Working Title: One Year Instructional Faculty – Department of Psychology

State Role Title: NA

Position Type: Instructional / Teaching Faculty

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Exempt: Not Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: College of Health and Behavioral Studies

Department: 100053 - Psychology

Pay Rate: Commensurate with Experience

Specify Range or Amount:

Is this a JMU only position? No

Is this a grant-funded position? No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No

Beginning Review Date: 06/04/2025

About JMU:

Mission
We are a community committed to preparing students to be educated and enlightened citizens who lead productive and meaningful lives.

Vision
To be the national model for the engaged university: engaged with ideas and the world.

Who We Are
Located in the heart of Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA. With a population of just over 53,000, Harrisonburg is one of the most diverse communities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and inclusive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 20,000 undergraduate and 1,900 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty.

JMU offers thriving programs in the liberal arts, science and technology, and professional disciplines at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels. The university is committed to expanding diversity, fostering equity and inclusion, and supporting superlative teaching and scholarship. JMU has achieved national recognition for the high quality of its academic programs, focus on maintaining strong student/faculty interaction, and innovative faculty research.

General Information:

The Department of Psychology in the College of Health and Behavioral Studies (CHBS) at James Madison University (JMU) invites applicants for a 10-month full-time instructional faculty position at the rank of Instructor or Assistant Professor with a Fixed Term Appointment (FTA) to begin August 25, 2025. The initial 1-year contract is renewable for two more years, contingent upon performance.

The mission of the Department of Psychology is to educate our students in and contribute to the science of psychology. Psychology is among the most popular majors on campus, serving approximately 1,300 students. JMU emphasizes instructional innovation in the classroom, data-driven approaches to instructional improvement, and engaged learning experiences for undergraduates. Faculty members in the Department of Psychology are strong contributors to these efforts. Additional information about psychology at JMU is available at https://www.jmu.edu/chbs/psyc/index.shtml.

The successful candidate will join a cohort of five other first- and second-year faculty members in a vibrant and growing department. We are a student-centered faculty with a strong commitment to open, respectful, and supportive collegiality. We are excited to welcome candidates who have a commitment to inclusive excellence. Candidates could contribute to our ongoing initiatives in this area through their teaching, their active mentorship of students, their service, and/or other expertise that they bring to the department.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Teaching assignment: the equivalent of 5 courses each in fall and spring semesters. The 5:5 workload will include opportunities to teach double sections (teaching one larger section which would count as two courses) and mentoring students in an independent study (which could count as a course). For example, teaching a double section of PSYC 210 and PSYC 211, and an independent study would count as 5 courses.
• Likely courses include behavioral statistics (PSYC 210) and/or research methods (PSYC 211), but specific course assignments will depend on department needs.
• Limited research and service expectations.

Qualifications:

At least a completed master’s degree in psychology or a similar field by July 2025 is required for the rank of Instructor. A PhD in Psychology or similar field, or other relevant degree (e.g., EdD, PsyD) in hand by July 2025 is required for appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor.

The preferred skills/qualifications for this position are:
• experience teaching statistics and/or research methods at the college level
• experience teaching in-person courses, especially at the college level
• evidence of high-quality instruction
• experience mentoring students in a higher education context
• evidence of inclusive practices in teaching and/or mentoring

Additional Posting Information:

In addition to completing the faculty profile the following materials should be submitted online:
(1) Letter of Interest
(2) Curriculum Vitae (including courses taught, if relevant)
(3) Statement of Teaching Philosophy
(4) Names and contact information for three references. References may receive an e-mail requesting that they submit a letter of recommendation by email later on in the process.

CHBS is committed to shaping a forward-thinking and dynamic environment by refining policies, practices, and processes that strengthen our community, drive real-world advancement, and maintain spaces conducive to individual and collective growth. Through education, scholarship, and service, individuals are inspired to make responsible and meaningful contributions to the college, campus, local community, and broader world. Join us in fostering collaboration and innovation as we grow a dynamic college that embodies an atmosphere of belonging, champions excellence, and shares a sense of purpose. James Madison University is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a thriving environment where a wide range of perspectives are embraced, and fairness is upheld. More information about CHBS can be found here: https://www.jmu.edu/chbs/join-chbs/index.shtml

JMU is a student-centered community that values excellence, integrity, and mutual respect. Creating an inclusive environment for faculty, staff, and students are among the goals for our campus (see Strategic Planning: Core Qualities - JMU). JMU is an R2 university, with an enrollment of approximately 20,000 undergraduate and 1,900 graduate students, located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, approximately 2 hours from Washington, D.C., Richmond, and Roanoke. JMU continues to be highly ranked by U.S. News and World Report, Niche, and Washington Monthly (see jmu.edu/about). JMU highly values quality teaching, and the university has substantial infrastructure to support teaching, instructional technology, and faculty development, such as our Center for Faculty Innovation (jmu.edu/cfi). For more information about JMU see www.jmu.edu.

Questions about the position should be directed to the Search Chair, Dr. Robyn Kondrad (kondrarl@jmu.edu).

JMU’s Dual Career and Community Resources Program is available for candidates that will be relocating to the area. For more information, please visit https://bit.ly/2OTF1NG.

Conditions of Employment:  

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.

E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

EEO Statement:

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.

We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.

Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at (540) 568-3597 or jobs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.