Full Time Tenure Track Faculty, Psychology

PLNU is a Christian liberal arts university in the evangelical, Wesleyan tradition, offering quality undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. We provide higher education in a vibrant Christian environment where minds are engaged and challenged, character is modeled and formed, and service is an expression of faith. PLNU is an institution that is committed to reflecting the rich diversity of God’s kingdom. We therefore  encourage applications from culturally and academically diverse faculty of the highest caliber, skilled and/or demonstrating great potential in the practice of teaching and scholarship. 

 

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PLNU is a vibrant Christian liberal arts university with an undergraduate and graduate student body of around 4000, including over 40% students of color. PLNU seeks to attract an active, culturally and academically diverse faculty of the highest caliber, skilled in the practice of teaching and scholarship. In a continuing effort to enrich its academic environment and provide quality educational and employment opportunities, PLNU actively encourages applications from members of underrepresented groups in higher education.

 

Job Status:

Full time

 

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Job Description:

Benefits:

We are pleased to offer attractive benefits and resources. This includes benefits such as health, dental, tuition benefits for employees and dependents, and competitive retirement matching. There also may be opportunities for university assistance with the cost of housing in Southern California. In addition, we have many opportunities to engage with our community including faculty chapel, weekly faculty lunches and a robust wellness program.

 

Salary:

PLNU pays its faculty using a pay scale based on experience and academic rank.  Faculty salaries using this scale for a 2-semester appointment range from $77,520 to $126,825. The actual salary will be based on the experience, rank, and appointment term of the candidate selected to fill this position.

 

Job Description:

The Department of Psychology at Point Loma Nazarene University is seeking applicants for a tenure-track professor position in psychology. Candidates with expertise in clinical/counseling or research psychology are encouraged to apply, and the expected course load will likely include a combination of specialization courses and core psychology courses (recent available core courses include abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, personality, psychology of cognition and learning, and general psychology).

 

The course load is 12 units per semester, and ongoing research activities are expected. Those research activities that emphasize undergraduate student collaboration are especially valued. We also recognize the strength that diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds bring to our department, and we invite applications from people who are eager to nurture and support students from a wide variety of backgrounds.

 

Candidates with demonstrated teaching excellence and research experience are preferred, and initial rank will be determined by experience and academic qualifications. A doctorate in psychology by August 2025 is required, but candidates who are currently ABD are welcome to apply. Applicants should also demonstrate commitment to the university’s mission and quality undergraduate teaching. In addition, candidates should demonstrate a commitment to research, diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as to ongoing professional development. The initial review of applications will begin on November 15th, 2025, video interviews will be conducted shortly thereafter, and the review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Final candidates will conduct on-campus interviews in early 2025. The anticipated start date is August 11, 2025.

 

Responsibilities:

• Teach 24 units of undergraduate psychology courses per year (12 units per semester). 

• Conduct scholarly research, with the expectation of including undergraduate students.

• Advise students academically, professionally, personally, and spiritually.

• Participate in departmental activities and governance.

• Serve on faculty committees and perform other normal faculty duties.

• Off-campus community engagement, including involvement in a Christian religious community.

 

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D., Psy.D. or Ed.D in Psychology (or ABD with completion date prior to August 2025)

• Commitment to developing and maintaining teaching excellence

• Commitment to developing and maintaining scholarly research productivity

• Commitment to developing and maintaining student mentoring

• Commitment to liberal arts education

• Evidence of support for diverse peoples and perspectives

• Evidence of strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Evidence of Christian commitment and active church involvement. In addition, faculty agree to live in agreement with PLNU’s Community Life Covenant.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D., Psy.D. or Ed.D in Psychology

• Evidence of teaching excellence

• Evidence of scholarly research productivity and a well-articulated research plan that would involve training undergraduate students in the research process

• Experience mentoring undergraduate students

• Evidence of strong support for diverse peoples and perspectives

• Evidence of excellent interpersonal and communication skills

• Evidence of a strong commitment to the Mission of Point Loma Nazarene University

 

 

Selection Process:

Applicants will be expected to submit an application and corresponding documents. All applicants will be reviewed and evaluated. From this pool of applicants, a limited number will be selected and moved forward in the process. The interview process may include:

• Stage 1: An in-depth Zoom Interview with members of the search committee

• Stage 2: An on-campus interview, which may include:

  • Dialogue with students and faculty in the Department of Psychology

  • A teaching demonstration presented to faculty and students in the Department of Psychology

  • Dinner with faculty from the Department of Psychology

  • An interview with the Dean of the Colleges

  • An interview with the Provost

  • An interview with the President of the University

 

Special Instructions: Please contact the search committee chair ([email protected]) for questions or clarification. When beginning your application, be prepared to answer these questions and upload the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae

• Cover Letter

• Statement of Personal Faith, including:

  • Sharing your personal testimony or faith journey 

• Philosophy of Teaching in Christian Higher Education, including, but not limited to:

  • Integration of your faith into coursework and learning

  • Modeling your Christian faith to students in an authentic way

  • Encouraging students in their own spiritual journey

• Provide names and contacts for 3 references, at least one professional contact who can speak to your teaching potential, and one person in leadership at your church who can speak to your Christian character and church involvement (references will only be contacted if you are advanced as a finalist candidate)

• Unofficial Transcripts for highest degree completed

• Optional: 3 teaching evaluations

• Note: 3 Letters of reference will only be requested for candidates who advance to the final stage of the search process

 

If you have questions about items for the application, please contact the Office of Human Resources at [email protected] or the Search Committee chair at [email protected].

 

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At PLNU, we believe in pursuing calling together. Deep and meaningful relationships between students, faculty, and staff is vital in nurturing our shared community and expressing God’s love. We are looking for enthusiastic candidates to join us in empowering our students to reach their greatest personal, spiritual and professional potential. 

 

Point Loma Nazarene University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures.