Assistant/Associate Professor of Psychology (Clinical)

to rank high on Forbes 'Best Employers' lists each year. Including: 2025 – Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list. 2024 – Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries. 2023 – Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries. 2022 – Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list. Western Carolina University is the UNC system's westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South. Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans – eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available. Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service. WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences – many of which are offered free of charge. Position Summary: The primary location of this position is on the main Cullowhee, NC campus. The Psychology Department at Western Carolina University (WCU) invites applications for a 9-month, tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant or Associate professor level. Rank to be determined at the time of hire. Anticipated begin work date of August 2027. The typical teaching load is 3-3 (Fall/Spring), consisting of both undergraduate and graduate courses. Supervision of graduate students in the McKee Clinic and External Practicum is included in the 3/3 teaching load. The successful candidate will show evidence of or potential for success in the teaching and supervision of students in our APA accredited post-masters Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Health Service Psychology program and our scientist-practitioner oriented MA program in clinical psychology. Each of these residential programs has a theoretical orientation consistent with behavioral/cognitive-behavioral foundations and accept typically 6 to 8 students per cohort. The preparation of psychologists who can serve the region, as well as expanding access to evidence-based services for those living in rural communities, is an important part of our mission. Relevant to this faculty position is our department's state-of-the art, public-facing McKee Assessment and Psychological Services Clinic, dedicated to providing advanced assessment and psychotherapy training for our graduate students (PsyD, SSP, MA) through affordable comprehensive services to individuals, families, and schools in our community. In addition to supervision of graduate students, the successful candidate would have an opportunity to teach seminar style courses in the MA and PsyD programs, and teach in the undergraduate program. Course assignments are decided based on department and program needs, as well as faculty interests and experience. To this end, the eligible candidate needs to have earned a doctorate (PhD or PsyD) in clinical or health service psychology from an APA-accredited program and be able to supervise graduate trainees as part of the teaching load. Being licensed or license eligible (near completion of post-doctoral hours) as a psychologist in North Carolina is preferred. The typical breakdown for faculty workload is 60% teaching, 20% research, and 20% service. As a teacher scholar, the successful faculty member is expected to maintain a program of meaningful disciplinary research that is engaging to both undergraduate and graduate students. The area of research is open, however, interest and expertise in neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism or Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or child and adolescent psychopathology more broadly, may fill an important need in the department. In addition, the department has dedicated research spaces ('labs') for Cognitive Science, Human Neuroscience (with EEG equipment), and Health Psychology, respectively, as well as faculty expertise in substance use, maternal mental health, forensic psychology, traumatic stress, human sexuality, psycholinquistics, and developmental psychology (childhood, adolescence, and aging focus), to name a few. Additionally, the faculty member would enjoy also the many opportunities for partnering with colleagues across campus, and connect with schools-, hospitals-, non-profit organizations, research consortiums, and other service providers in the region. At the undergraduate level, the psychology major is one WCU's largest majors with approximately 500 students. The department, college, and university offer faculty internal funding opportunities to support scholarship, conference travel, and professional development. Moreover, WCU is a 12,000-student regional comprehensive university in the University of North Carolina system. The university offers 115 undergraduate programs and more than 40 graduate programs. The campus is located in the picturesque Cullowhee valley between the Great Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains, just minutes from the town of Sylva, public schools, recreation centers, trails, and rivers. Campus is midway between Charlotte and Atlanta, 50 miles west of Asheville, NC, a city with vibrant art, entertainment, food, and culture scenes, and 20 miles west of Waynesville, NC, the largest town in Western North Carolina with many options for dining, shopping, entertainment, and craft breweries. The entire region is noted for its excellent quality of life and access to outdoor activities. The Department of Psychology is located in the College of Education and Allied Professions (CEAP). Psychology, CEAP, and Western Carolina University holds inclusive excellence as a core value, and we work together to foster a welcoming community, where all are respected and know they belong. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this position: Minimum Qualifications: Doctorate (PhD or PsyD) in clinical or health service psychology or closely related field from an APA-accredited program. ABD candidates will be considered with degree conferral by 8/1/2026. Preferred Qualifications: Licensed or license eligible as a psychologist. Completed or near completion of post-doctoral hours toward licensure. Position Type: Permanent Full-Time Special Instructions to Applicants: Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire. Please include the following: letter of application, current CV, research statement teaching statement list of three professional references with complete contact information, unofficial transcripts showing degree conferral dates for all degrees at the master's degree level and higher* optional materials (e.g., evidence of teaching effectiveness, a representative publication) For questions or additional information please contact David Solomon at dsolomon@wcu.edu *All applicants are required to submit an unofficial transcript of their highest attained degree, showing all completed coursework and the date the degree was conferred. The transcript must state Degree Awarded, Degree Conferred or a similar phrase. For candidates who are ABD, please submit your most recent doctoral program transcript along with your master's degree transcript, if you hold such a degree. The master's degree transcript must have a notation such as Degree Awarded, Degree Conferred or similar phrase, to verify it as your highest completed degree. AA/EOE Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu. University Safety The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety. To apply, please visit: https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/35599 Organization About Us Why Work at Western Carolina University? Western Carolina University is more than a workplace—it's a collaborative community of faculty and staff dedicated to supporting the success of our students and the strength of our institution. Our employees are inspired by the meaningful difference we make together in the lives of more than 11,000 students who call WCU home. Here are just a few reasons WCU is a great place to work: A Commitment to Community Do you value being involved locally? So do we. WCU offers robust service-learning and community outreach programs that invite students, faculty, and staff to engage with and serve our region in countless ways. Recognized Excellence WCU has been named the Top Employer in North Carolina by Forbes for 2025 and ranks #7 in the United States for company culture. Academic Distinction and Opportunity As the westernmost campus in the University of North Carolina System, WCU attracts students from around the globe for our nationally ranked programs, affordability through NC Promise, and exceptional student support. We're consistently recognized as a Top Adventure College, offering unparalleled experiential learning opportunities in the heart of the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains. An Inspiring Location Our main campus in Cullowhee is just 15 minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway. With hiking and biking trails on campus and countless more nearby, outdoor adventure is always within reach. Leading in Research and Honors WCU is home to the oldest and largest Honors College in the UNC System and ranks among the Top 5 institutions nationally for undergraduate research projects accepted to the National Conference on Undergraduate Research. A Cultural Hub for the Region From professional-quality theater led by Broadway star Terrence Mann to nationally recognized music programs, WCU enriches the arts in our region. Our Pride of the Mountains Marching Band has performed at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and Healthcare Education Our competitive healthcare programs are housed in a state-of-the-art, LEED-certified facility, featuring cutting-edge technology and community clinics that provide hands-on learning experiences. For more information, visit wcu.edu. Awards Western Carolina University (WCU) is proud to be recognized across multiple areas that reflect our unwavering commitment to students, faculty, staff, and the broader community. Our distinguished faculty includes national award-winning authors, internationally recognized experts, and recipients of prestigious honors such as Emmy Awards, O. Henry Awards, and National Endowment for the Arts grants. WCU has earned numerous accolades, including: Top Green College by The Princeton Review Top 5 in the Nation for Undergraduate Research Best College Value by Kiplinger's Personal Finance #1 Outdoor Adventure College for three consecutive years by Blue Ridge Outdoors The Pride of the Mountains Marching Band, a Sudler Trophy recipient, has showcased its excellence on some of the world's biggest stages, including: The Rose Bowl Parade (2011) The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (2014 and 2019) The St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland (2024) WCU is also proud to be designated a Military Friendly® School for 2025–2026, earning both the Military Friendly® School and Military Spouse Friendly® School honors. Each year, our faculty and staff are celebrated for outstanding achievements in teaching, scholarship, and service. For more information, visit wcu.edu. Benefits Western Carolina University offers a wide array of high-quality benefit plans from which to choose. These include comprehensive health and welfare insurance plans, a choice between two retirement programs, both of which provide a valuable retirement benefit, as well as optional retirement savings opportunities. Employees also benefit from a generous leave program. For more information, please visit our benefits page at UNC Benefits. Mission and Vision Our Mission (who we are): To improve individual lives and enhance economic and community development in our region, state and nation through engaged learning opportunities in our academic programs, educational outreach, research and creative activities, and cultural activities. Our Core Values and Guiding Principles (what guides and inspires us): Excellence in Scholarship, Teaching, and Learning Collaboration with and Respect for our Communities Free and Open Interchange of Ideas Responsible Stewardship and Organizational Effectiveness Organizational and Environmental Sustainability Cultural Diversity and Equal Opportunity Our Vision Statement (who we want to be): To be a national model for student learning and engagement that embraces its responsibilities as a regionally engaged university.