Psychology Professor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the ever-evolving world of academia, the need for psychology professors is increasingly becoming paramount.

As the field of psychology expands, the demand for insightful minds who can educate, inspire, and contribute to this vast sphere of knowledge continues to grow.

But what does it actually take to be a psychology professor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker striving to understand the specifics of this role,
• A hiring manager drafting the profile of an ideal candidate,
• Or simply captivated by the world of psychology education,

You’ve come to the right place.

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

Let’s dive right in.

Psychology Professor Duties and Responsibilities

Psychology Professors are experts in human behavior and mental processes, and they share this knowledge with their students through lectures, research, and publications.

They contribute to the academic growth of their students and their institution through their teaching, research, and service.

Psychology Professors have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Prepare course materials such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts
• Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction
• Conduct lectures and lead classroom discussions on various topics related to psychology
• Research and stay updated on developments in the field of psychology
• Supervise students’ laboratory and field work
• Guide and advise students on academic and career matters
• Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities
• Publish research findings in academic journals and present at professional conferences
• Provide administrative support to the department, such as serving on committees and participating in departmental meetings
• Perform peer reviews for academic journals and provide constructive feedback to enhance the quality of research in the field

 

Psychology Professor Job Description Template

Job Brief

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

The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching courses in various areas of psychology, conducting scholarly research, publishing findings, and participating in academic committees.

Our ideal candidate has a strong background in psychology and is dedicated to fostering a positive learning environment that encourages student success.

 

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in psychology
• Develop course syllabi and lesson plans
• Conduct scholarly research and publish findings in reputable journals
• Attend academic conferences and present research
• Participate in departmental meetings and serve on academic committees
• Mentor and advise students on academic and career goals
• Stay updated on current trends in the psychology field
• Participate in student recruitment and placement activities

 

Qualifications

• PhD in Psychology or related field
• Proven experience as a Professor or similar role in academia
• Record of scholarly publications and research
• Excellent presentation and teaching skills
• Familiarity with online teaching platforms and methods
• Ability to inspire and motivate students
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Membership in professional organizations is a plus

 

Benefits

• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition assistance for employees and their families
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Psychology Professor
• Work Environment: University setting. May require occasional evenings and weekends for departmental events and conferences.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Department Chair of Psychology.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $80,000 minimum to $120,000 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 three professional references to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Psychology Professor Do?

A Psychology Professor typically works in colleges, universities, and other higher education institutions.

They may also conduct research in various institutional settings or offer consulting services.

They teach courses in psychology, which can include introductory courses, specific branches of psychology like developmental or social psychology, or advanced seminars.

Their teaching methods might involve traditional lectures, seminars, or hands-on experiments and activities.

In addition to teaching, Psychology Professors often conduct research in their area of expertise, conducting studies, analyzing data, and publishing results in academic journals.

They may also supervise student research projects, such as dissertations and theses.

A Psychology Professor often serves as academic advisors to students, helping them plan their course of study and advising them on academic and career paths.

They may also serve on academic committees, participate in faculty meetings, and contribute to curriculum development.

Furthermore, they may provide services to their communities, such as offering mental health workshops or participating in community events to raise awareness about psychological issues.

They are expected to stay updated on the latest research and theories in their field and may be asked to present their work at conferences and other academic gatherings.

 

Psychology Professor Qualifications and Skills

A qualified Psychology Professor should have the skills and qualifications that align with the academic and professional requirements of the role, which include:

• Master’s or Doctorate degree in Psychology or a related field, with the capability to teach a wide range of psychology courses.
• Profound knowledge of psychological theories, principles, and practices to provide comprehensive lectures and seminars.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills to effectively deliver lectures, facilitate discussions, and present complex psychological concepts in a clear, understandable manner.
• Research skills for designing and conducting high-quality research, writing grant proposals, and publishing results in reputed journals.
• Strong interpersonal skills for building relationships with students, mentoring them, and assisting in their academic and professional development.
• Ability to develop and revise curriculum plans to align with educational standards and emerging trends in psychology.
• Problem-solving skills to address and resolve student-related issues, conflicts, and academic challenges.
• Leadership and team-working skills to collaborate with colleagues on departmental initiatives and interdisciplinary projects.
• Knowledge of online teaching platforms and digital learning tools, with adaptability to emerging educational technologies.

 

Psychology Professor Experience Requirements

Psychology professors often begin their careers by earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field.

This is followed by a master’s degree and then a Ph.D. in psychology, which provides them with in-depth knowledge of the subject matter.

It’s during their Ph.D. journey where they gain significant teaching experience as teaching assistants or lecturers, which is a critical requirement for this role.

Candidates for the role of a psychology professor generally are required to have several years of post-doctoral experience in the field.

This might include conducting research, publishing papers in academic journals, and presenting findings at professional conferences.

Professors with more than 5 years of experience typically have a substantial publication record and have demonstrated effectiveness in classroom instruction.

They may also have experience supervising research projects or dissertations, and can potentially take on senior roles such as department chair or dean.

In addition to formal experience, ongoing professional development is essential.

This can include attending conferences, participating in workshops, and staying current on psychological research and theories.

Finally, those aspiring to become psychology professors should have strong communication skills, experience with curriculum development, and the ability to mentor and guide students.

 

Psychology Professor Education and Training Requirements

A Psychology Professor typically needs a doctoral degree in psychology.

This requires a bachelor’s degree, often in psychology or a related field, followed by a master’s degree, although some programs allow students to bypass the master’s degree.

During their undergraduate studies, students should focus on gaining a solid foundation in psychology, research methodologies, and statistics.

Graduate students often specialize in a subfield of psychology such as clinical, cognitive, developmental, or social psychology.

Their PhD program will typically involve original research culminating in a dissertation, as well as teaching experience.

Some universities may accept a professor with a master’s degree, especially for part-time positions, but a doctoral degree is usually necessary for full-time, tenured positions.

In addition to their formal education, Psychology Professors need to have strong analytical skills, be excellent communicators, and have a passion for research and learning.

They need to be up-to-date with the latest research and theories in their field and be capable of effectively conveying this knowledge to their students.

Post-doctoral training or experience can be beneficial, especially for those intending to focus on research.

This can include publishing research in peer-reviewed journals, presenting findings at conferences, and applying for research grants.

Licensure is not typically required for a Psychology Professor, but those who also practice psychology outside of the university setting will need to be licensed according to their state’s regulations.

Many Psychology Professors also pursue continuing education in order to stay current in their field and improve their teaching skills.

 

Psychology Professor Salary Expectations

A Psychology Professor earns an average salary of $76,710 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can differ based on factors such as experience, the prestige of the institution, geographical location, and the specific field of psychology one specializes in.

 

Psychology Professor Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Psychology Professor need?

A Psychology Professor should have a doctoral degree in Psychology.

In addition, they should have several years of post-doctoral experience in a research or academic setting.

They also must have a proven track record of published research in reputable psychology journals.

 

What are the daily duties of a Psychology Professor?

A Psychology Professor’s daily duties typically involve preparing for and teaching undergraduate and graduate psychology courses.

These tasks may include creating lesson plans, grading papers, and advising students.

Beyond teaching, professors are often involved in conducting research, publishing scholarly papers, and attending professional conferences.

They also may serve on committees and take part in departmental meetings.

 

What skills does a Psychology Professor need?

A Psychology Professor should possess excellent communication skills as they need to be able to deliver complex psychological theories in a simple, understandable manner.

They should have strong research skills, including data analysis and statistical knowledge.

Good time management and organizational skills are also important to balance teaching, research, and administrative responsibilities.

 

What makes a good Psychology Professor?

A good Psychology Professor is passionate about psychology and enthusiastic in sharing that passion with their students.

They should have a deep understanding of the subject and stay updated on the latest research and theories.

They should also be approachable and supportive, capable of inspiring and guiding students in their academic journey.

 

How do I hire a Psychology Professor?

Hiring a Psychology Professor involves a rigorous process.

After posting a job ad detailing the qualifications and responsibilities, candidates with suitable qualifications should be shortlisted for interviews.

The interview process often involves discussions about their academic and research experiences, teaching philosophy, and future research plans.

It may also involve a teaching demonstration or a seminar presentation.

The best candidate is one who displays a strong understanding of psychology, has a record of high-quality research, and shows potential as an effective teacher.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve taken a deep dive into the fascinating world of a psychology professor.

But guess what?

It’s not just about lecturing and grading papers.

It’s about shaping the minds of future generations, one lesson at a time.

Armed with our ultimate psychology professor job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to take the next step.

But why stop at the surface?

Venture further into the depths with our job description generator. It’s your toolkit for creating precision-crafted job listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every lesson imparted is a stepping stone towards a more enlightened society.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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