Assistant Professor in Psychology (3-Year Term)

Pacific University achieves excellence and distinction by investing in exceptional people to think, care, create, and pursue justice in our world. We embrace discovery in a close and nurturing environment that leads to genuine transformation. Our community is diverse, sustainable, and dedicated to discovery and excellence in teaching, scholarship, and practice.

At Pacific University, we thrive in an extraordinary environment, surrounded by the beauty of the great Pacific Northwest, with campus locations in Forest Grove, Hillsboro, and Eugene. We humbly acknowledge and thank the original caretakers of the lands on which we live, work, teach, and acquire and share knowledge.

Pacific University’s Department of Psychology invites applications for a full-time, three-year term Assistant Professor position beginning August 2026. We seek a passionate teacher-scholar dedicated to student-centered, inclusive undergraduate education and the mentorship of diverse learners. The successful candidate will teach a variety of courses, including Introductory Psychology, the two-semester Research Methods and Statistics course, and upper-division courses in their area of expertise, and will join a collaborative department that values innovation in teaching and scholarship-driven student engagement.

Located in Forest Grove, Oregon, in the heart of Willamette Valley wine country, an hour from the Oregon Coast, between two major alpine recreation areas, Mt. Hood and the Cascade Mountains. Pacific University is also just 25 miles west of Portland. Pacific University is a private liberal arts institution with both undergraduate and graduate professional programs.

Our small class sizes, collegial community, and mission-driven culture foster close faculty-student relationships and creative pedagogy. Faculty are encouraged to experiment with high-impact practices such as undergraduate research, community-based learning, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in Psychology by the contract date, August 2026.
• Evidence of excellence in undergraduate teaching
• Evidence of scholarly engagement and potential for student-faculty collaboration
• Commitment to supporting diverse learners and promoting equity

APPLICATION PROCESSTo apply, please upload your supporting documents as listed below; along with your Paycom application.  Persons who do not follow and complete the application process are not applicants and will not be considered for employment.

Submissions should include all of the following, as PDFs:
1.    Letter of Interest (demonstrating your knowledge of Pacific, how your teaching philosophy will complement our mission)
2.    Current curriculum vitae
3.    Teaching statement 
4.    Evidence of teaching excellence (e.g., student evaluations, awards, etc.)
5.    Research statement (with samples of recent professional work)
6.    Three letters of support 
Optional, but encouraged: Syllabi examples for Research Methods and Intro Psychology

During the selection process, we will strive to provide timely notifications. Review of applications begins November 10, 2025, and will remain open until the position is filled.

All inquiries should be directed to Dr. Heide Island (island@pacificu.edu), Search Chair, Pacific University, Department of Psychology. 
 

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and continue to work without employer visa sponsorship, now or in the future. A background check will also be conducted.

At Pacific University, we are dedicated to offering experiences that are authentic, holistic, equity-minded, and responsive. Our communal success rests on the recognition that complex problems and effective solutions are best approached by teams with a variety of diverse perspectives. and life experiences. As we continue to develop our equity practices, we actively promote access to opportunities and equitable pay for all employees.

We, who make up Pacific University, aspire to become a community of purpose where everyone is enabled to be wholly and comfortably who they are; accountable for inclusive behaviors and practices; built on trust, civility, care, openness, and honest conversations often around critical subjects. We know that these values are critical to prepare for a global world with complex problems, through an asset-based mindset so that every one is afforded an opportunity to succeed. We believe in fostering a workplace where every employee is respected, their contributions are valued, and they are provided opportunities to succeed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for qualifying employees. Current benefits include:

• Generous paid time off (for vacation, holidays—including winter break—and sick leave)

• Medical coverage with alternative care options (with in-network services covered at 100% after payroll deduction)

• Comprehensive dental and vision plans

• Annual 9% retirement contribution after one year of service with no match required

• Free mental health appointments

• Tuition remission for employees and their dependent child(ren) who meet eligibility requirements

• Employer-paid life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance

• On-campus benefits, including free access to our sports facility and library

• Discounts on campus food, bookstore purchases, clinic services, and outdoor program gear rentals (including kayaks, snowshoes, and bikes)

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT

Pacific University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all applicable laws, including those concerning employment and workplace policies. We are committed to fostering a non-discriminatory and inclusive work environment. We are proud to encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from historically underrepresented groups.

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY

Pacific University makes all employment decisions without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, religion or religious creed, disability, sex, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. Applicable laws include, but are not limited to, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Questions or complaints may be directed to the Vice President for Academic Affairs at 2043 College Way, Forest Grove, OR 97116 or via email at provost@pacificu.edu.