"Professor and Chair, Department of Psychology"

Job Details

Tulane University, one of the nation’s premier research institutions, seeks a collaborative and interdisciplinary scholar to serve within the School of Science and Engineering as Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychology. The successful candidate will be an internationally recognized scholar who can provide visionary and strategic leadership to elevate the Department’s research, education, and service missions. There is a strong preference for candidates whose research aligns with one or more of the Department’s PhD concentrations in Brain, Cognition, and Developmental Science, Social Psychology, Health Psychology, or the APA-Accredited School Psychology Program.

Department Overview

Founded in 1911, the Department of Psychology at Tulane University is committed to advancing understanding of the human mind and behavior through cutting-edge research, evidence-informed teaching and training, and service and engagement with the broader community. Our research spans multiple levels of analysis—from the neural bases of behavior to broader social and cultural influences. We seek to generate knowledge that improves the human condition and to train both graduate and undergraduate students in ethical, innovative, and collaborative research practices. The Department offers bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees. Our faculty work collaboratively across disciplines and programs, fostering an environment of mutual support and innovation in research, teaching, and service. We value open communication, shared decision-making, and a culture of respect that empowers faculty, staff, and students to thrive.

Dedicated endowed funds to the Department provide regular support for faculty and student initiatives. The Department has strong ties to the Tulane Brain Institute, the Tulane Violence Prevention Institute, and the Louisiana Clinical and Translational Science Center. The Tulane Brain Institute core facilities provide investigators with access to state-of-the-art equipment including MRI, fNIRS, and other imaging equipment. The Department’s unique position, housed with the School of Science and Engineering (SSE), provides exceptional opportunities for collaboration across disciplines and supports the development of cutting-edge research and educational initiatives at the intersection of psychological science and the broader STEM fields. SSE is distinctive as the only academic unit at a major research university to merge the behavioral sciences, physical sciences, life sciences, engineering, and mathematics, which provides an unusually rich environment for innovative programs and interdisciplinary research.

Tulane University, one of the nation’s premier research institutions, is a member of the prestigious American Association of Universities and is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as an R1 (Very High Research Activity) and Community Engaged university. Tulane University offers a collaborative environment for interdisciplinary interactions, a strong public service theme, and a commitment to science as a major thrust of research, scholarship, and education.

Responsibilities

The chair will allocate 50% of their time to administrative duties such as:

• Providing strategic leadership and working with faculty and administration.
• Supporting growth in intra- and interdisciplinary research excellence.
• Advancing the teaching mission of the department by expanding graduate programs and improving undergraduate and graduate student success.
• Championing a supportive and welcoming environment that encourages faculty mentoring, professional development, and shared governance.
• Increasing external recognition of faculty and staff.
• Improving engagement with external stakeholders.
• Managing faculty, staff, budget, and teaching schedules.
• Supporting faculty recruitment, hiring, mentoring, and promotion.
• Overseeing faculty evaluations and applications for promotion.

Qualifications

• PhD in Psychology or related field.
• Excellent record of published research, external funding, and teaching commensurate with appointment as a full professor with tenure.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Prior experience in departmental or university leadership preferred.

Desired start date: July 1, 2026.

Application Instructions

Review of applications will be confidential. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, with review beginning October 31, 2025. Candidates should upload the following materials to Interfolio:

• Cover letter
• CV
• Research statement
• Statement of administrative experience and leadership philosophy
• Names and contact information for three references (references will not be contacted without the candidate’s permission)

See Position Profile for more information. Inquiries regarding the position are warmly welcomed and may be directed at:
Dr. Laurie O’Brien, Search Committee Chair
Email: lobrien2@tulane.edu