experience and teaching awards.
Professional Accomplishments: Include research, consultations, publications, and awards.
Inquiries about the position should be directed to the Search Committee Chair, Lt Col Erika King, email: erika.king@afacademy.af.edu. Please do not email documents or completed applications to this address as they will not be considered.
Education
EDUCATION: If selected, you will be requested to provide original copies of ALL OFFICIAL transcripts for degrees being pursued or obtained (or letter of degree completion if an OFFICIAL transcript is not available due to recent graduation) to support your educational claims as stated in your curriculum vitae. Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a transcript to be considered OFFICIAL, it should be printed on university letterhead and the registrar's official seal/signature must appear on the transcript. Your transcripts must also reflect the degree awarded/conferred date. Transcripts labeled UNOFFICIAL will not be accepted.
Upon request, ensure you include ALL transcripts to support your educational claims as stated in your curriculum vitae (resume) even if not required for this position.
FOREIGN EDUCATION:
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the educational requirements. However, you must show proof that the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying in the form of an "official" statement of U.S. equivalency from a Department of Education approved (non-federal) agency (i.e. AICE, NACES), who will complete a U.S. Standard of Education Conversion.
Additional information
The USAF Academy does not offer tenure. Initial faculty appointments are for 3 years. At the end of the second year, the original appointment may be extended for an additional 3 years (6 years total) with the possibility of successive extensions. This appointment system provides long-term employment stability for reappointment-eligible faculty with extensions occurring with at least 3 years remaining on a current appointment. Extensions are based on an assessment of performance, Air Force and departmental needs, and financial constraints. Historically, 95% of eligible faculty are extended, and the average length of time on faculty for those currently serving in this system exceeds 12 years.
Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required by PL 104-134 to have federal payments made by Direct Deposit.
Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.
Current Federal Civilian employees may apply for temporary and term positions and if selected, a break in service may be required prior to appointment to the position.
Temporary and Term Appointments: If you are selected for a temporary or term position in the excepted service, your appointment may be extended to the maximum period allowed by law without further competition.
Individuals who are eligible for Schedule A, 213.3102(u) appointments cannot be referred under the Air Force Selective Placement Program process for faculty positions. Schedule A applicants must apply via instructions in the "How to Apply" section and applications must be received by the closing date of the announcement. Late or incomplete application packages will not be considered.
USAFA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants with disabilities.
Please ensure your application package DOES NOT CONTAIN ANY PHOTOGRAPHS, applications submitted with any documents that include photographs will not be considered.
Applications submitted under this announcement will be considered ONLY for this vacancy.
Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here.
If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Starting September 27, 2025, USAJOBS began restricting all resumes to two pages in length. The restriction does NOT apply to this position. Please upload your Resume/Curriculum Vitae using the Other Documents - Curriculum Vitae option. You are still required to provide a document in the Resume section to successfully submit your application. In the Resume section, please upload a document informing your Resume/Curriculum Vitae was submitted using Other Documents.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
This position is not in the competitive civil service and late applications from veterans do not apply.
Applicants will be assessed based on their teaching credentials, scholarship, service, and education.
Your application package (curriculum vitae / resume and cover letter) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment. Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.
Interested persons should submit a curriculum vitae and a statement of interest that addresses the ways in which the applicant's qualifications meet the requirements of the ad to include evidence of teaching excellence and promise of research productivity. Additional documents are required to complete your application package, please reference the "How to Apply" and "Required Documents" section for more information.
Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
The following documents are required and must be received by the closing date of the announcement.
Letter of application (cover letter)
Resume/Curriculum Vitae: When applying, please submit your Resume/Curriculum Vitae using the Other Documents - Curriculum Vitae section on the Documents page due to the resume length restriction addressed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section above.
Veterans' preference documents, if applicable (i.e. DD-214 or Proof of Service letter (if active duty military), SF-15, Veterans Affairs letter for federal employment)
It is highly desired that your cover letter and/or curriculum vitae address the following areas, as appropriate:
Teaching Accomplishments: Include teaching experience and teaching awards.
Professional Accomplishments: Include research, consultations, publications, and awards.
Service Accomplishments: Include memberships, leadership roles, nature of service and contribution in collegial and/or professional organizations, societies, etc.
Please also reference the "Required Qualifications" section for other documents desired by the hiring committee. Any supplemental documents intended for the hiring committee should be attached to the cover letter as a single file. Supplemental documents with large file sizes can be substituted with a link to comply with the 5MB maximum size of files submitted through this platform.
An incomplete package will result in non-consideration of your application.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the date the announcement closes, 05/05/2026.
To begin the application process, click the Blue Apply Button at the top of the page to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
1. Your Resume/Curriculum Vitae
If you submit more than one Resume/Curriculum Vitae, only the most recent (latest) will be reviewed to determine your qualifications. The "most recent" is considered the resume with the latest timestamp.
For qualification determination your Resume/Curriculum Vitae must contain hours worked per week and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your Resume/Curriculum Vitae does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient, and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade, i.e. GS-0301-09. Current Federal Civilian Employees may list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and/or incentive awards in your Resume/Curriculum Vitae.
Do NOT include photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. If the resume you submit contains such information you will not be considered for this vacancy.
Your name, first and last, MUST be included on your resume.
2. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name.
3. Help recruiters find you. Make your resume and profile searchable, which means recruiters may contact you about possible jobs. Additional information may be located here.
PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date *All close dates are 11:59 PM Eastern Time*. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan. Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.
USAFA Faculty
5136 Eagle Drive
USAF Academy, CO 80840
US
Next steps
You will receive an email acknowledging receipt of your application.
You will receive an email notification upon referral/non-referral.
If you are determined to be ineligible, you will receive an email of non- referral and your application will receive no further consideration.
If you are determined to be eligible, you will receive an email of referral and your application will be forwarded to the selection committee for further consideration.
If referred to the selection committee, you will be notified when a selection or final disposition is made.
Hard copy notifications will not be sent.
The USAFA Faculty Recruitment team will not have any updates while the applications are with the selection committee. If the selection committee has any questions or requires further documentation, they will contact applicants directly. We do not have the authority to disclose the hiring committees' information.
If selected, the following may be requested:
OFFICIAL copies of your transcripts that also reflect the degree awarded/conferred date. For a transcript to be considered OFFICIAL, it should be printed on university letterhead and the registrar's seal/signature must appear on the transcript. You MUST provide original copies of ALL transcripts for degrees being pursued or obtained (or letter of degree completion if a transcript is not available due to recent graduation) to support your educational claims as stated in your curriculum vitae.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities (e.g. Oxford) may be used to meet requirements, but applicants must obtain a statement of U.S. equivalency from a Department of Education approved (non-federal) credentialing agency (i.e. AICE, NACES), who will complete a U.S. Standard of Education Conversion for education completed in foreign colleges or universities.
List of three professional references (to include name, complete mailing address, email, and phone number)
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
The following documents are required and must be received by the closing date of the announcement.
Letter of application (cover letter)
Resume/Curriculum Vitae: When applying, please submit your Resume/Curriculum Vitae using the Other Documents - Curriculum Vitae section on the Documents page due to the resume length restriction addressed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section above.
Veterans' preference documents, if applicable (i.e. DD-214 or Proof of Service letter (if active duty military), SF-15, Veterans Affairs letter for federal employment)
It is highly desired that your cover letter and/or curriculum vitae address the following areas, as appropriate:
Teaching Accomplishments: Include teaching experience and teaching awards.
Professional Accomplishments: Include research, consultations, publications, and awards.
Service Accomplishments: Include memberships, leadership roles, nature of service and contribution in collegial and/or professional organizations, societies, etc.
Please also reference the "Required Qualifications" section for other documents desired by the hiring committee. Any supplemental documents intended for the hiring committee should be attached to the cover letter as a single file. Supplemental documents with large file sizes can be substituted with a link to comply with the 5MB maximum size of files submitted through this platform.
An incomplete package will result in non-consideration of your application.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the date the announcement closes, 05/05/2026.
To begin the application process, click the Blue Apply Button at the top of the page to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
1. Your Resume/Curriculum Vitae
If you submit more than one Resume/Curriculum Vitae, only the most recent (latest) will be reviewed to determine your qualifications. The "most recent" is considered the resume with the latest timestamp.
For qualification determination your Resume/Curriculum Vitae must contain hours worked per week and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your Resume/Curriculum Vitae does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient, and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade, i.e. GS-0301-09. Current Federal Civilian Employees may list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and/or incentive awards in your Resume/Curriculum Vitae.
Do NOT include photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. If the resume you submit contains such information you will not be considered for this vacancy.
Your name, first and last, MUST be included on your resume.
2. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name.
3. Help recruiters find you. Make your resume and profile searchable, which means recruiters may contact you about possible jobs. Additional information may be located here.
PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date *All close dates are 11:59 PM Eastern Time*. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan. Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.
USAFA Faculty
5136 Eagle Drive
USAF Academy, CO 80840
US
Next steps
You will receive an email acknowledging receipt of your application.
You will receive an email notification upon referral/non-referral.
If you are determined to be ineligible, you will receive an email of non- referral and your application will receive no further consideration.
If you are determined to be eligible, you will receive an email of referral and your application will be forwarded to the selection committee for further consideration.
If referred to the selection committee, you will be notified when a selection or final disposition is made.
Hard copy notifications will not be sent.
The USAFA Faculty Recruitment team will not have any updates while the applications are with the selection committee. If the selection committee has any questions or requires further documentation, they will contact applicants directly. We do not have the authority to disclose the hiring committees' information.
If selected, the following may be requested:
OFFICIAL copies of your transcripts that also reflect the degree awarded/conferred date. For a transcript to be considered OFFICIAL, it should be printed on university letterhead and the registrar's seal/signature must appear on the transcript. You MUST provide original copies of ALL transcripts for degrees being pursued or obtained (or letter of degree completion if a transcript is not available due to recent graduation) to support your educational claims as stated in your curriculum vitae.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities (e.g. Oxford) may be used to meet requirements, but applicants must obtain a statement of U.S. equivalency from a Department of Education approved (non-federal) credentialing agency (i.e. AICE, NACES), who will complete a U.S. Standard of Education Conversion for education completed in foreign colleges or universities.
List of three professional references (to include name, complete mailing address, email, and phone number)
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
