What are the responsibilities and job description for the Teaching Assistant Professor - General Psychology position at Western Carolina University?
The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC.
The Psychology Department at Western Carolina University (WCU) invites applications for a 9-month Fixed-Term faculty position at the rank of Teaching Assistant Professor. Anticipated begin work date is August 2027 with the possibility of a January 2027 start.
The Psychology Department at Western Carolina University (WCU) invites applications for a 9-month Fixed-Term faculty position at the rank of Teaching Assistant Professor. Anticipated begin work date is August 2027 with the possibility of a January 2027 start.
The area of specialization is open, but the successful candidate will demonstrate prior experience with teaching undergraduate courses in psychology. Given that the primary focus of the position is on teaching, we are particularly interested in candidates who are student-centered, creative, energetic, and committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment for our students.
Examples of undergraduate courses that the faculty member may teach include, but is not limited to: General Psychology, Developmental Psychology (Childhood, Adolescence, Adult, or Lifespan), Abnormal psychology, and courses in the faculty member’s discipline. As a regional comprehensive university, we value engagement and mentoring of students.
As such, the faculty member is expected to advise undergraduates in the major. Additionally, most courses are offered in person, but integrate technology. Thus, prior experience with Learning Management Systems (e.g., Canvas) is helpful. The typical teaching load for Fixed Term faculty is 4/4 (fall/spring).
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position
Minimum Qualifications
Doctoral degree in Psychology or closely related field; obtained by the date of employment.
Preferred Qualifications
Position Type
Permanent Full-Time
Number of Hours Per Week
40
Number of Months Per Year
9
Posting Text
Open Date
08/11/2026
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.
Please include the following: letter of application, current CV, list of three professional references with complete contact information, and unofficial transcripts showing degree conferral dates for all degrees at the master’s degree level and higher*.
For questions or additional information please contact Erin Myers at emmyers@email.wcu.edu
- All applicants are required to submit an unofficial transcript of their highest attained degree, showing all completed coursework and the date the degree was conferred. The transcript must state Degree Awarded, Degree Conferred or a similar phrase. For candidates who are ABD, please submit your most recent doctoral program transcript along with your master’s degree transcript, if you hold such a degree. The master’s degree transcript must have a notation such as Degree Awarded, Degree Conferred or similar phrase, to verify it as your highest completed degree.
Background/E-Verify
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.
Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
Credential Verification
All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.
EOE
Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.
University Safety
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.
Benefits:
Retirement Plan, Vacation & Paid Time Off, Dental InsuranceSalary : $48,454 - $90,447