The Department of Psychology at Portland State University invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor
position in Developmental Science and Education with a September 16, 2024 start date. The department has a strong
applied research orientation and a doctoral program in Applied Psychology with specializations in Applied Developmental,
Industrial/Organizational, Applied Social, Community, and Applied Quantitative psychology.
Qualifications include a doctoral degree in Developmental Psychology, Applied Developmental Psychology, Human
Development, Developmental Science, Educational Psychology, or a related field. Individuals who have proposed but not
defended their dissertations will be considered, but must be awarded their degrees by September 15, 2024. The successful
candidate will have an established research and publication record in developmental science and education or evidence of
the potential to develop such a record. The area of specialization is open, but our program favors lifespan and ecological
systems perspectives on developmental science and education as part of an area focusing on schools as contexts for the
development of students and teachers. Applicant areas that complement existing faculty include strengths-based
approaches, the role of families in the development and academic success of children and youth, parenting, institutional
contributors to college persistence and success, social emotional learning, and school-based intervention or prevention
programs (e.g., school readiness, school transitions, academic resilience). We value complementary expertise in
developmental methodologies (including design, measurement, qualitative, and quantitative methods, e.g., ethnography
and analysis of multivariate longitudinal data).
We are especially interested in scholars who use innovative developmental methodologies to study educational equity
and the development and schooling of children from racialized, minoritized, low income, and/or immigrant groups. We
specifically encourage applicants with a research focus on diversity issues in development and education, to add to our
growing departmental focus on human diversity and social justice. For example, we welcome candidates whose research,
teaching, and outreach address the role of cultural, racial/ethnic, socioeconomic, and/or gender identities and contexts;
strengths and challenges facing students from immigrant and refugee families; processes of discrimination, bias, or
stereotyping; and interventions, policies, and strategies to advance social justice and educational equity. Overall, we seek
applicants whose research, teaching, outreach, lived experience, and service will contribute to the department's focus on
diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice, while complementing our existing strengths.
Responsibilities for this position include maintaining a productive program of community-based research; applying for
external funding; teaching graduate and undergraduate courses in developmental science, including courses related to the
applicant’s particular area of expertise; supervising graduate students’ theses and dissertations; and contributing to service
in the department, university, and profession. Candidates will be expected to be able to teach in multiple modalities,
including in person, hybrid, and online.
The Psychology Department supports an inclusive and vibrant intellectual environment in which human diversity is
recognized and valued. In keeping with this commitment, we particularly encourage applications from candidates from
diverse/historically underrepresented groups and candidates whose research, teaching, outreach, and service will
contribute to the department's focus on diversity and social justice. We maintain a supportive climate of cooperation,
collaboration, and collegiality. Salary is competitive with a strong benefits package including health care and retirement
packages and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse, or dependent at any of the Oregon University System schools.
PSU is an urban university located in downtown Portland. Portland is a thriving metropolitan area, with many opportunities
for applied research. It is a highly livable city that offers natural beauty and a high quality of life including a lively cultural
scene and outdoor sporting activities. Mountains, forests, and the Oregon coast are all relatively close to Portland and PSU.
Applications should include a current CV and cover letter in which candidates describe how their scholarly goals and
expertise match the position. In addition, please include separate statements of research and teaching interests,
including interests in research with and teaching diverse populations; copies of recent publications; and at least three
letters of professional reference. For specific questions, email Dr. Ellen Skinner at ellen.skinner@pdx.edu. Review of
applications will begin October 15, 2023 and continue until the position is filled.
Please submit all materials to https://jobs.hrc.pdx.edu/postings/42706.
Portland State University is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Institution and welcomes applications from diverse candidates and candidates who support diversity.