Associate Professor or Professor of Psychology and Department Head (Developmental, Cognitive, Clinical Psychology, Social/Personality Psychology, AI)

Position Description

The Department of Psychology in the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences (BBS) at The University of Texas at Dallas is seeking an accomplished and visionary academic leader to serve as Department Head. We invite applications from advanced Associate Professors or Full Professors with a strong record of scholarship, leadership, and expertise in one or more of the department's core areas of strength: cognitive neuroscience, developmental science, cognitive science, clinical psychology, or social/personality psychology. Candidates integrating artificial intelligence into their research are highly desirable.

This leadership role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of a dynamic and interdisciplinary department. The Department Head serves as a central representative of the department faculty and a key partner to the Dean of the School, guiding strategic initiatives that include modernizing course offerings, refining academic programs, expanding the research enterprise, and launching new degree pathways.

The Department Head will provide strategic leadership and administrative oversight for the Department of Psychology, ensuring alignment with the academic mission of the School and University. This individual will collaborate closely with faculty and school leadership to enhance curriculum design and delivery, while supporting and promoting high-impact research across the department's core areas. The Department Head will lead efforts to develop and implement new academic programs that reflect institutional priorities and emerging trends in the field. A key aspect of the role is fostering a culture of academic excellence. The Department Head will also represent the department in school-wide and university-level planning and governance, mentor faculty across ranks, and support their professional development. In addition, the role includes oversight of departmental operations, including budgeting, staffing, department strategic planning, and ensuring compliance with institutional policies and procedures.

The appointment commences for the fall 2026 semester.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience: Candidates must have earned a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree from an accredited university in a relevant discipline and demonstrate their commitment to excellence in research, teaching, and service. Candidates are expected to have prior experience in academic leadership and clear evidence of servant leadership within their portfolio. Candidates are expected to demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative, engaging, and dynamic environment comprised of individuals with a range of backgrounds, skills, and perspectives. We are seeking candidates able to produce research and scholarly or creative achievements that enhance the program and the discipline, and able to deliver high quality teaching using evidence-based practices to effectively engage students from a range of backgrounds and experiences. The candidate is expected to have a well-established track record of extramural support, current extramural funding, and the ability to compete for extramural support in their field.

Preferred Education and Experience: Candidates with experience in leading academic units within a research-intensive university, experience with development and deployment of new degree programs, a proven ability to foster collaborative research and interdisciplinary initiatives are preferred.

The Department of Psychology in the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences

The University of Texas at Dallas is a Carnegie R1 Research Institution and is among the fastest growing universities in the nation. The School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences (BBS) is one of seven schools at UT Dallas and ranked 2nd in total new research grants and research expenditures over the past year. Within its walls, the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences (BBS) stands uniquely positioned to advance knowledge and improve lives through the efforts of its 111 faculty and 3,000 students.

In North Texas, BBS serves as a trailblazer where research, education, and clinical training come together to prepare future leaders. It is home to world-class faculty with work ranging from bench-top to bedside studies, and ample resources and opportunities for students and faculty alike.

In the past year, BBS was recognized by the BlueRidge Institute for being #1 in Texas and #3 in the United States for NIH funding for schools of its type. Within BBS, faculty members are surrounded by colleagues who interface with science and technology at every level of translation – with a keen focus on using our science to impact the health and well-being of people around the world while training the scientific leaders of tomorrow. Collectively, BBS leads UT Dallas in R&D rate and new awards per faculty member as well as many student success metrics across the university.

The Department of Psychology is one of three departments within the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences. The department houses 44 faculty and has almost 1,400 students. The Department of Psychology was responsible for over $12 million in new extramural grants in the past year and is home to a large number of multi-grant funded faculty members. The department has a distinguished legacy of world class research across cognitive neuroscience and developmental science. It also houses multiple pioneering AI-engaged faculty innovating in the fields of cognitive science and human-computer interface research. The Department has a rich history of housing well-known research centers that lead their respective fields around the globe. For example, psychology faculty are active participants in several BBS affiliated research centers at UT Dallas including the Center for BrainHealth, Center for Vital Longevity, and Center for Children and Families, with multiple centers led by Psychology faculty.

The Department of Psychology is home to the BS in Psychology, BS in Cognitive Science, and BS in Child Learning and Development. It is also home to the MS in Psychology, the MS in Human Development and Childhood Disorders, and the PhD in Psychology. It also shares degree programs with the Department of Neuroscience for the MS in Applied Cognition and Neuroscience and the PhD in Cognition and Neuroscience. The BS in Psychology represents the 7th most popular undergraduate major at UT Dallas. In fall 2026, we will enroll our first cohort of Clinical Psychological Science PhD students along with the opening of our Psychological Sciences and Education Center in summer 2026.

Application Instructions

Applicants should upload the following via the online application:

• Full curriculum vitae and cover letter summarizing their interests and qualifications for the position.
• Statement of teaching philosophy describing their conceptualizations of teaching and learning, and teaching and assessment methods, and how their teaching practices will engage students from a range of backgrounds and experiences.
• Research statement describing past, present, and future research, including how they mentor (or will mentor) student researchers and foster (or will foster) collaborative research environments.
• A writing/publication sample.
• A leadership statement.
• Full contact information for at least three academic or professional references.

Priority will be given to completed applications received by December 1, 2025. Reviews will continue until the position is filled or the search is closed on June 1, 2026.