Job Description

Assistant/Associate/ Professor, Developmental Psychology

About Western Kentucky University:

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is a student-centered, applied-research institution committed to providing its students with a transformative academic and social experience and to elevating its surrounding communities. Founded in 1906, WKU is the third largest public four-year institution in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with approximately 16,293 students and nearly 2,612 faculty and staff employees. Western Kentucky University is committed to empowering its campus community. At the heart of our mission, we seek to provide holistic education and employment experiences that prepare students, faculty, and staff to become effective scholars, contributors, and leaders in our ever-evolving communities. Located 65 miles north of Nashville, TN, and just over 100 miles south of Louisville, KY, WKU's main campus is in Bowling Green, KY - a city with approximately 70,000 residents. Our population is ethnically diverse, with more than 85 languages spoken in and around Bowling Green, and people from 35 nationalities call our community home. Western Kentucky University seeks to attract talented faculty and staff who are inspired individually to contribute to WKU's strategic plans and ongoing success. We offer comprehensive wellness and health benefits to employees and their families, including domestic partners and other qualified dependents and take pride in providing a workplace culture that supports balancing the responsibilities of work and family life. Paid-time off for holidays, vacation and sick leave, and a tuition discount program for employees and dependents are also provided. Learn more about WKU and Bowling Green at  wku.edu/about .

Job Description:

The Western Kentucky University Psychology Department () is seeking qualified applicants for a full-time, nine-month, tenure-eligible appointment at the rank of Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor in the area of developmental psychology beginning August 2026. This position will primarily support the undergraduate major with potential for teaching graduate courses. Area of specialization is open.

Responsibilities for the position include:

• teaching undergraduate (e.g., lifespan development, adolescent psychology) and/or graduate courses in area of interest,
• conducting scholarly research and publishing,
• advising undergraduate students,
• guiding graduate research as well as serving on graduate research committees (e.g., thesis and dissertation committees)
• serving on program, department, college, and university committees, and
• other duties as assigned.

The Department of Psychology has a B.A. in psychology with a general major, and concentrations in sport and forensic psychology. We also offer a psychology minor and an interdisciplinary minor in clinical and community behavioral health. In addition, the department houses three graduate degrees: a masters program in clinical psychology, an Ed.S. in school psychology, and a Psy.D. in applied psychology. The Department of Psychology is housed in the collaborative College of Education and Behavioral Sciences which also has programs in teacher education, counseling, educational leadership and administration, military sciences, and more.

WKU's Department of Psychology is committed to initiatives pertaining to first generation students and promoting inclusive excellence overall, while increasing the diversity of the University community. Candidates who can contribute to that goal are encouraged to apply and to identify their strengths or experiences in this area.

The WKU Psychology Department is currently advertising other positions. Dual career couples are encouraged to apply. 

Requirements:

All applicants must have an earned doctorate in developmental psychology or a related field by the posted start date. Additional requirements for each rank are below.

Assistant Professor : Candidate is expected to demonstrate potential for excellence in teaching and have an active and productive program of scholarly research.

Associate Professor: Candidate must have 6+ years experience in higher education, demonstrate excellence in teaching graduate and undergraduate courses, evidence of sustained scholarly activity including publications and presentations, and a record of service to the institution and profession.

Full Professor: Candidate must have earned tenure at another institution, have 12+ years experience in higher education, demonstrate excellence in teaching graduate and undergraduate courses, evidence of sustained scholarly activity including publications and presentations, and a record of service to the institution and profession.

Additional Information:

Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices.

Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify the office of Institutional Equity. To request an accommodation, report a complaint, or ask questions regarding WKU's Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040), please contact Ms. Ena Demir, Executive Director/Title IX Coordinator via email at  ena.demir@wku.edu or by phone at (270) 745-6867. Ms. Demir is also responsible for coordinating the University's response to complaints related to sex and gender harassment. Additional information regarding Title IX is accessible via WKU's website.

Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at: 

For information related to job postings, please email  employment@wku.edu .

Application Instructions:

Review of applications will begin on November 3rd, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. Please submit the following materials through this electronic talent management system:

• Cover letter describing how your experiences and interests match with the position
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy
• Current Curriculum Vita
• Copies of all graduate-level academic transcripts

Names and contact information of three reference providers will be collected during the application process. Reference letters will be requested by the Search Committee through an online process at a later date.

You will receive email confirmation once you have successfully completed the application process.

For more information, please contact the search committee chair, Dr. Qin Zhao ( qin.zhao@wku.edu ).

Quicklink to apply:

Job Tags

Similar Jobs