Developmental Psychology Professor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the field of education, the focus on Developmental Psychology Professors has become increasingly significant.

As the understanding of human growth and behavior advances, the need for skilled minds who can research, teach, and advance our knowledge in developmental psychology becomes more critical.

But what does it really entail to be a Developmental Psychology Professor?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring academic trying to grasp the core responsibilities of this role,
• An academic director in search of the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the realm of developmental psychology,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Developmental Psychology Professor job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or academic career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Developmental Psychology Professor Duties and Responsibilities

Developmental Psychology Professors are responsible for educating students about psychological development across the lifespan.

They combine teaching, research, and often clinical practice to enhance the understanding of how people change and grow throughout life.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Developing and delivering lectures on topics related to developmental psychology such as cognitive, emotional, and social development across the lifespan
• Designing, preparing, and delivering course curriculum and material
• Conducting and supervising research in the field of developmental psychology
• Assessing and grading students’ coursework and providing feedback on their progress
• Supervising student projects, field placements, research work, or internships
• Staying current on the latest research and trends in developmental psychology through continued learning and professional development
• Publishing research findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media
• Participating in departmental meetings and contributing to the development and implementation of academic policies and programs
• Applying for and managing research funding
• Providing academic and career advice to students

 

Developmental Psychology Professor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Developmental Psychology Professor to join our faculty.

The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching a range of courses in the field of developmental psychology, conducting and publishing high-quality research, and contributing to service within the university.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in developmental psychology, with expertise in teaching and research, and a passion for fostering academic growth in students.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver lectures on developmental psychology to undergraduate and graduate students.
• Conduct research in the field of developmental psychology, with a focus on securing external funding.
• Publish research findings in reputable academic journals and present at conferences.
• Supervise and mentor students, particularly at the graduate level.
• Participate in curriculum development and improvement.
• Contribute to departmental and university service, such as committee work and faculty meetings.
• Keep up-to-date with advancements in the field of developmental psychology.

 

Qualifications

• PhD in Developmental Psychology or a related field.
• Experience teaching and researching in a university setting.
• Demonstrated record of research publication and funding.
• Strong presentation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to mentor and supervise students effectively.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusivity in teaching and research.

 

Benefits

• Retirement plan
• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Developmental Psychology Professor
• Work Environment: University setting. Flexibility for remote work during research or administrative periods.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of the Psychology Department.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $68,000 minimum to $135,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our institution. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and a list of three references to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Developmental Psychology Professor Do?

A Developmental Psychology Professor typically works in higher education institutions, such as universities or colleges.

They may also be involved in research or clinical practice.

Their primary role is to teach courses on developmental psychology, educating students on how human mental, emotional, and behavioral processes change over a lifetime, from infancy to old age.

These professors design syllabi, create lesson plans, deliver lectures, and facilitate class discussions to engage students with the subject matter.

They also assign readings from textbooks or scholarly articles, give examinations, and evaluate student performance.

In addition to teaching, Developmental Psychology Professors often conduct their own research.

This may involve studying various aspects of human development, such as cognitive or emotional growth, and publishing their findings in academic journals.

Many Developmental Psychology Professors also provide mentorship to students, guiding their academic progress, and may supervise their research or clinical practice.

They may also be involved in administrative tasks within their department or serve on committees within their institution.

These tasks can include curriculum development, program evaluation, and student admissions.

In some cases, Developmental Psychology Professors may also provide clinical services, such as assessments or therapy, especially if they are licensed psychologists.

 

Developmental Psychology Professor Qualifications and Skills

A competent Developmental Psychology Professor should have skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Advanced knowledge of developmental psychology theories, methodologies, and current research in the field.
• Experience in teaching developmental psychology at undergraduate and graduate levels, developing curriculum and lesson plans that are engaging and conducive to student learning.
• Strong presentation skills to explain complex concepts in a way that students can understand, coupled with the ability to stimulate critical thinking and discussion in the classroom.
• Excellent research skills to conduct and publish original research in the field of developmental psychology, and the ability to secure funding for research projects.
• Interpersonal skills to mentor and advise students, and to collaborate with colleagues on teaching and research projects.
• Organizational skills to manage the demands of teaching, research, and administrative duties efficiently.
• Communication skills to provide clear and constructive feedback to students, and to communicate effectively with colleagues, administration, and the public.
• Problem-solving skills to address student learning challenges and to contribute to the ongoing development and improvement of the developmental psychology program.

 

Developmental Psychology Professor Experience Requirements

Candidates for a Developmental Psychology Professor role are typically expected to have a Ph.D. in developmental psychology or a related field.

This advanced degree requires several years of intensive study and research experience, which forms the basis of their professional expertise.

Postdoctoral experience, which can last 2 to 3 years, is often an additional requirement for these roles.

During this time, candidates further develop their research skills, specialize in their area of interest, and gain teaching experience.

Teaching experience is crucial, as professors are expected to communicate complex psychological concepts clearly to their students.

This experience can be gained through teaching assistantships during graduate or postdoctoral studies, or through adjunct teaching roles.

Professors are also typically expected to have a track record of published research in their field.

This demonstrates their ability to contribute to the academic community and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in developmental psychology.

Those with more than 5 years of academic experience post-Ph.D. often have a more extensive publication history and may have experience managing research projects or supervising graduate students.

They may be considered for senior or tenured professor roles, which come with additional responsibilities and require an even higher level of expertise and experience.

 

Developmental Psychology Professor Education and Training Requirements

A Developmental Psychology Professor typically requires a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in developmental psychology or a related field.

This follows the completion of a bachelor’s and master’s degree, often in psychology, human development, or a closely related field.

During their doctoral program, they must conduct research and complete a dissertation in a specific area of developmental psychology.

This process allows them to gain extensive knowledge and experience in their chosen area of specialization.

In addition to the educational requirements, many universities require Developmental Psychology Professors to have some level of teaching experience, often gained through assistantships during their doctoral program.

Postdoctoral research experience may also be required, especially for positions at research-intensive institutions.

This experience allows professors to lead independent research, apply for grants, and publish their work in academic journals.

Developmental Psychology Professors must have strong skills in research methods, statistics, and the ability to effectively communicate complex concepts to students.

Continuous professional development is also expected in this role.

Professors often attend academic conferences, participate in workshops, and engage in other professional development activities to stay up to date with the latest research and theories in the field.

While not always required, professional licensure as a psychologist, certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology, can strengthen a professor’s qualifications and credibility in the field.

 

Developmental Psychology Professor Salary Expectations

A Developmental Psychology Professor earns an average salary of $76,620 (USD) per year.

However, the actual salary may vary depending on factors such as the individual’s level of experience, the location of the institution, and the institution’s funding and reputation.

 

Developmental Psychology Professor Job Description FAQs

What qualifications are required to be a Developmental Psychology Professor?

A Developmental Psychology Professor usually requires a doctoral degree in psychology, with a focus on developmental psychology.

Additional requirements often include several years of postdoctoral research experience, publications in reputed journals, and teaching experience.

Some universities might require professors to have a license to practice psychology, especially if they maintain a private practice along with their academic role.

 

What are the key skills a Developmental Psychology Professor should possess?

Professors in this field should be skilled in research design and methodology, statistical analysis, and data interpretation.

They must have excellent written and verbal communication skills for presenting research findings, writing research papers, and lecturing.

An understanding of ethical considerations in psychological research is also crucial.

Professors also need strong interpersonal skills, as they often mentor students and collaborate with other professionals.

 

What are the typical duties of a Developmental Psychology Professor?

In addition to teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, a Developmental Psychology Professor is also expected to conduct original research in their area of expertise, publish their findings in academic journals, and often present at conferences.

They also typically serve as advisors to students, provide office hours for student inquiries, and serve on departmental or university committees.

 

How important is research in a Developmental Psychology Professor’s role?

Research is usually a significant part of a Developmental Psychology Professor’s role.

They are expected to contribute to the field with original research, which helps enhance understanding of human development across the lifespan.

This research often forms the backbone of their teaching material and contributes to their professional reputation in the academic community.

 

What makes a good Developmental Psychology Professor?

A good Developmental Psychology Professor is passionate about the field and is continuously engaged in learning and research.

They inspire students, foster critical thinking, and encourage active participation in class.

They are effective communicators, able to translate complex psychological concepts into understandable language.

They are also ethical, approachable, and supportive mentors to their students.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve uncovered the true essence of being a developmental psychology professor.

Surprised?

It’s not just about lecturing.

It’s about shaping minds, one concept at a time.

With our top-notch developmental psychology professor job description template and real-world examples, you’re prepared to dive in.

But why halt your progress?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your subsequent step to creating meticulously crafted listings or refining your resume to brilliance.

Remember:

Every concept you teach is part of a larger learning journey.

Let’s shape the future minds. Together.

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