Assistant Professor of Psychology
- Employer
- University of Virginia
- Location
- Charlottesville, VA
View more categoriesView less categories
- Employment Type
- Full Time
- Institution Type
- Four-Year Institution
Job Details
The Department of Psychology at the University of Virginia invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in developmental psychology. We are seeking an outstanding developmental scientist to join our vibrant research and teaching community and to contribute to our collaborative culture. The appointment begins with the Fall term of 2027, with a target start date of August 10, 2027. The teaching load is three courses per year, and the duties include service to the department, the University, and the profession.
We seek candidates with expertise in computational or formal approaches to cognitive development, particularly those whose research leverages and contributes to advances in artificial intelligence. We are particularly interested in candidates working on the development of language, learning, executive function, or other foundational cognitive capacities. We seek a colleague whose rigorous, quantitative, and forward-looking approach to investigating how minds are constructed pushes the boundaries of how development is studied.
The Department of Psychology has a strong developmental psychology program, and the candidate will be a central member of this program. The candidate will also be encouraged to connect and collaborate with faculty and students in other areas in our department (e.g., quantitative, cognitive, social, systems and behavioral neuroscience) and in other relevant programs and departments in Arts & Sciences (e.g., Linguistics, Neuroscience, Anthropology, Philosophy). Finally, there are natural connections to developmental science with faculty in other schools in the University, including the School of Data Science, the Medical School, and the School of Education and Human Development.
QualifiationsMinimum Qualifications. To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, candidates should hold a Ph.D. by August 10, 2027.
Preferred Qualifications. We are seeking applicants with a Ph.D. in Psychology or a related field (e.g., Cognitive Science) by the position start date. We are looking for a candidate with an exciting research program, a strong publication record in the area, a documented commitment to rigorous and transparent research practices, evidence of pursuing grant funding and a vision for future funding, and a dedication to inclusive mentorship and effective teaching.
Application InstructionsReview of applications is expected to begin on October 1, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.
The university will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.
Candidates should apply online at Interfolio. Please upload the following required documents to your application:1. Cover letter (2 single-spaced pages maximum) with the following sections: (1) an explanation of your interest in and fit for a position focused on computational or formal approaches to cognitive development, highlighting connections to AI if relevant; (2) how your research program will complement and extend ongoing research in the developmental area, Psychology Department, and/or University; (3) your experience relevant to the University’s ambition to cultivate the most vibrant community in higher education in order to prepare students to be leaders in a diverse and globally connected world; (4) complete citations (with DOIs) for up to 3 publications that best reflect your research program; and (5) names, titles, institutions, and email addresses for three academic references. References will only be contacted for candidates whose applications have advanced to a later round.
2. Curriculum Vitae.
3. Research statement (3 single-spaced pages maximum), written for well-informed colleagues who may not be familiar with your specific area of expertise, and which (1) synthesizes your most significant research accomplishments to date that are relevant to this position; and (2) explains your vision for your research program at the University of Virginia, including the kinds of questions you anticipate pursuing and why, as well as the methodological tools and approaches you anticipate using.
4. Teaching statement (1 single-spaced page maximum) that describes your teaching interests and details your teaching and mentoring experience and philosophy.
**Applications that do not have all the required components will not receive full consideration.** Questions about this position should be directed to Dr. Vikram Jaswal, chair of the search committee, at jaswal@virginia.edu. Questions about the application process should be directed to Richard Haverstrom, Faculty Search Advisor at rkh6j@virginia.edu.Organization
In 1819, the University of Virginia established a new model for intellectual exchange and cross-disciplinary collaboration in higher education. Two hundred years later, as a major research institution, we continue to challenge conventions, lead with ingenuity and advance knowledge for the common good.
What began as an innovative idea has become one of the nation’s leading public research universities, with over 21,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. UVA also has over 3,000 full-time faculty offering more than 400 degrees.
Each of the University’s eleven schools has its own distinctive mission, working together to garner consistently high rankings—including #2 Best Value Public College (Princeton Review, 2016), #3 Public University in the Nation (U.S. News & World Report, 2016), and #3 Best Value Among Public Colleges (Kiplinger’s, 2016).
As we invest in and strengthen our research capabilities, UVA seeks new faculty ready to uncover new insights, rewrite old rules and collaborate on intellectual discoveries.
RESEARCH COLLABORATIONS THAT CROSS DISCIPLINES
As an R1 institution, the University’s research centers, consortia and laboratories are on the leading edge of discovery and technology, offering collaborative spaces for students and faculty to solve global problems.
Our professors are recognized members of major national scholarly and professional organizations, including the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Our faculty’s engagement in interdisciplinary research is being facilitated by new research institutes specializing in everything from big data to brain functioning, and by cluster hires across schools.
NATIONALLY RANKED HEALTH SYSTEM
UVA is also home to a nationally renowned academic medical center and the UVA Health System, which serves a three-part mission to treat patients, conduct translational research and train medical practitioners in a wide variety of disciplines.
Established as the nation’s 10th medical school in 1825, the institution has since grown to include a 612-bed hospital and a Level I trauma center, nationally recognized cancer and heart centers, a Children’s Hospital, and primary and specialty clinics throughout Central Virginia.
The UVA Medical Center is consistently ranked among the nation’s best hospitals by the U.S. News & World Report magazine and has been named among the top 25 percent in seven specialties.
INSPIRING STUDENTS, INSPIRED TEACHING
The vast majority of UVA students come from the top 10% of their high school class, as well as from all 50 states, over 142 countries and a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds. Despite their diversity, all UVA students share a love of learning and a drive to achieve.
One of the reasons students choose Virginia is our unique residential culture. At UVA, the community of students, faculty and staff personifies the Jeffersonian idea that living and learning are connected. The Academical Village was constructed to support a unique residential experience, with faculty living in the Pavilions, students occupying Lawn rooms and the world-famous Rotunda at its heart. The University’s residential culture continues to support this experience today—strengthened by students, faculty and staff rich in backgrounds, ideas and perspectives. Our unique culture is also paying dividends in innovation: UVA’s faculty have generated more than 130 patents since 2010.
Perhaps most importantly, faculty come to UVA knowing that instruction is as important as research, and they pride themselves on their many teaching awards. Our best professors look for ways to encourage, mentor and develop tomorrow’s leaders inside and outside the classroom.
LIFE IN CHARLOTTESVILLE
Living in Charlottesville you’ll find sophisticated restaurants, world-renowned wineries and breweries, cosmopolitan arts and music, friendly urban and suburban neighborhoods and a Piedmont landscape that has lured adventurous souls for centuries. No wonder the U.S. National Bureau of Economic Research named Charlottesville the “happiest city in America” in 2014.
In addition to UVA and its health system, several major employers have facilities in Charlottesville, including State Farm, Northrop Grumman, the U.S. Department of Defense, GE and others. Charlottesville is also becoming a center for innovative start-up businesses. The University also actively helps spouses and partners of faculty members build their networks and pursue employment opportunities with a wide variety of area employers.
The University of Virginia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
- Telephone
- 434-985-4532
- Location
-
2420 Old Ivy
Charlottesvle
Virginia
22911-7433
United States
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