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

Cal Poly•San Luis, CA

3d•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), focusing on areas such as social identity formation, intergroup cognition, the psychological impacts of systemic inequities, and the use and impacts of technology and media. The second position specializes in infant and toddler development, with an open area of specialization within this period, contributing to the department's Preschool Learning Lab. Both positions require a strong commitment to teaching excellence, university-level teaching experience, and evidence of professional activity that builds a research program. The successful candidates will teach undergraduate courses in child development and may also teach other developmental courses, research methods, or specialized topics. New courses within the candidate's area of specialization may also be proposed. The typical teaching load is 12 units per semester, with a reduction in the first two years to support 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 is required.

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 also 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).
Student supervision and advising.
Participation in service activities at the department and college/university level.