Assistant Professor of Child and Adolescent Studies

California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in the Department of Child and Adolescent Studies, beginning Fall 2027. The department seeks scholars whose expertise expands its mission to prepare undergraduate students for careers working with children, adolescents, and families from diverse backgrounds. Preference will be given to candidates with expertise in child mental health and/or developmental disorders, development and learning in middle childhood, or best practices to support children in early childhood settings.

About the University

California State University, Fullerton is a leading public university known for its strong academic programs and commitment to student success. As one of the largest campuses in the CSU system, Cal State Fullerton fosters innovation, collaboration, and professional growth. The university values teaching, research, and service, creating an environment where students, staff, and faculty thrive.

CSUF is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. The university received the Seal of Excelencia in 2021 and 2024 from Excelencia in Education, the nation’s leading authority on Latinx student success. With a diverse student population of over 45,000 and a faculty and staff population of 4,000, CSUF is committed to helping students achieve academic excellence, career success, and economic mobility.

About the Department

The Department of Child and Adolescent Studies (CAS), housed in the College of Health and Human Development (HHD), is dedicated to promoting the well-being of children, adolescents, and families through teaching, research, and reflective practice. The college’s mission is to prepare students to thrive in a globalized era by advancing human health, development, and well-being.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate courses in child and adolescent studies.
• Conduct research and scholarship in an area of expertise, with a focus on advancing the development, health, and well-being of children and/or families.
• Provide service to the university, college, department, profession, and community, including participation in committees, faculty meetings, and academic functions.
• Maintain office hours and collaborate productively with colleagues.
• Integrate technology into instruction and support a diverse student population.

Positive tenure and promotion decisions require excellent teaching, peer-reviewed publication, and high-quality service to the department, college, university, and external community.

Requirements

• Earned doctorate in Developmental Psychology, Child Development, Child and Family Studies, Clinical Psychology, Education, Learning Sciences, or a closely related field prior to appointment.
• Strong foundation and training in developmental theory and research.
• Commitment to providing high-quality undergraduate education and demonstrated ability to teach students with diverse backgrounds.
• Evidence of scholarship related to child development and a research agenda that advances the development, health, and well-being of children and/or families.
• Interest in preparing undergraduates to work effectively with children, adolescents, and families from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to balance excellent teaching, scholarship, and service.
• Demonstrated potential for effective integration of technology into instruction.
• Demonstrated commitment to working effectively with students from intersecting marginalized social groups.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in applied settings related to child development.
• Expertise in evidence-based approaches to support:
  • Child mental health and/or developmental disorders (e.g., developmental psychopathology, neurodiversity, maltreatment).
  • Development and learning in middle childhood (e.g., in elementary school settings, after-school care).
  • Early childhood development/education (e.g., preschool, Head Start, transitional kindergarten).

Benefits

CSUF offers an excellent comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Health, vision, and dental plans.
• Spouse, domestic partner, and dependent fee-waiver.
• Access to campus child-care.
• A defined-benefit retirement plan.

Additional perks may include summer research grants, moving expenses, start-up funds, and a reduced teaching load.

Pay

The Assistant Professor (2026-2027) classification salary range is $6,221 to $13,224 monthly (12 monthly payments per academic year). The anticipated hiring range is $6,791 to $6,927 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications. The California Equal Pay Act ensures equitable compensation for substantially similar work.