Assistant or Associate Professor in Palo Alto, California at Palo Alto University
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Job Description
Faculty, Psychology Department
Full Time, Residential
Palo Alto, CA, US
Job Title: Assistant or Associate Professor (Tenure Track)
Department: Psychology Department
The Psychology Department philosophy and mission are aligned with PAU’s vision that through insight into human behavior we can improve well-being and contribute to more just and inclusive communities. The department houses two APA-accredited doctoral programs (a PhD in Clinical Psychology program and the PAU-Stanford PsyD Consortium, a joint PsyD program with the Department of Psychiatry at Stanford University), and a master's program in Psychology.
Through classroom instruction, clinical practice, and research, we aspire to prepare students to address emerging issues in the mental health field. The department has seven areas of emphasis: LGBTQ+, Pediatric Behavioral Health, Diversity and Community Mental Health (DCMH), Forensic,, Neuropsychology, and Trauma. PAU operates an in-house community clinic, The Clinics @ PAU, and advanced students are placed at a wide range of clinical training sites in the Bay Area, including VA Medical Centers, community clinics, and schools. We aspire to teach our students to be leaders in culturally responsive mental health and mental health technology. It is our hope that incoming faculty will help us to build on our existing areas of emphasis and help build on our existing areas of emphasis, faculty expertise, and research mentorship offerings
Palo Alto University (PAU) invites applications for two (2) tenure-track faculty positions in Psychology at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor for an appointment starting Fall 2027.
Successful candidates will be expected to teach core and specialized courses in the Psychology Department. Faculty members are also expected to: 1) demonstrate scholarly productivity, as reflected in publications, professional presentations, and/or research grants; 2) contribute to the department’s mission of providing outstanding teaching, research, and service; and 3) engage with the department’s and university’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to student advising, admissions, curriculum assessment/development, and general departmental and university service.
An earned doctorate in Psychology or other closely related discipline, from an accredited institution (or foreign equivalent) is required; however, applicants nearing completion of the doctorate may be considered. For an appointment, the doctorate must be completed by the date of appointment.
The University is especially seeking candidates with a demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The successful candidate will be creative and will have a strong commitment to teaching in a learner-centered environment. Successful candidates will provide compelling evidence of the following:
- Experience of successful undergraduate and/or graduate teaching;
- Demonstrated evidence of scholarly productivity (i.e., publications, presentations, and/or grant funding);
- The ability to work well in a small, collegial environment.
Preference will be given to candidates who have expertise in research methods and statistics, assessment (personality, intellectual, psychometric theory).
To be considered for one of the tenure-track faculty positions in Psychology at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor, you must submit the following when you apply:
- Cover letter stating which includes a summary of research, teaching, and professional interests
- PAU is committed to providing an educational environment that supports a diverse, equitable and inclusive population. In your cover letter, please include information on how your background and experience has prepared you to be in an environment that holds equity and inclusion core to its mission and values.
- Curriculum vitae
- A teaching statement that describes your teaching philosophy, pedagogical approach, and courses taught/developed (the latter if relevant) A research statement that describes your program of research, past accomplishments, future projects, and potential funding mechanisms.
- Two reprints or pre-prints of scholarly work
- A sample of teaching evaluations (if candidate has prior teaching experience)
- Three letters of recommendation, including contact information for referees
Preference will be given to applications and supporting documents received by September 1, 2026, but the position(s) will remain open until a suitable candidate is selected. Questions regarding the position(s) may be directed to the Search Committee Chair, at psychologysearchchair@paloaltou.edu. Questions regarding the application system should be directed to PeopleOperations@paloaltou.edu.
We will continue to review applications until the positions are filled.
Palo Alto University (PAU), a private, non-profit university, founded in 1975 and located in the heart of Northern California’s Silicon Valley, is a community grounded in values of social justice, dedicated to addressing pressing and emerging issues in the fields of psychology and counseling that meet the needs of today’s diverse society. The students at PAU reflect the diversity of the region, are engaged in their education, and are committed to improving the lives of others. The University sees diversity and inclusive excellence in its staff and faculty as very important to serving its diverse student body. PAU offers undergraduate and graduate programs with online, hybrid and residential options. PAU has an engaged faculty who make significant contributions to their fields and prepare future leaders who make a difference in the lives of individuals and communities. PAU strives to support the development of confident, competent, and compassionate professionals who are leaders in their respective fields and invested in high-quality healthcare and education.
EEOC Policy:
The University is an equal opportunity employer and is firmly committed to non-discrimination in its hiring and other employment practices and in the application of its personnel policies. In compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, except where a bona fide occupational qualification exists, employment decisions will be made irrespective of the staff member's race, color, religion, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age (except for minors), sex, marital status, citizenship status, military service status, sexual orientation, medical condition(cancer-related or genetic condition), disability and/or any another status protected by law. When necessary, the University will reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities, if the individual is otherwise qualified to safely perform all essential functions of the position and if it will be done without undue hardship to the University.