Assistant Professor of Developmental Psychology

Union College invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor of DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY, broadly defined, beginning September 1, 2027. Review of applications will begin on 9/1/2026 and continue until the position is filled. Applications received by 10/1/2026 will receive priority consideration.

The Department of Psychology at Union College, Schenectady, New York, invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor specializing in Developmental Psychology, broadly defined. The area of specialization is less important than research and teaching excellence. The ability to teach, advise, and mentor a diverse population of undergraduates is essential. Demonstrated understanding of teaching and conducting research in a small liberal arts college setting is especially desirable.

Our new colleague will offer 2 courses per trimester at a variety of levels, including a combination of some of the following: introductory psychology, statistics, developmental psychology, and an upper-level seminar in developmental psychology within the applicant’s domain. Desirable research areas include, but are not limited to, cognitive, social, emotional, moral, or language development; developmental psychopathology; clinically relevant or neurodevelopmental approaches; cultural and contextual influences on development; and applied or translational research. We would be especially interested in scholars who study cultural differences, racial inequality, or under-resourced communities.

We also welcome a colleague with the ability to provide a developmental perspective on topics that contribute to the College's general education curriculum.

We expect that our new colleague will establish and maintain a dynamic research program that involves our undergraduate students. A PhD in Psychology or a related field by appointment date is required. The college and department provide outstanding research support, including generous startup funds, and ongoing internal funding opportunities for both faculty and student research. Nearby schools, children’s museums, childcare facilities, and farmers’ markets offer participant-recruitment opportunities. Shared departmental resources include eye-tracking and electroencephalography (EEG) equipment. The college also maintains an active Faculty Development Institute that provides mentorship and various other forms of support towards growing faculty teaching, scholarship, and leadership.

About the Psychology Department:

The Psychology department consists of 13 accomplished scholars at various career stages, with diverse research expertise. We teach small courses and work closely with students, who are active in our research laboratories. We have ample research facilities, institutional support for student research, and host a vibrant speaker series that supports research collaborations.

The department recognizes the rich possibilities of interdisciplinary studies and currently provides support for the Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies and Neuroscience programs.

The department is strongly committed to creating and maintaining a welcoming environment for individuals from a full range of backgrounds, perspectives, and identities, which is central to developing a rigorous and informed education in Psychology, and to our mission of preparing students for a globally interconnected world. Our goal is to create and support a diverse environment in which people from varied backgrounds can succeed and thrive.

The College is located in New York’s Capital Region, a metropolitan area of over one million people. Our region offers affordable, livable neighborhoods and a variety of interesting cultural and recreational opportunities. In addition, both New York City, Boston, and Montreal are located within a three-hour drive from campus.

Application instructions:

Please submit all application materials as pdf files. Only the materials listed below will be considered.

• Application letter

• Curriculum vitae

• Statements of teaching and research interests, which should include descriptions of experience, commitment, and activities toward making classroom and research spaces inclusive for all students, and/or how personal approaches to teaching and research can contribute to a diverse community

• Representative examples of 2-5 syllabi from courses you have taught (no course evaluations, please)

• Evidence of scholarship, including a representative selection of 2-5 peer-reviewed publications.

Please direct inquiries to Joshua Hart, Chair of the search committee, at [email protected]. Applicants invited to the first round of interviews will receive a request for the contact information for three professional references who can speak to their abilities in research, teaching, and departmental and institutional service.

Compensation:

The annual salary range for this position is $81,500-$83,500.  Except for roles with a set rate of pay, the wage/salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The stated hiring rate/range represents the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the rate/range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Location: Schenectady, NY

We offer exceptional benefits including:

• Healthcare: Medical (PPO & HDHP), Dental, and Vision Insurance (Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts)
• Free On-Campus Fitness Facility Access and Discounts for On-Campus Wellness Programs
• Pre and Post Tax participation in a 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Salary Continuation Program in the event of Disability
• Tuition Exchange

Background Checks: In accordance with our background check policy, finalists for hire will undergo a background check that includes education, employment, and criminal convictions.

E-Verify Participation: Union College participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify and your Right to Work (Derecho a Trabajar).