Assistant Professor of Child Development

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to conduct research, teaching, and outreach that contribute to the mission of the department (https://www.ndsu.edu/hdfs/about_us). Specific responsibilities include:

• Maintain a strong program of scholarly research related to child development (e.g., applied concepts and contexts, socio-emotional, cognitive, at-risk groups, etc.).
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses primarily in child development (two courses per semester).
• Advise undergraduates and mentor graduate students.
• Participate in professional service activities and outreach.
• Contribute to department governance and foster a professional and collaborative environment within the department, university, and larger community.

The Department and University: The Department of Human Development and Family Science (www.ndsu.edu/hdfs) is a collegial environment that includes 15 full-time faculty, approximately 400 undergraduate majors, 225 undergraduate minors, and 99 graduate students. The Department offers an undergraduate degree with emphases in child and adolescent development, family science, adult development and aging, as well as dual degree collaborations with elementary education and social work. The department also offers master’s degrees in counseling and in HDFS with emphases in family financial planning, gerontology, and youth development, as well as doctoral degrees in developmental science and counselor education and supervision.

NDSU is distinctive as a student-focused, land-grant, research university, ranked by the National Science Foundation among the top 100 public research universities in the country. NDSU has attained the Carnegie Classification of “Research Universities/High Research Activity,” with total research expenditures topping $190 million in the most recent National Science Foundation survey. NDSU is located in Fargo, rated as one of the best places to live and for family (https://www.ndsu.edu/news/national_attention/). 

Minimum Qualifications

• Earned doctorate with a child development focus (by August 2027) in HDFS, Developmental Science, Developmental Psychology, or a closely related discipline.
• An active program of research in child development. The specific area is open, but candidates focusing on research within middle childhood, applied contexts, with diverse and underrepresented populations, on topics of socioemotional or cognitive development, or atypical development are especially encouraged to apply.
• Evidence of effective independent instruction.
• Evidence of potential to publish research and secure external funding.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Effective interpersonal skills, including ability to interact and collaborate effectively with diverse colleagues and students.
• Demonstrated the commitment to departmental, university, professional service, and/or community engagement.

Preferred Qualifications

• An established record of high-quality research publications.
• Evidence of high-quality instruction, advising, and mentoring of students.
• Experience with online instruction.
• Sophisticated understanding of multiple and/or mixed research and analytical methods.

Applications

Review of applications will begin on October 15, 2026; applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed until a suitable candidate is selected and recommended for appointment. To apply, submit a letter of application, graduate transcripts, curriculum vitae, description of research program, statement of teaching philosophy, and names and contact information of three references via the NDSU Human Resources website (www.ndsu.edu/employment). Reference letters will be requested at a later date. Questions about the search can be directed to Dr. Wen Wang, wen.wang@ndsu.edu, chair of the search committee.

NDSU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable. Direct inquiries to: Vice Provost, Title IX/ADA Coordinator, Old Main 201, NDSU Main Campus, Fargo, ND, 58108, 701-231-7708, ndsu.eoaa@ndsu.edu. NDSU is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Visit ndsu.edu/equity or call 701-231-7708 for more information. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Apply Here:

https://prd.hcm.ndus.edu/psp/recruit/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1&JobOpeningId=2959783&PostingSeq=1