"Assistant Professor of Psychology (Biopsychology /Social and/or Developmental Neuroscience)"

Job Details

The Department of Psychology at Shawnee State University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Psychology (Biopsychology / Social and/or Developmental Neuroscience) with an anticipated start date of August 2026.

Shawnee State University (SSU) is a small, student-centered public university serving a diverse population, including many first-generation students.

We are located in Portsmouth, Ohio—a close-knit community where individual faculty can make a meaningful impact.

Areas Accepted (Primary Field or Closely Related):

We especially welcome scholars whose work bridges brain/behavior with social processes or lifespan development. For Example:

• Behavioral Neuroscience / Biological Psychology
• Social and/or Cultural Neuroscience
• Social Endocrinology, Developmental Psychobiology or Developmental/Cognitive Neuroscience
• Experimental Psychology (neuroscience or brain/behavior emphasis)
• Sensation & Perception
• Learning & Memory (neuro emphasis)
• Neuropsychology (non-clinical/experimental emphasis)
• Comparative / Evolutionary approaches to brain and behavior

Responsibilities:

Teaching (4/4): Teach four undergraduate courses each fall and spring. Ability to teach broadly is valued.

Priority coverage includes courses in Biopsychology and Neuroscience and/or related disciplines as named above. As departmental needs evolve, the successful candidate might also contribute to courses in Social Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Quantitative Methods (statistics), and Experimental Psychology (research methods).

Curriculum Development: Maintain and enhance Biopsychology and Neuroscience components of the curriculum and/or related discipline(s); help ensure a reliable rotation of upper-division offerings.

Student Mentorship: Provide mentorship and academic advising to undergraduate students, including first-generation and underrepresented learners.

Scholarly Engagement: Engage in research and/or applied scholarship; student inclusion is encouraged.

Service: Participate in department, college, and university service.

The search committee will begin reviewing applications on January 15, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.

To APPLY, please submit the following materials through our online application system:

Cover Letter: Addressed to Dr. Michael Barnhart, Interim Dean, College of Arts & Sciences, detailing how your qualifications and interests fit the position, particularly your commitment to undergraduate instruction.

Curriculum Vitae: Current and comprehensive.

Teaching Philosophy Statement (1-2 pages): Discuss your approach to engaging students and mentoring.

Unofficial Transcripts: Record of graduate coursework representing highest degree attained (official transcripts required upon hire).

References: Contact information for three professional references who can speak to your qualifications.

Reference Contact: Upon submission of your application, your references will receive an email with a unique link to submit their confidential recommendation letters.

Candidates invited for an interview will be required to present a teaching sample (e.g., give a lecture) to demonstrate instructional abilities.

Specific questions regarding this position may be directed to Dr. Rhoni Maxwell-Rader, Psychology Program Coordinator at Rmaxwellrader@shawnee.edu

Shawnee State offers a competitive salary (commensurate with experience and qualifications), including an attractive benefits package (see Overview of Employee Benefits for more information).

Employment with the University is dependent upon BOT budget approval for the fiscal year.

Official transcripts and background check are required prior to hire.

SSU seeks individuals who share our commitment to students as our first priority.

Shawnee State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The University prohibits discrimination against any individual because of race, color, genetic information, religion, age, disability, national origin, ancestry, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status or military status.

Minimum Qualifications

Doctorate (Ph.D. or equivalent) in Biopsychology / Social and/or Developmental Neuroscience or a closely related field by the start date

OR

ABDs considered with a documented pathway to completion within one year of hire

OR

Master’s degree in a listed/related field with at least three years of full-time, college-level teaching experience OR five years of relevant professional experience in a neuroscience/biopsychology-adjacent role.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Instruction Experience: Prior teaching experience at the college level.

Teaching Commitment: Demonstrated dedication to undergraduate teaching and mentorship.

Flexibility: Ability to teach a variety of psychology courses, including statistics, research methods, etc.

Student Engagement: Interest in supporting first-generation college students and contributing to their academic success.

Campus Involvement: Willingness to become an active member of the campus and/or local community.