Assistant Professor of Psychology

The Department of Psychology at Shawnee State University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Psychology with expertise in either Cognitive Psychology or Industrial-Organizational (I/O) Psychology.  The anticipated start date is August 2026.
Shawnee State University (SSU) is a small, student-centered public university committed to serving a diverse population, including many first-generation students.  We are located in Portsmouth, Ohio, a close-knit community where individual faculty can make a meaningful impact on campus and the region.

Areas Accepted (Primary Field or Closely Related)
Cognitive Psychology – related fields may include:

• Cognitive Science
  • Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Experimental Psychology (cognition emphasis)
  • Learning & Memory
  • Perception & Sensation
  • Attention
  • Judgment & Decision Making / Decision Science
  • Educational Psychology (cognitive emphasis)
• Industrial-Organizational Psychology – related fields may include:
  • Organizational Behavior
  • Organizational Science
  • Occupational Health Psychology
  • Leadership / Teams / Motivation at Work
  • Work & Organizational Psychology
  • Applied Social/Quantitative Psychology with I/O emphasis
• Responsibilities
  • Teaching (4/4): Teach four undergraduate courses each fall and spring semester. Ability to teach broadly is valued. 
  • Curriculum Development: Maintain and enhance cognitive and/or I/O components of the psychology curriculum.
  • Student Mentorship: Provide mentorship and academic advising to undergraduate students, including first-generation and underrepresented learners.
  • Scholarly Engagement: Engage in research and/or applied scholarship, student inclusion is encouraged. 
  • Service: Participate in department, college, and university service.

The search committee will begin reviewing applications on December 15, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled.
To APPLY, please submit the following materials through our online application system:

1. Cover Letter: Addressed to Dr. Michael Barnhart, Interim Dean, College of Arts & Sciences, detailing how your qualifications and interests fit the position, particularly your commitment to undergraduate instruction.
2. Curriculum Vitae: Current and comprehensive.
3. Teaching Philosophy Statement (1-2 pages): Discuss your approach to engaging students and mentoring.
4. Unofficial Transcripts: Record of graduate coursework representing highest degree attained (official transcripts required upon hire).
5. References: Contact information for three professional references who can speak to your qualifications.
6. Reference Contact: Upon submission of your application, your references will receive an email with a unique link to submit their confidential recommendation letters. 

Candidates invited for an interview will be required to present a teaching sample (e.g., give a lecture) to demonstrate instructional abilities. Specific questions regarding this position may be directed to Dr. Rhoni Maxwell-Rader, Psychology Program Coordinator at Rmaxwellrader@shawnee.edu

Shawnee State offers a competitive salary (commensurate with experience and qualifications) including an attractive benefits package (see Overview of Employee Benefits for more information). 
Employment with the University is dependent upon BOT budget approval for the fiscal year. 

Official transcripts and a background check are required prior to hire. 

SSU seeks individuals who share our commitment to students as our first priority.

Shawnee State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The University prohibits discrimination against any individual because of race, color, genetic information, religion, age, disability, national origin, ancestry, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status or military status.

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctorate (Ph.D. or equivalent) in Cognitive Psychology, Industrial-Organizational Psychology, or a closely related field by the start date

OR
 

• ABDs are considered, given a documented pathway to completion within one year of hire.

 OR
 

• Master’s degree in one of the fields (or a closely related field as listed above) with at least three years of full-time, college-level teaching experience OR five years of relevant professional experience (e.g., for I/O: HR, selection, organizational development; for Cognitive: applied cognition/human factors).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
 

1. Instruction Experience: Prior teaching experience at the college level.
2. Teaching Commitment: Demonstrated dedication to undergraduate teaching and mentorship.
3. Flexibility: Ability to teach a variety of psychology courses, including statistics, research methods, etc.
4. Student Engagement: Interest in supporting first-generation college students and contributing to their academic success.
5. Campus Involvement: Willingness to become an active member of the campus and/or local community.