Professor or Advanced Associate Professor of School Mental Health and the Science of Learning and Development
About the role
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Education (SOE) seeks a preeminent scholar working at the intersection of child development, school mental health, implementation science, and machine learning (expertise spanning at least two of these areas). The position is based in the SOE Dean’s Office (SOE Deans Suite) with a target start date of August 10, 2027 (negotiable). The role aligns with VCU’s One VCU Research priorities and University Research Clusters including Pedagogy, Learning and Community Advancement; Neuroscience, Pain, Addiction and Mental Health; Children and Women’s Health and Wellbeing; AI, Quantum Technologies and Data Science; and Robotics, Machine Learning and Virtual Reality. The successful candidate will join a culture of collaboration that values transdisciplinary, community‑focused research addressing educational, developmental, and mental health outcomes across diverse populations and settings.
Responsibilities
The scholar will be expected to maintain a distinguished record of research, teaching, and leadership within interdisciplinary teams; secure external funding to support a sustained, high‑impact research program; conduct and translate research responsive to varied populations and contexts with attention to access, implementation, engagement, and outcomes; and develop collaborative relationships across the university, school systems, state agencies, research institutes, and policy networks. The role emphasizes contributing to the SOE’s mission of evidence‑based, needs‑driven educational practices that transform lives.
Requirements
- Earned doctorate in education or a closely related field (e.g., science of learning and individual development, school mental health, implementation science, machine learning).
- Distinguished record of teaching, scholarship, and professional service commensurate with tenure at the rank of advanced associate or full professor at a research‑intensive university.
- Well‑developed scholarly/research portfolio that complements existing SOE expertise.
- Sustained impact demonstrated through high‑quality publications.
- Track record of securing external research funding.
- Record of effective leadership and capacity to promote a strong collegial culture and climate.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct and/or translate research responsive to diverse populations and contexts.
- Ability to develop and support collaborative relationships across university, community, school systems, state agencies, research institutes, and policy networks.
- Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience leading or partnering on large center grant proposals.
- Evidence of collaborations with research centers, institutes, and/or community agencies/organizations.
- Evidence of service and leadership in national or international professional associations.
- Evidence of interdisciplinary collaboration in research programs.
- Experience working effectively across cultural, disciplinary, institutional, and community contexts.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health benefits
- Paid annual and holiday leave
- Generous tuition benefits
- Retirement planning and savings options
- Tax‑deferred annuity and cash match programs
- Employee discounts
- Well‑being resources
- Abundant opportunities for career development and advancement
Pay
Salary range: $180,000–$260,000 annually.
Schedule
- Appointment: 9‑month tenure‑track
- Work arrangement: Hybrid
- FLSA status: Exempt
- Hours per week: 1 (as listed; may reflect a data entry convention)
- Rank: Open
- Restricted position: No
- ORP eligible: Yes
Contact
Dr. Kevin Sutherland — kssuther@vcu.edu