Assistant Professor of Psychology & Child Development - Child Development (27/28)

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, is seeking applications for two full-time, academic-year, tenure-track Assistant Professor positions in Developmental Science — one specializing in middle childhood development and one in infant and toddler development — to begin approximately August 12, 2027.

About the Role

The Child Development program aims to advance research and teaching that address contemporary challenges and opportunities in child development, with a focus on deepening expertise in critical developmental periods.

• Middle Childhood (ages 6–12 years): We are particularly interested in candidates whose research addresses salient contexts of development during middle childhood, including:
  • Social identity formation, intergroup cognition, and the psychological impacts of systemic inequities.
  • Use and impacts of technology and media on children’s learning, socialization, and well-being.
• Infant and Toddler Development: Area of specialization within this developmental period is open. The faculty member will contribute to research on children’s learning and development, supporting the department-affiliated Preschool Learning Lab as a hub for innovative scholarship and experiential learning.

Preference will be given to candidates with research specialization in child development among marginalized and underserved populations (e.g., Black, Indigenous, sexual and/or gender minority populations).

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate courses in child development (e.g., Infant and Toddler Development, Early and Middle Childhood Development) and additional developmental courses (e.g., Children’s Development in Diverse Cultures, Developmental Psychology, Adolescence, Family Psychology, Research Methods).
• Propose and develop new courses within the candidate’s area of specialization.
• Balance teaching (12 units per semester, with a reduction in the first two years) with an active program of research, student supervision and advising, and service activities at the department and university levels.

Qualifications

Required:

• Earned doctorate (Ph.D.) in Child Development, Developmental Psychology, Human Development, or a related field from an accredited institution (or international equivalent). Candidates nearing completion (ABD) may be considered but must provide proof the doctorate will be awarded prior to the start of the appointment.
• Specialization in:
  • Middle childhood development (Position 1), or
  • Infant and toddler development (Position 2).
• Evidence of potential for scholarly achievement in the candidate’s area of specialization.
• Demonstrated university teaching experience.
• Proficiency in written and oral use of the English language.

Preferred:

• Specialization in child development among marginalized and underserved populations (e.g., Black, Indigenous, sexual and/or gender minority populations).
• For Position 1: Specialization in social identity formation, intergroup cognition, systemic inequities, or technology/media impacts on development.
• Commitment to broadening the scope of child development to include traditionally underrepresented groups, as demonstrated through research, teaching, or course content.
• Experience with student-centered learning and teaching.
• Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary settings.
• Experience fostering a supportive, inclusive environment for diverse populations.

Benefits

• Reduced teaching load in the first two years to establish an active research program.

Pay

Anticipated hiring range: $90,276 – $98,244 per year ($7,523 – $8,187 per month). Hiring level will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

About the Department

The Psychology & Child Development department includes 24 tenure-track faculty, over 28 part-time lecturers, 790 undergraduate students, and 30 master’s students in Psychology and Child Development. Learn more at http://psycd.calpoly.edu.

Review of applications begins September 15, 2026. Applications received after this date may be considered. Projected start date: August 12, 2027.