Assistant Professor of Developmental Psychology

Union College invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in Developmental Psychology, broadly defined, beginning September 1, 2027. Review of applications will begin on September 1, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. Applications received by October 1, 2026 will receive priority consideration.

About the Role

The Department of Psychology at Union College seeks an Assistant Professor specializing in Developmental Psychology. 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 establish and maintain a dynamic research program that involves undergraduate students. A PhD in Psychology or a related field by the appointment date is required.

Responsibilities

• Teach 2 courses per trimester at a variety of levels, including a combination of some of the following:
  • Introductory psychology
  • Statistics
  • Developmental psychology
  • An upper-level seminar in developmental psychology within the applicant’s domain
• Advise and mentor a diverse undergraduate student population
• Contribute a developmental perspective to the College's general education curriculum

Research and Teaching Interests

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
• Applied or translational research

We are especially interested in scholars who study cultural differences, racial inequality, or under-resourced communities.

Department and Resources

The Psychology department consists of 13 accomplished scholars with diverse research expertise. The department offers:

• Small courses and close collaboration with students
• Ample research facilities and institutional support for student research
• Shared departmental resources, including eye-tracking and electroencephalography (EEG) equipment
• A vibrant speaker series supporting research collaborations
• Generous startup funds and ongoing internal funding opportunities for faculty and student research
• Support for interdisciplinary studies, including Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies and Neuroscience programs

The College is located in New York’s Capital Region, a metropolitan area of over one million people with affordable, livable neighborhoods and diverse cultural and recreational opportunities. New York City, Boston, and Montreal are within a three-hour drive.

Nearby resources for research include schools, children’s museums, childcare facilities, and farmers’ markets, offering participant-recruitment opportunities.

The Faculty Development Institute provides mentorship and support for teaching, scholarship, and leadership growth.

Qualifications

• PhD in Psychology or a related field by the appointment date
• Demonstrated commitment to teaching, advising, and mentoring undergraduates from diverse backgrounds
• Experience or potential to establish a dynamic research program involving undergraduate students

Benefits

• 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

Pay

The annual salary range for this position is $81,500–$83,500. The final salary will be set based on departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training.