Assistant Professor of Psychology and African American Studies

Note for Current UM Employees

Current employees must apply internally via connectU > connectu.olemiss.edu

Position Description

The Department of Psychology at The University of Mississippi invites applications for four faculty openings to address retirements and expand our faculty in Psychology, including one as a joint appointment with African American Studies. Applicants may apply to one or more of the position openings if their specialization fits more than one position announcement. This posting is for a joint appointment in Psychology and African American Studies. Please see additional appointment postings for tenure track positions in Clinical and Developmental Psychology and an instructional position in Behavior Analysis.

In addition to existing department facilities on the beautiful main campus, the Department of Psychology is expanding into a newly assigned 24,000 sq ft space in the South Oxford Center (SOC). Department space at the SOC will include faculty offices and labs, administrative space, graduate workspaces, seminar rooms, and the Psychological Services Center (PSC). The SOC is a short drive from the main campus with regular bus service between locations. The SOC provides easy access and parking both for community research participants and clients of the PSC.

Applicants for the tenure-track positions should have a record of research productivity and a plan for developing and maintaining a substantive research program that involves graduate students and would likely attract external funding. Applicants for all positions should be interested in teaching graduate and undergraduate courses.

Assistant Professor - African American Studies and Psychology

This joint appointment in Psychology and African American Studies is open to any area of specialization.  Faculty hired in this position will teach graduate and undergraduate courses (including a to-be-developed cross-listed course in Black Psychology) and supervise graduate students in their research.  If the successful candidate’s area is clinical psychology, they would also be expected to provide clinical supervision for graduate students and obtain licensure.  The tenure-granting department will be Psychology, with teaching duties split between the two departments based on needs.  This position is part of the College of Liberal Art Cluster Hire Initiative. 

Position Details

Appointment: 9 Month

Assignment Type: Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications

For all positions, applicants must have completed – or be on track to complete by August 2025 - a Ph.D in Psychology or a related field.

Application Procedures

All applications must be submitted online at http://careers.olemiss.edu/ and should include:

a) a cover letter that addresses how your program of research and approach to and experience in teaching fit with the position and with values of our department(s). https://psychology.olemiss.edu/our-values-and-beliefs/,https://aas.olemiss.edu/

b) curriculum vitae,

c) the names and contact information for three references,

d) up to three selected journal reprints or preprints, and

e) two short statements (not to exceed two pages each), with one describing your program of research and one describing your teaching philosophy.

Questions concerning online submission problems should be directed to the University Employment Office at  careers@olemiss.edu.

Questions about this position may be directed to the search committee chair Dr. Carrie Smith csmith4@olemiss.edu.

Review of materials will begin September 3, 2024 and continue until an adequate applicant pool is reached for each position.

About Our Programs

The Psychology Department consists of 24 full-time faculty members and over 60 graduate students. Graduate programs include the APA-accredited doctoral program in Clinical Psychology and a doctoral program in Experimental Psychology. The Clinical Psychology program adheres to a scientist-practitioner model of training, with a particular focus on evidence-based approaches. The Experimental Psychology training program focuses on cognitive, developmental, and social psychology. Faculty both within and across programs frequently collaborate on research. Our graduate psychology programs were joint recipients of the 2021 Donald R. Cole Excellence in Promoting Inclusiveness in Graduate Education.  

https://psychology.olemiss.edu/

https://gradschool.olemiss.edu/awards-and-recognitions/

https://psychology.olemiss.edu/our-values-and-beliefs/

The African American Studies Program boasts award-winning faculty and develops and coordinates an interdisciplinary curriculum that focuses mainly on the African American experience in the United States, with particular emphasis on Mississippi and the South. Its objectives are to encourage all students and faculty to examine the African American experience, to facilitate a cultural and intellectual atmosphere on campus that promotes such studies, and to develop a program of research and community service. The African American studies program offers various student scholarships, including the Fannie Lou Hamer Scholarship. https://aas.olemiss.edu/ 

About the University of MS & Oxford, MS

Founded in 1848, the University of Mississippi (UM), affectionately known to alumni, students and friends as Ole Miss, is Mississippi's flagship university. Included in the elite group of R-1: Doctoral Universities - Highest Research Activity by the Carnegie Classification, it has a long history of producing leaders in public service, academics and business. The University of Mississippi, consistently named by The Chronicle of Higher Education as a “Great College to Work For,” is located in Oxford, MS, which is ranked one of the “Top 10 Best College Towns.” With more than 24,000 students, UM is the state's largest university and is ranked among the nation's fastest-growing institutions. The University of Mississippi, which has aggressively implemented many health and wellness initiatives for its more than 2,900 employees, has consistently been named one of Mississippi’s Healthiest Workplaces.

Mississippi provides a rich environment for research and community engagement opportunities with individuals from underrepresented groups and rural areas, including research focused on advancing awareness and treatment of mental health needs in these populations; several surrounding underserved communities are designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas.

Touted as the “Cultural Mecca of the South”, creativity abounds in Oxford as musicians, artists and writers alike find inspiration in Oxford’s rich history, small town charm and creative community. Oxford is a one-hour drive south of Memphis, TN and is known as the home of Nobel Prize winning author William Faulkner. Over the years Oxford has also been known for offering exceptional culinary experiences and as the home of the University of Mississippi and the Ole Miss Rebels, there is always something here to immerse yourself in. Oxford has also been featured as a literary and arts destination in such publications as The New York Times, Southern Living, Condé Nast Traveler, and GQ. Among other cultural activities, annual events include the Oxford Film Festival, a thriving local music scene, and the Ford Center Performing Arts Series. Oxford is a vibrant university town, filled with unique shops and galleries, eclectic restaurants and clubs, historic landmarks, and comfortable inns.

Background Check Statement

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

EEO Statement

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.

The University of Mississippi is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA employer.

Interview Requirements:

Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.