Assistant Professor of Psychology (Open Area)

Summary: The Psychology Department at Grand Valley State University invites applications for Assistant Professor to begin Fall 2026. This is an open-area search; applicants from all areas of psychology or closely related fields are encouraged to apply. Applicants are expected to have a Ph.D. in psychology or a closely related field. We seek a teacher-scholar who will help cover our undergraduate research methods sequence and build a vibrant student-engaged research program. While the position includes teaching research methods courses this is an open-area search and we welcome applicants whose expertise lies in any areas of psychology or closely related fields. Individuals from all backgrounds including from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates must be able to effectively engage with students colleagues and community members with a broad range of backgrounds and experiences. We seek candidates who are excited to work collaboratively with others and who will involve undergraduates in their program of research.

Required Qualifications and Education:

• Ph.D. in Psychology or closely related field. Current ABD candidates will be considered for a two-year contract with the provision that the Ph.D. must be completed by December 2027.

• Potential for successful college-level teaching and active research.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills such as the ability to interact with others with respect and cultural humility.

Preferred Qualifications and Education:

• Demonstrated potential for successful college-level teaching in undergraduate research methods.

• Knowledge of and experience with a range of research methodologies.

• Familiarity with various statistical packages and analytical approaches.

• Familiarity with or appreciation of institutions of liberal education.

Responsibilities: Tenure-line faculty in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are typically hired on nine-month contracts with a nine-credit hour teaching load per semester. They are also expected to engage in scholarly/creative activity service and a significant focus which is equivalent to three credit hours of additional responsibilities in teaching scholarly/creative activity advising or addition to teaching classes in our undergraduate research methods sequence candidates are also expected to be able to teach Introductory Psychology and classes in the candidates area of specialty.

Minimum Starting Salary: $69067; commensurate with experience.

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including medical vision dental life insurance generous employer retirement contributions wellness resources and tuition waiver effective on date of hire.

Department: The Psychology Department at Grand Valley State University represents a diverse and eclectic set of specialized interests within the discipline of psychology. Across our 40 tenure-track faculty members we seek to represent the discipline of psychology teaching research and service we value rigorous scientific and ethical reasoning academic freedom integrity collaboration and collegiality. Faculty members have access to shared laboratory facilities and equipment that include shared human subjects research space and a large undergraduate research participant pool and there are numerous collaborative opportunities across a wide group of partners within the department across campus and in the community.

Our research lab space underwent a $2 million remodel in Summer 2025. The new space features a waiting room four computer labs five individual testing rooms a small group testing room multi-use seminar room a specialized equipment room (e.g. containing an EyeLink eye tracker) three conference rooms (with one specialized for Zoom meetings) and a storage room. Click here to view a virtual walkthrough of the new space.

College: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) is the largest college at Grand Valley offering over 50 bachelors degrees and a growing number of advanced degrees in the natural and mathematical sciences the fine arts and humanities and the social sciences. CLAS is a student-centered learning community that welcomes individuals from various backgrounds and engages in critical inquiry extending knowledge to enrich and enliven individual and public life. Our faculty are active teacher-scholars committed to offering students an accessible and community-engaged liberal arts and sciences education that prepares them for meaningful careers. There are many opportunities for collaboration within CLAS and across a broad group of partners on and off campus. We are interested in attracting a cohort of new faculty committed to these core values as we seek to foster a community where members from all backgrounds can live learn and thrive together.

University: Grand Valley State University (GVSU) is a public comprehensive institution located in West Michigan with campuses in Allendale downtown Grand Rapids and Holland plus centers in Detroit Muskegon and Traverse City. The University attracts approximately 19000 undergraduate and 3000 graduate students with high quality programs and state-of-the-art facilities and has been nationally recognized for innovativeness and its contribution to students social mobility. The greater Grand Rapids metropolitan area has a population of around one million people is affordable and offers rich cultural amenities. Grand Valley is located within easy driving distance of Chicago Detroit Lake Michigan beaches and many other superb summer and winter recreational venues. Information can be found at the Community Resources page on Grand Valley State University Human Resources website.

How To Apply: Apply online at GVSU Careers. To be considered for the position applicants must upload five files to the online application:

• A cover letter addressing qualifications and your motivation to teach at GVSU

• Curriculum vitae

• Teaching philosophy statement and research statement (one file)

• Graduate transcripts (unofficial transcripts issued to students are acceptable)

• Sample of completed or in-progress research/creative activity

Applicants will also need to send three reference letters directly to the chair of the search committee Wolfgang Friedlmeier at.

The online application will allow you to attach these documents electronically in the same file location. Applicants selected for interviews will be required to submit official transcripts prior to the interview. If you need assistance call Human Resources at . Questions about the position may be directed to Wolfgang Friedlmeier at .

Application Deadline: Consideration of applicants will begin immediately and continue until December 1 2025. The posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University thereafter.

To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1- (out of State).

Grand Valley State University is an Antidiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Employer which includes providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.