Assistant Professor - Department of Psychology (Behavior Analysis)

Description

The Department of Psychology at West Virginia University seeks to hire a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor in Behavior Analysis. The preferred start date is August 2026. We welcome applications from individuals who can contribute to our ABAI-accredited doctoral program in Behavior Analysis by conducting basic or translational research supported by external grants, mentoring student research, teaching graduate and undergraduate courses, and sharing in institutional and professional service.

The Department of Psychology has 27 full-time faculty, 77 doctoral students, 704 undergraduate psychology majors, 611 undergraduate psychology minors, and 54 undergraduate behavior analysis certificate students. Doctoral training is offered in Behavior Analysis (ABAI-accredited), Behavioral Neuroscience, Clinical Psychology (APA-accredited), and Life-Span Developmental Psychology. In addition to our accredited doctoral program, our undergraduate program includes an ABAI-accredited certificate in Behavior Analysis. The program area has been recognized as one of the top-ranked behavior analysis research programs internationally. The current Behavior Analysis faculty have broad-reaching expertise in basic, translational, and applied research, providing ample opportunities for collaboration across various domains. The Behavior Analysis program was recently awarded a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) grant from the National Science Foundation to involve undergraduates from underrepresented groups in laboratory-based scientific experiences as a foundation for diversifying the workforce in behavior science.

Responsibilities :

The successful candidate will maintain an active research agenda that advances the Department's programs in the area of Behavior Analysis. They will be expected to regularly publish in high-quality peer-reviewed journals. The teaching load is four courses per academic year (2-2) with course equivalencies for obtaining and / or managing external grants or for significant leadership expectations. The successful candidate will be expected to teach classes that complement the Psychology Department's current offerings at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The candidate will also be expected to serve the community, university, and profession.

Qualifications

The successful candidates must have a Ph.D. in Psychology, Behavior Analysis, or a related field. We will consider ABD candidates, but the Ph.D. must be conferred by the start date. In addition, candidates must meet the following criteria :

• Potential to develop an active basic or translational research program that complements that of the current faculty and secure external funding.
• Ability to provide high-quality mentorship to undergraduate and graduate students.
• Ability to oversee and support student involvement in research.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, as well as strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent teaching skills.

Application Process :

To apply, please visit https : / / careers.wvu.edu / career-opportunities and upload (a) curriculum vitae; (b) an application letter that discusses your scholarship and sponsored research plan and teaching philosophy; and (c) complete contact information for at least three references. Finalists may be required to submit additional materials. The screening process will begin December 1, 2025 and continue until the position is filled. For more information, please visit our website ( https : / / psychology.wvu.edu / ) or contact search committee chair, Dr. Kathryn Kestner, at Kathryn.Kestner@mail.wvu.edu .

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Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu .

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.