"Assistant Professor of Psychology"

Job Description

Nevada State University invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Psychology. We seek candidates who are passionate about fostering student success among a highly diverse undergraduate student population and will have exhibited excellence in high-quality teaching at the undergraduate level, including involving undergraduates in research.

Faculty teach 24 credits per academic year (4 courses per semester) in which half of the faculty's instructional load is dedicated to core courses in the psychology curriculum. See qualifications below for more detail.

About Psychology & Counseling at Nevada State:

The Psychology & Counseling Department offers a bachelor of arts in psychology and a minor in counseling that is focused on substance abuse and addiction treatment. Students who major in psychology begin their coursework in the General BA degree, but have the option of choosing one of three specializations: Clinical and Mental Health, Developmental, or Intergroup Dynamics and Social Equity. We are dedicated to providing students with rigorous academic preparation in the science of psychology, requiring all majors to complete one of three capstone courses. This preparation emphasizes an empirical approach to the study of psychology with a concerted focus on the use of research methodology and evidence-based strategies to better understand and solve problems. Ultimately, our program aims to cultivate well-rounded students with the knowledge, critical thinking skills, and lifelong learning skills needed to succeed in the workplace and/or in graduate school. Read more here about the experiences of being a faculty member at a teaching-focused institution from the perspective of one of our faculty members.

You will join a program of seven full-time faculty whose areas of expertise span clinical, counseling, neuroscience, health, social, personality, and developmental/educational psychology. Faculty are provided with supported professional development opportunities to strengthen their teaching and scholarship. In addition, the department has a shared research lab space that includes spaces for interviews/single participant studies, group studies, observational research using a one-way mirror and/or built-in cameras, and research assistant workspaces. Visit our department website to learn more about the psychology and counseling department.

About the institution:

Nevada State University, a four-year Minority Serving public institution with a statewide mission, is dedicated to excellence in teaching and learning and committed to the advancement of a diverse and largely underserved student population. Designated a Hispanic Serving (HSI) and Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Institution (AANAPI), Nevada State is a university where teaching and student support are valued above all else.

Nevada State University continues to grow as an institution of higher education. In Fall 2024, the enrollment surpassed 7,500, with 7,464 undergraduate students and 85 graduate students. A majority of our students are first generation, racial/ethnic minorities, parents, and/or returning students, of which 41% are Hispanic, 13% are Asian/Pacific Islander, 9% are Black/African American, 22% are White, and 6% are multiracial.

We celebrate the storied backgrounds of our campus community. We operate with a shared commitment to represent and serve the diverse population of Nevada and to encourage the exchange of ideas that respects and honors the lived experiences of our students, staff, and faculty. We foster a culture of inclusive excellence so our members can live authentically, fully engage, and flourish. In order to strengthen the university and progress its mission, the university dedicates itself to intentional and ongoing reflection to meeting the evolving needs of Nevada State University, the surrounding communities, and the State of Nevada.

We seek applicants who are passionate about working with this promising student population and collaborating with faculty and staff across departments to make a lasting impact in developing our institution and our community.

We encourage you to highlight your background in fostering an inclusive campus culture and supporting the success of students who are historically underrepresented in higher education.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Teach lower- and upper-level courses in psychology and/or counseling in a variety of formats (e.g., in-person, hybrid, online).
• Teach 24 credits per academic year, which amounts to four courses per semester.
• Approximately half of this instructional load will be dedicated to core courses in the psychology curriculum.
• Advise majors/minors.
• Serve on departmental and college-wide committees.
• Engage in scholarly activity within your discipline or in the scholarship of teaching and learning.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Psychology or a related field (Candidates who are ABD are eligible with the expectation that the Ph.D. will be completed by July 31, 2026).
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching and a genuine interest in joining Nevada State University.
• Demonstrated dedication to or interest in working with a diverse student population.
• Ability to teach core courses which include:
  • Introductory Psychology
  • Statistics and/or Research Methods
  • Capstone course (PSY 375 or PSY 490)
• Ability to teach courses in the applicant's area(s) of expertise (review list of PSY and COU courses)
• Eligibility to work in the United States without sponsorship (Nevada State does not sponsor employment-related visas).

Please note: Applicants must meet the posted minimum qualifications at the time of application in order to be considered for the position.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to teach one or more of the following courses:
  • Introductory Psychology
  • Introductory Research Methods
  • Advanced Research Methods
  • Lifespan Development (as an area of expertise)
  • Perception (as an area of expertise)
  • Neuroscience (as an area of expertise)
  • Drugs and Behavior (as an area of expertise)
• Interest and experience in mentoring undergraduates in research.
• Experience in web-based learning management systems (e.g., Canvas).
• Experience with (or desire to teach) online, hybrid, or evening classes.

Rank, Salary & Benefits:

9-month. Tenure-track. Budgeted salary for this position is $73,471. Nevada State University offers excellent benefits, including 19.25% retirement match, beginning balance of 30 sick leave days, 12 paid holidays, educational benefits, and three health insurance plans that can be supplemented with flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts.

This Posting is Open Until Filled

The posting will remain open until filled, with the first review of applications to begin on November 17, 2025. Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply by November 16 for full consideration.

Direct questions to Celeste Velazquez, Administrative Assistant, at celeste.velazquez@nevadastate.edu.

Required Attachment(s)

Please upload the following documents:

• Detailed CV or resume listing relevant qualifications and experience;
• Cover letter describing excellence in teaching that also addresses how you infuse diversity, equity, and inclusion principles throughout your work (e.g., teaching, mentoring, advising, research, and/or institutional service)
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy;
• Up to two additional documents of your choice demonstrating excellence and effectiveness in teaching (e.g., sample assignments, feedback on student writing, student evaluations, or peer observations)
• Names and contact information of three references, at least one of whom can speak to your teaching ability (you will be notified before references are contacted).

The search committee may ask for more materials at later stages in the application process.

Throughout your application materials, we encourage you to highlight your background in fostering an inclusive campus culture and supporting the success of students who are historically underrepresented in higher education.

Applications that do not include the required uploaded documents may not be considered.

To apply, visit https://nshe.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/NSU-external/job/NSU---Main-Campus/Assistant-Professor-of-Psychology_R0148421