Instructors in Psychology

Harvard University

Position Details

Title: Tutorial Instructors in Psychology
School: Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Department/Area: Psychology

Position Description

The Department of Psychology at Harvard University is accepting applications to teach in the Sophomore Tutorial program. Tutor positions are open to advanced graduate students and postdocs/PhD-level early career instructors with prior teaching experience.

Sophomore Tutorial (PSY 971 and 975) is the centerpiece of the undergraduate psychology experience. The goal of this course is not to teach a particular domain of content knowledge, but to teach students how to think, read, and write like a psychological scientist.

• Small discussion-based seminars (~8 students)
• Focus on reading and discussing empirical papers, understanding experimental logic, and developing scientific writing skills
• Sections meet 2 hours per week, with additional individual student meetings
• Regular group meetings for all tutors

These positions are ideal for individuals seeking mentorship on teaching and experience running their own course.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed twice per year for the Fall (August–December) and Spring (January–May) semesters. Tutors may apply for one or both semesters within an academic year.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• At least two years of graduate-level training in Psychology or a closely related field (e.g., Cognitive Science, Statistics, EdD in Human Development)

Additional Qualifications

• Strong background in teaching and research
• Commitment to equitable and inclusive teaching
• Candidates with graduate degrees (PhD or equivalent) and current graduate students are preferred

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit:

1. Curriculum Vitae, including prior teaching experience
2. Cover Letter explaining:
   • Why you wish to become a Sophomore Tutor
   • Your qualifications for this position
   • How holding a Tutor position will contribute to your professional development
   • Efforts to encourage diversity, inclusion, and belonging in the classroom
3. Evidence of teaching experience and success, including quantitative and qualitative teaching evaluations
4. Graduate student/postdoc candidates only: A letter from your advisor indicating support for taking on this teaching position

Contact:
Katherine Powers, PhD
Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies
Department of Psychology
Harvard University
220 William James Hall, 33 Kirkland Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
Email: kpowers@fas.harvard.edu

Salary

Per-section salary: $11,720–$13,150 (Jr./Sr. rates; exact rate determined by HGSU-UAW contract, Article 20, Section 2)

References

• Minimum required: 0
• Maximum allowed: 3

Keywords

tutorial, instructor, lecturer, teaching, psychology, neuroscience, undergraduate, Boston, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA, Northeast, New England

Equal Opportunity / Non-Discrimination Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. The university seeks talent from all parts of society and ensures everyone at Harvard thrives. Harvard’s policies prohibit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields:

1. Highest education completed
   • Doctoral degree
   • Master's degree
   • Bachelor's degree
2. Authorized to work in the United States?
   • Yes
   • No
3. Area you feel MOST comfortable teaching undergraduate courses
   • Social Psychology
   • Developmental Psychology
   • Clinical Science/Abnormal Psychology
   • Cognitive Psychology/Behavioral Psychology/Neuroscience
   • Statistics/Research Methods

Applicant Documents

Required Documents:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• Course Evaluation

Optional Documents:

• Statement of Teaching Philosophy
• Statement of Research
• Other
• Mentor Agreement Form