Assistant Professor of Behavioral Science (Tenure-Track)

About the University

The University of Tennessee Southern (UT Southern) is a small public university established in 2021 through the acquisition of Martin Methodist College, founded in 1870. Located in Pulaski, UT Southern stands as the fourth undergraduate campus in the UT System. It is the only public four-year institution of higher education between Chattanooga and Memphis, and situated along Tennessee’s southern border, the campus is conveniently located about 70 miles south of Nashville and 40 miles north of Huntsville, Alabama. The over 1,000 students enrolled at UT Southern enjoy a private, small-college experience at an affordable, public-university cost. Low student-teacher ratios, high classroom personalization, and the resources of a land-grant university system are among the many advantages students experience. Nearly 30 academic programs are available through the schools of business, education, arts and humanities, mathematics and sciences, nursing, and social sciences. The UT Southern Firehawks, competing in the Southern States Athletic Conference, have 19 nationally competitive athletic teams. Both the women’s and clay target programs have recently won national championships.

The University of Tennessee Board of Trustees recently approved UT Southern’s inaugural five-year strategic plan: Igniting Excellence. The strategic plan is built on three foundational pillars designed to guide UT Southern through its next phase of growth and development: enhance academic excellence and promote innovation; create transformational student experiences and foster student success; and establish greater connectedness and facilitate campus and community engagement.

The University of Tennessee Southern’s vision is to be the epicenter for education, community leadership, and workforce development in south-central Tennessee and a national model for higher education in rural America.

• The mission of the University of Tennessee Southern is to: provide undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs grounded in the liberal arts and sciences that are designed to prepare students for careers and lives of continued learning; promote a diverse and globally conscious learning community that nurtures intellectual, social, and personal growth; and serve the region through educational, social, and cultural programs and through community outreach and development.

The Opportunity

The University of Tennessee Southern enthusiastically invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Behavioral Sciences (Tenure-Track) in the School of Social Science. Reporting to the Chair of the School of Social Science, this person will teach courses, advise and mentor students, engage in scholarship, and provide service to the university and community. This is a full-time, in-person position beginning in August 2025.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Teach a full load of courses (12 hours) determined by the School Chair;
• Engage in scholarship appropriate to the disciplines in the School of Social Science;
• Provide meaningful service to the university and surrounding community;
• Mentor and advise students;
• Adherence to procedural guidelines and policies regarding teaching;
• Use of teaching strategies designed to encourage critical thinking and intellectual development;
• Use of teaching strategies designed to engage and motivate students;
• Adaptation of subject matter and instruction to the needs of the students;
• Appropriate, transparent, and unbiased evaluation of students;
• Evaluation of teaching and the use of evaluation data to achieve improvement; Incorporation of applicable, up-to-date subject matter into one’s courses;
• Participation in seminars or workshops with evidence of application to teaching;
• Implementation, as appropriate, of innovative teaching strategies;
• Development of courses and curricula, as appropriate, in response to new opportunities or changing needs of students;
• Direction of student research projects, internships, or creative works, as appropriate, above and beyond expected course load and duties;
• Sponsorship of student-led organizations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• An ability to teach a wide range of behavioral sciences courses.
• Area of research specialization is open, but preference will be given to candidates who can teach psychology and human services courses, potentially including, but not limited to, Foundations of Psychological Sciences, Learning and Cognition, Child Disorders, Neuropsychology, and Theories of Personality. 
• Experience teaching across a variety of delivery methods (online, hybrid, face-to-face, etc.)

• Be available and knowledgeable about and demonstrate proficiency in the practice of academic advising of students.
• Demonstrate evidence of continuing professional development and growth by being suitably active in professional and community service.
• Exhibit motivation and initiative in keeping up-to-date and current in one's curriculum area by reading/reviewing current scholarly or creative works in their field and by attending conferences, seminars, workshops, courses, and development activities sponsored by the university.
• Serve effectively on committees and other appropriate functions that assist in university governance.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in psychology or closely related behavioral sciences field
• ABD will be considered if all requirements in psychology or a related field from an accredited institution are completed by the date of hire.
• A background search will be required of the successful applicant.

Application Process For full consideration, candidates should apply electronically using the link below with a 1) cover letter addressing their interest in and qualifications for the role, 2) a CV/resume, and 3) a list of at least three professional references (include name, email, phone number, and nature of the relationship).

Application Link  

Compensation for the position will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits and much more. Additionally, Tennessee residents do not pay a state income tax. For more information on the University of Tennessee’s benefits, visit https://hr.tennessee.edu/benefits/