Professor of Psychology Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the constantly evolving field of psychology, the role of a professor of psychology has never been more crucial.

As societal dynamics shift and mental health awareness grows, the demand for skilled and insightful individuals who can educate, guide, and shape the future of psychological studies is increasingly significant.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a professor of psychology?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the depth of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of teaching psychology,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a versatile professor of psychology job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started.

Professor of Psychology Duties and Responsibilities

Professors of Psychology are responsible for teaching psychology courses, conducting research, and providing guidance and support to students.

They are also expected to contribute to the development of the university’s curriculum and policies.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Teaching psychology courses to undergraduate and/or graduate students
• Preparing course materials such as syllabi, assignments, and handouts
• Developing and implementing innovative teaching methods to enhance student learning
• Conducting research in their field of expertise and publishing findings in scholarly journals
• Participating in departmental and university committees
• Advising and mentoring students on academic and career paths
• Assessing students’ work and providing constructive feedback
• Keeping up-to-date with developments in the field of psychology and incorporating relevant findings into teaching and research
• Applying for and managing grants for research projects
• Contributing to the design and revision of curriculum

 

Professor of Psychology Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking an accomplished and dedicated Professor of Psychology to join our academic team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing curriculum, teaching courses, conducting original research, and publishing findings in their area of expertise.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in psychology, a history of scholarly publications, and a dedication to promoting understanding of human behavior and mental processes.

 

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in psychology
• Develop and update curriculum in line with current psychology theories and practices
• Conduct original research, collect and analyze data, and publish findings
• Guide and mentor students in their academic pursuits
• Engage in faculty and university meetings and committees
• Actively participate in academic advising and student recruitment
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the psychology program
• Keep up-to-date with current developments and trends in the field of psychology

 

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Psychology or a related field
• Proven experience as a professor or lecturer in psychology
• Strong record of research and publication in reputable academic journals
• Excellent teaching, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to inspire and motivate students
• Strong analytical and academic writing skills
• Proficiency in statistical analysis software

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Professor of Psychology
• Work Environment: University campus. Some travel may be required for conferences or academic collaborations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of the Psychology Department.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and academic considerations.
• Pay Range: $75,000 minimum to $150,000 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 university. 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 publications to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Professor of Psychology Do?

A Professor of Psychology typically works in colleges or universities where they educate students about various aspects of psychology.

Their responsibilities include preparing course materials such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.

They deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, or behavioral psychology.

Professors of Psychology also conduct research in their field of expertise and publish their findings in scholarly articles or books.

They often conduct experiments or surveys to understand human behavior and the factors that influence it.

They may also serve as advisors to students and mentor them on their academic or career paths.

Some Professors of Psychology may specialize in areas such as clinical psychology, counseling psychology, school psychology, or industrial-organizational psychology.

Additionally, Professors of Psychology often participate in departmental meetings and serve on committees, contributing to the development and implementation of the institution’s policies and goals.

In some cases, they may also offer psychological services to individuals, schools, or businesses, providing consultation or conducting psychological assessments and interventions.

 

Professor of Psychology Qualifications and Skills

A competent Professor of Psychology should possess a variety of both technical and interpersonal skills, such as:

• An advanced understanding of psychology, its theories, methods, and practices, with a PhD in Psychology being a common requirement.
• Strong research skills in order to conduct their own studies, stay updated on current research trends, and provide students with the most accurate and relevant information.
• Excellent teaching and mentoring skills to deliver complex concepts in a manner that students can comprehend, inspire critical thinking, and guide research projects.
• Strong communication skills to effectively present information to students, respond to their queries, and communicate research findings to the academic community and the public.
• Interpersonal skills to connect with students of diverse backgrounds, interact with colleagues, and collaborate on research projects.
• Administrative abilities to handle course planning, grading, curriculum development, and other departmental duties.
• Commitment to ethical guidelines and standards of the profession, both in their research and teaching.

 

Professor of Psychology Experience Requirements

Professors of Psychology should typically hold a Ph.D. in Psychology or a related field, acquired after several years of graduate studies which provide substantial research experience.

Upon completion of their Ph.D., many aspiring professors gain further experience through post-doctoral research positions, where they can deepen their knowledge in a specialized area of psychology.

The minimum experience for starting professors typically includes at least 2-4 years of teaching experience at a university level, often gained through serving as a teaching assistant or guest lecturer during their doctoral studies.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience often have a substantial record of published research in peer-reviewed journals, successful grant applications, and involvement in professional associations.

Those with over 10 years of experience in the field are likely to have a solid track record of mentoring students, having established research programs, and have leadership roles in the academic community.

This level of experience may be necessary for tenured professor positions or for roles such as Department Chair or Dean.

 

Professor of Psychology Education and Training Requirements

A Professor of Psychology typically requires a doctoral degree in psychology, which includes a master’s degree in the same or a related field.

Before pursuing a doctoral degree, they should have a bachelor’s degree, preferably in psychology or a related subject.

Subjects such as biology, mathematics, and health sciences can also serve as a good foundation.

The doctoral degree can be a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.).

A Ph.D. in psychology emphasizes research and is ideal for those interested in experimental work and writing scholarly articles.

A Psy.D. emphasizes clinical practice and is suitable for those who wish to provide psychological services to patients.

In addition to formal education, professors must have significant experience in teaching and research.

This can be obtained through assistantships, fellowships, or teaching at the undergraduate level.

Most institutions also require professors to have a record of published research.

This can be achieved by publishing research findings in academic journals and presenting work at professional conferences.

Additionally, while not always necessary, professional certifications such as the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) can demonstrate expertise in a specific area of psychology.

Continued education is also critical as it helps professors stay current with the latest developments and research in the field of psychology.

Finally, soft skills such as communication, critical-thinking, problem-solving, and leadership are essential for success in this role.

 

Professor of Psychology Salary Expectations

A Professor of Psychology can expect to earn an average salary of $76,710 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can vary greatly based on factors such as educational background, years of experience, the prestige of the institution, and the geographical location.

 

Professor of Psychology Job Description FAQs

What are the main duties of a Professor of Psychology?

A Professor of Psychology is primarily responsible for teaching psychology courses to undergraduate and graduate students.

Their duties include preparing course materials, lectures, conducting research, advising students, grading papers, and participating in faculty committees.

In some cases, they are also involved in conducting psychological research and publishing their findings in academic journals.

 

What qualifications are required to be a Professor of Psychology?

To become a Professor of Psychology, one must have at least a doctoral degree in psychology.

Depending on the university, post-doctoral research or work experience may also be required.

Professors should have a deep understanding of psychology, teaching skills, and the ability to conduct and supervise research.

 

What should you look for in a Professor of Psychology’s resume?

When evaluating a resume for a Professor of Psychology position, look for a solid educational background with a Ph.D. in psychology.

Additionally, look for any specializations, research experience, published papers, and previous teaching experience.

Other assets include memberships in professional organizations, awards, and grants.

 

What qualities make a good Professor of Psychology?

A good Professor of Psychology should have excellent communication skills to convey complex psychological concepts effectively.

They should be passionate about psychology and lifelong learning, as the field constantly evolves.

They should also be patient and supportive, have strong critical thinking skills, and be able to inspire and motivate students.

 

How competitive is the field of Psychology professorship?

The field of psychology professorship is quite competitive.

There are many qualified candidates with doctorate degrees in psychology, but there are limited positions available.

Therefore, those who have substantial research experience, published works, and teaching experience often have an advantage in securing a position.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve ventured into the intriguing world of what it means to be a professor of psychology.

Surprised?

It’s not just about teaching theories.

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

With our reliable professor of psychology job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take your next step.

But don’t put the brakes on now.

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your key to creating precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every psychological concept taught is a part of a larger understanding.

Let’s shape those minds. Together.