Assistant Professor in Psychology: Tenure -Track

Kent State University’s Department of Psychological Sciences is recruiting up to two tenure-track Assistant Professors in Psychology to begin Fall 2027. We are most interested in candidates with expertise in Clinical Psychology and, pending budgetary approval, Cognitive/Cognitive Development. Priority will be given to candidates whose research complements existing strengths in the department and who engage in interdisciplinary research and scholarship in either of two cross-cutting themes: 1) developmental processes broadly construed with a particular emphasis on childhood, adolescence, and emerging adulthood, or 2) social or biological processes underlying physical / mental health and behavior

Faculty will be expected to develop a productive research program, pursue extramural funding, direct theses and dissertations, and demonstrate a commitment to excellence in undergraduate and graduate education and training. Minimum requirements include an earned (or expected) doctorate in Psychology. For clinical applicants, the Ph.D. must come from an APA accredited program, and the applicant should plan to pursue licensure and contribute to clinical supervision. The Department of Psychological Sciences is a highly productive, collaborative research environment that values scholarly productivity and grantsmanship. The faculty is internationally recognized for their research, and the department is ranked by NSF as one of the “Top 100 Psychology Faculties” in federal research expenditures. The Department is home to 20 tenure-track faculty with active research labs, and the graduate program offers PhDs in Clinical Psychology and Psychological Science. Specializations in the Clinical Psychology PhD program include Clinical Health and Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology. Specializations in the Psychological Science PhD program include Behavioral Neuroscience, Cognitive/Cognitive Development, and Social-Health Psychology. The Kent State University Student Life Study (https://www.kent.edu/student-life-study), which is enrolling and following 10,000 undergraduates to generate a comprehensive understanding of modern-day college life, including mental, physical, academic, and social health outcomes, is led by faculty in the Department of Psychological Sciences. Further information about the Department of Psychological Sciences can be found at https://www.kent.edu/psychology.

Kent State University is an R1 research institution designated as very high research activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The university has strong partnerships with regional medical institutions such as Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Akron Children’s Hospital, University Hospitals, and NASA. The university is nestled between two cities (Cleveland and Akron) and attracts students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Kent, OH is an affordable college town with close proximity to national parks, arts, and culture.

Priority review of applications will begin on September 1, 2026. To apply, please send application materials, including statements of research and teaching interests, curriculum vitae, at least three representative publications, and three letters of recommendation by e-mail to [email protected]. Specific questions about each position can be directed to the search committee chairs: Dr. Mary Beth Spitznagel (clinical: [email protected]) or Dr. Christopher Was (cognitive/cognitive development: [email protected]).

Kent State University is committed to creating a community that is culturally and intellectually diverse and to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that respect differences, and are inclusive, welcoming, respectful and kind.