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

Cal Poly•San Luis Obispo, CA

5d•$90,276 - $98,244•Onsite

About The Position

The Psychology & Child Development Department in the College of Liberal Arts at 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 position specializes in middle childhood development (ages 6-12 years) and the other in infant and toddler development. These roles aim to advance research and teaching in child development, supporting departmental, college, and university goals. The middle childhood position is particularly interested in candidates whose research addresses social identity formation, intergroup cognition, systemic inequities, and the use/impacts of technology and media on children. The infant and toddler position is open in terms of specialization within this developmental period and will contribute to the Preschool Learning lab. Both positions require a strong commitment to teaching excellence, university-level teaching experience, and evidence of professional activity supporting a research program. Preference will be given to candidates with research specialization in child development among marginalized and underserved populations. The successful candidates will teach undergraduate courses in child development, potentially including Infant and Toddler Development, Early and Middle Childhood Development, Children’s Development in Diverse Cultures, Developmental Psychology, Adolescence, Family Psychology, Research Methods, and upper-division electives. New courses within the candidate’s specialization may also be proposed. While Cal Poly is primarily a teaching university, faculty are expected to balance teaching with research, student supervision, advising, and service activities. The typical teaching load is 12 units per semester, with a reduction in the first two years to support new faculty research establishment.

Requirements

An 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 of the doctorate (ABD) may be considered but must provide proof that the doctorate will be awarded prior to the start of the appointment.
Position 1: Specialization in middle childhood development.
Position 2: Specialization in infant and toddler development.
Evidence of potential for scholarly achievement in candidate’s area of specialization.
Demonstrated university teaching experience.
Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language.

Nice To Haves

Specialization within one of the following areas: child development among marginalized and underserved populations (including, but not limited to, Black, Indigenous, and sexual and/or gender minority populations).
Position 1: Specialization in social identity formation, intergroup cognition, and the psychological impacts of systemic inequities or use and impacts of technology and media.
A commitment to broadening the scope of child development to include traditionally underrepresented groups, as demonstrated through research, teaching, and/or course content.
Demonstrated experience and commitment to student-centered learning and teaching.
Demonstrated ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings.
Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive environment.
Relevant work experience.
Professional capabilities.

Responsibilities

Teach undergraduate courses in child development (e.g., Infant and Toddler Development, and Early and Middle Childhood Development).
May teach additional developmental courses (e.g., Children’s Development in Diverse Cultures, Developmental Psychology, Adolescence, Family Psychology), Research Methods, and/or upper-division courses on select topics in child development.
Propose new courses within the candidate’s area of specialization.
Balance teaching with an active program of research/professional development (including publication).
Provide student supervision and advising.
Participate in service activities at the department and college/university level.