Assistant Professor of Behavior Analysis (BCBA) and Special Education (6130)

Position Details

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Overview

The Department of Special and Early Education (SEED) at Northern Illinois University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Behavior Analysis beginning August 16, 2027. SEED is a highly collaborative department dedicated to preparing educators, behavior analysts, and leaders who positively impact children, families, schools, and communities. Faculty engage in meaningful partnerships with area school districts, clinics, and community organizations while mentoring undergraduate and graduate students through research, scholarship, and experiential learning opportunities.

Located in DeKalb, Illinois, Northern Illinois University is a comprehensive public research university with a diverse student population of approximately 16,000 students. NIU is committed to student success, educational access, and community engagement, providing students with opportunities for hands-on learning and close interaction with faculty. We seek a colleague who shares these commitments and is dedicated to advancing excellence in teaching, research, and service.

Position Summary

This nine-month, tenure-track appointment will teach coursework in the BCBA certification and special education licensure programs; maintain an active research agenda leading to scholarly publications and presentations; mentor undergraduate and graduate students; and contribute to program, department, college, and professional service.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Teach graduate and/or undergraduate courses in behavior analysis and special education
• Engage in scholarly activities (e.g., research, publications, presentations, grant-writing)
• Advance the goals of the department, college, and university
• Participate in student recruitment and retention initiatives, support innovative program and curricular developments, and mentor undergraduate and graduate students
• Supervise graduate and undergraduate students in clinical, field, and internship experiences

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Earned doctorate in Special Education, Behavior Analysis, or related field such as psychology by time of appointment (ABD considered with established defense date)
• Current Board Certified Behavior Analyst credential
• Evidence of ability to engage in and publish research and present at professional meetings
• Minimum of three years of full-time experience as a behavior analyst or teacher delivering research-based behavioral instruction
• Experience working collaboratively with students, families, and/or colleagues from diverse backgrounds in a professional setting

Additional Requirements

• Ability and willingness to contribute to the organization’s vision and mission of preparing excellent educators
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with people with varying viewpoints
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and social justice
• Expertise in data collection and analysis, intervention, professional development, and translating research to practice
• Experience with or potential for grant development and management

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional experience in special education or behavior analysis (e.g., autism, learning disabilities, transition services, etc.)
• Evidence of effectiveness and innovation in teaching at the college level including hybrid, synchronous, and/or asynchronous instruction
• Experience directing student research
• Experience supervising student teachers or student analysts
• Record of collaboration and scholarly productivity within and across disciplines

Physical Demands Summary

For physical demands and requirements please see human resources policies and protocols.

Appointment and Compensation Details

Application Procedure

For full consideration, please visit Assistant Professor of Behavior Analysis (BCBA) and Special Education to create an application profile and upload all required documents by November 23, 2026.

• Cover letter addressing the qualifications outlined above
• Current CV
• Teaching Philosophy (2 page maximum)
• Research Statement – Describe your scholarly achievements, current research interests, and future research agenda (2 page maximum)
• List of 3 to 5 References
• Unofficial Transcripts (official required upon hire)

Applications received after November 23, 2026 are welcome, but will be considered as needed.

Is Background Check Required

Yes

EEO Statement Summary

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and expression), political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Director of Civil Rights Office, Title IX Coordinator
Health Services 2nd floor
CivilRights@niu.edu
815-753-0455

Visa Policy

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

ADA Accommodation

NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person’s disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form. For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity (AAEO) at ada@niu.edu.

Safety Information

NIU provides annual reports on campus security and fire safety.
Read the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.
Contact the Ethics and Compliance Office at 815-753-9364 for a hard copy.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover Letter
3. List of References
4. Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)

Optional Documents