Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) - Psychology
Position Overview
Organization: Department of Social Sciences
Title: Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) - Psychology
Position Details
Position Description
The University of Washington Tacoma (UWT) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Psychology (Clinical and/or Counseling Psychology) to join the Department of Social Sciences (SOCS) in the School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences (SIAS). We seek applicants who demonstrate commitment to excellence in research, teaching, and service in a diverse and inclusive academic community.
This is a full-time (100% FTE) position with a 9-month service period (September 16 - June 15, each year) and an expected start date of September 16, 2027. The initial appointment will be for a three-year term, eligible for reappointment after successful academic review.
The base salary range for this position will be $9,111 to $9,667 per month ($82,000 to $87,000 per 9-month academic year), commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination.
The successful candidate will be expected to perform highly effective and inclusive teaching, using evidence-based pedagogical techniques and strategies, in an urban-serving campus environment. Faculty at UWT are expected to teach in multiple modalities, including in-person, online, and hybrid courses. The successful candidate will also be expected to provide high quality teaching and mentoring at the undergraduate level that includes engaging students in research and promoting the success of students with varying experiences and backgrounds.
The area of specialization within Clinical and/or Counseling Psychology is open, but positive factors for consideration include but are not limited to an active program of research that readily involves undergraduate students as research assistants and having experience or being able to teach courses related to psychotherapy, psychological assessment/evaluation, and/or multicultural psychology.
The expected teaching load for this position is set at a level equivalent to six standard courses per academic year (usually two per quarter). The successful candidate will be expected to teach Introduction to Psychology (TPSYCH 101) and/or Research Methods (including data analysis) (TPSYCH 209 & 309) as well as courses in the candidate’s specialization. Foundational and area courses in Clinical and/or Counseling Psychology may include, Abnormal Psychology (TPSYCH 210), Controversies in Clinical Psychology (TPSYCH 310), Mental Illness Across Cultures (TPSYCH 312), Tests and Measurements (TPSYCH 314), Intro to Counseling Psychology (TPSYCH 315), Group Counseling and Dynamics (TPSYCH 409), Ethical and Legal Issues in Psychology (TPSYCH 417), and Meditation, Mindfulness, and Health (TPSYCH 450). Other courses may be assigned based on departmental needs.
The successful candidate will also be expected to conduct research in their area of expertise and contribute to service. This will include the development and maintenance of a rigorous scholarly agenda and actively participating in unit-specific activities (e.g., attending meetings, serving on major and department level committees).
Additional service expectations include mentoring students, participating in school and campus committees, and active membership within relevant professional organizations.
All University of Washington faculty are expected to engage in teaching, research, and service.
About the Tacoma Campus and the Department of Social Sciences
The University of Washington Tacoma (UWT) is a growing, urban-serving university that is deeply invested in its local communities. As one of three campuses of a world-class university, UWT is dedicated to interdisciplinary and innovative teaching and scholarship, and to engaging the community in mutually beneficial partnerships. Consistent with the institution’s urban-serving mission, UWT provides a unique environment for faculty to creatively develop their teaching, scholarship, and service portfolios, and to engage with the Tacoma community. UWT’s commitment to access is central to an environment where students, staff, faculty, and South Sound residents find abundant opportunities for intellectual, personal, and professional growth.
The School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences at UW Tacoma is home to three academic departments, among the seven schools that make up the UWT campus. The Department of Social Sciences (SOCS) includes eight majors and ten minors that seek to understand how human behavior, historical context, economic systems, and power dynamics collectively shape society, while encouraging students to become more informed and engaged global citizens. The Psychology Major is one of the largest majors at UWT and includes psychologists and social scientists across areas of Social, Developmental, Biological, Community, Cognitive, Clinical, Counseling, and Health Psychology. We are a collaborative community of scholars who support the Psychology curriculum and conduct transformative, future-oriented research. More information about our department and major is located on our website: https://www.tacoma.uw.edu/sias/socs.
Qualifications
Applicants for this position must meet the following minimum qualifications:
● An earned Ph.D. (or foreign equivalent) in Psychology or related fields from an accredited college or university by the start of the appointment
● Demonstrated effectiveness or potential for effectiveness in teaching
● Demonstrated record of research and/or evidence of a developing scholarly research agenda in the candidate’s area of expertise
In exceptional circumstances, candidates in the final stages of their terminal degree (pending conferral) may be selected and appointed on an acting basis.
Instructions
First consideration of applications will begin on October 15, 2026. Priority will be given to those applications received by that date. Applications will only be accepted via Interfolio. The position will remain open until filled.
Applications must include the following materials:
- A cover letter (2 pages or less) detailing your interest in the position and outlining how your prior experiences and qualifications match both the position’s description and the academic environment of the major, department, and the university.
- A Curriculum Vitae, including your scholarship, a list of courses taught, their frequency, and your role in each course (e.g., primary instructor vs. teaching assistant), and your academic and professional service roles.
- A research statement (2 pages or less), including a description of your current and anticipated research projects, how you envision these research plans being implemented at a primarily undergraduate institution, and how your research complements the mission, vision, and values of UWT. Please include how you will involve and support the success of UWT students in your research and/or research area.
- A teaching statement (2 pages or less), describing your teaching philosophy, including methods and evidenced-based practices you use (or intend to use) to support students from a variety of preparations and backgrounds, examples of how you would incorporate these methods, and a list of courses you are equipped to teach.
- Evidence of teaching effectiveness. This portfolio might include quantitative and/or qualitative student evaluations, peer teaching evaluations, and/or example syllabi. Material related to the courses listed in the job ad are encouraged.
- One representative peer-reviewed reprint or preprint, or submitted manuscript.
- Names and contact information for three professional references, with letters available upon request.
Throughout these materials, applicants are encouraged to articulate how their past experiences and/or future plans in research, teaching, mentoring, and/or service promote a sense of belonging and foster a welcoming and inclusive academic environment.
Specific inquiries should be directed to the search committee Co-Chairs, Dr. Amanda Sesko at aksesko@uw.edu or Dr. Jonah Li at jonahli@uw.edu.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Equal Opportunity
The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.
Benefits Information
The University is committed to providing excellent benefits to our faculty. For a summary of available benefits, please see UWHR benefits information.
Privacy Notice
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Disability Services
The University of Washington is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.