Job Description

Summary

The Psychology Department at Washington & Jefferson College (W&J) invites applications for a three-year visiting assistant professor position with specialty area open. Applicants should possess or be close to completing a doctorate degree. The position begins July 1, 2026.

The Psychology Department participates in a wide range of interdisciplinary programs including Neuroscience, Gender and Women's Studies, Forensic Science, Conflict and Resolution Studies, Child Development and Education, and Nursing. Our teaching generally takes an interdisciplinary approach to the mind, brain, or human experience, with an emphasis on empirical methods.

In addition to teaching introductory psychology courses, the successful candidate will have the option to offer upper level courses in their area of specialty, including a capstone research laboratory experience. The successful candidate also will, if they are interested, have opportunities to develop courses around interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary interests with other interdisciplinary programs at the college.

We value the time, effort, and energy it will take to adjust to campus in a visiting faculty role. We have been successful at having only a single new course preparation a semester for first year faculty. We also share our course syllabi, activities, and materials as you develop your courses. Teaching, like other skills, can always be improved, which is why we include peer observations as part of our mentoring process for new faculty members. In addition to offering constructive feedback to the faculty member being observed, the observer inevitably discovers at least one new idea to try in their own classes. We grow in our teaching through collaboration and idea-sharing, and we will ensure that you are well supported to succeed in teaching our increasingly diverse undergraduate student population. Our community matters here. That is why we provide mentoring to all first-year faculty. Faculty are paired with a faculty mentor either from inside or, when possible, external to the department. We value the interdisciplinary aspect that comes with a liberal arts education; learning the perspectives and experiences from your colleagues can only serve to make you a better professor.

We have lab space you can use to continue your research and scholarly activity that involve the hands-on inclusion of undergraduate students. Opportunities to include undergraduate students in your research is supported through guided research courses (PSY-315) which can be offered as part of your teaching load.

At Washington & Jefferson College, we are constantly working to ensure that all forms of diversity and inclusion are valued and acknowledged on our campus. Our Strategic Plan 2030 includes a priority to "promote resilience, well-being, and an inclusive community, preparing students to become innovative, adaptable leaders," and we welcome applications from candidates who would help us fulfill this goal.

We are seeking a colleague who brings their own perspective to our collective efforts to teach and mentor young people from a variety of personal experiences, values, and worldviews that arise from differences of culture and circumstance. Pursuant to the College's vision for cultivating an inclusive community, the search committee asks all applicants to address in their teaching statement how their past and/or potential contributions might serve to build W&J's commitment to teaching and mentoring our growing diverse population; and how their experience and interests blends with interdisciplinary areas of study.

Disclaimer

The above declarations are not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position described, nor are they intended to be such a listing of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Rather, they are intended only to describe the general nature of the position.

Job Description Status

The duties and responsibilities listed in this job description are illustrative ones anticipated for this position. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned as required. Washington & Jefferson College reserves the right to amend or change this job description to meet the needs of its programs. This job description and any attachments do not constitute or represent a contract.

Application Instructions

Candidates should submit a cover letter addressing how their experiences/qualifications meet the job description, CV, a teaching statement and evidence of teaching excellence such as peer and student evaluations, and a sample syllabus to Applicants should be prepared to provide three confidential letters of recommendation on request. It is recommended that all documents be in PDF format and uploaded at one time. To upload more than one document on the application, please choose file then upload files until all documents are showing in the submitted documents area. Any questions about uploading documents may be directed to hr@washjeff.edu. Questions regarding the position should be addressed to Professor Elizabeth Bennett at ebennett@washjeff.edu. Review of application materials will begin January 7th, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.

Employee Benefits

Washington & Jefferson College offers a comprehensive benefit package for benefit eligible employees; including health, vision, and dental coverage, group life insurance, AD&D and LTD coverage, retirement plan, generous leave time, and the tuition benefit programs. These benefits add significantly to the employee's total compensation package.

Getting to Know W&J

Washington & Jefferson College is the best of both worlds: a small-town college setting in historic Washington, Pa., with easy access to the bustling business and cultural districts of nearby Pittsburgh, Pa. just 30 miles to the north. Founded in 1781, W&J College is a private, residential liberal arts college that is focused on student success. Our dedicated, experienced professors are passionate about teaching and work closely with our students to ensure that they receive a quality, comprehensive education. For more than 200 years, our alumni have influenced change in business, politics, medicine, and the arts and sciences as CEOs, lawyers, doctors, researchers, writers, teachers, and in many other equally worthy professions.

Celebrating Community

Washington & Jefferson College welcomes people of all backgrounds and beliefs who wish to participate in a diverse educational community. The College strives to be a place where all students, faculty, administrators and employees are able to live, study and work in an atmosphere free from bias and harassment. The College encourages civil debate and lively exchange of ideas in the belief that such exchanges promote understanding that will grow beyond simple tolerance of difference to embracing and celebrating the richness of diversity. Our graduates acquire knowledge and learn skills that help them thrive in a culturally diverse world.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Washington & Jefferson College (W&J) complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws and provides equal opportunity in all educational programs and activities, admission of students and conditions of employment for all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, gender identity, or national origin.

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