Entry Level Developmental Psychology Research Jobs

About University of Saint Joseph:

The University of Saint Joseph, founded by the Sisters of Mercy, provides a rigorous liberal arts and professional education for a diverse student population in an inclusive environment that encourages strong ethical values, personal integrity, and a sense of responsibility to the needs of society.

The University has been recognized as a top national university in Connecticut by U.S. News & World Report's Best College Rankings including being the #1 Connecticut University in "Top Performers on Social Mobility," #2 Connecticut University in "Best Value Schools," and #3 Connecticut University in "Best National Universities."

Ideally situated midway between Boston and New York City, the beautiful 90-acre Olmsted-designed campus is one mile from West Hartford's thriving downtown, and provides an array of cultural events, occasions for spiritual development, and fitness and recreational options. The University also has an active presence outside our campus, reaching into the surrounding community through internships, community service projects, new program and partnerships.

At University of Saint Joseph, our mission statement profoundly resonates with our faculty and staff and serves as the foundation upon which our employment policy is built. We seek to attract, develop and retain individuals who are committed to our mission. We are committed to providing an environment where diverse talents, perspectives, experiences and contributions are recognized, and one that promotes the "growth of the whole person" with resources that enable employees to meet professional and personal life needs.

Job Description:

The University of Saint Joseph invites qualified applicants to serve as part-time adjunct faculty within the Psychology program. The department is actively recruiting adjuncts for the Fall 2026 semester for faculty to teach courses in developmental psychology. We currently have openings for the following courses:

• Psyc 238: Human Development through the Lifespan
  1. Development of the human being throughout the lifespan from conception to old age. Considering the lifecycle as a whole, reviews the physical, cognitive and psychosocial dimensions of each stage of human life. Special emphasis on the significance of human diversity and its implications for research, theory and practice.
• Psyc 241: Adolescent Development.
  1. An introduction to the major theories and concepts of adolescent development. The class will consider classic and contemporary research on adolescents’ physical, social, moral and cognitive development.

The Psychology program, which is in the Psychology, Family, and Justice Studies Department in the School of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences offers Bachelors of Arts degrees in Psychology, with options such as an accelerated direct entry pathway to USJ’s graduate program in Counseling and concentrations in Criminal Justice and Mental Health and Sports Psychology.

Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• Teach 2-6 credits designated as contact time with the students.
• Prepare lectures, projects, homework, assessments, and other student assignments that align with the course syllabus.
• Grade all student assignments in a timely manner. Provide appropriate feedback to students to promote academic success.
• Maintain regularly scheduled office hours; Adjunct must be available a minimum of one additional hour per week, either in-person or virtually, to provide support to students.
• Attend program/department meetings as requested.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the current methods and practices for teaching college-level courses; present qualified and clear instruction related to the course subject.
• Learn and utilize technology offered at USJ to facilitate teaching.
• Meet all designated class periods in the semester as dictated by the academic calendar.
• Submit mid-semester and final grades to the Registrar's Office within required time-frames, leave all course records with the department chairperson upon completion of the course.
• Provide a supportive atmosphere for student success.

Requirements:

• Master's degree or higher in the scientific discipline of Psychology or related field when teaching undergraduate courses. Degrees must be from a regionally accredited institution.
• Prior teaching experience strongly preferred.
• Commitment to the mission of the University of Saint Joseph
• Physical ability to perform essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Additional Information:

• Teaching assignments are part-time, on a semester basis only and are dependent on student enrollment and department need.
• Courses are offered in a variety of formats (as decided upon by the Registrar's Office) including in-person, synchronous online, and asynchronous online. Courses are offered at various times, including day, evening, weekdays, and Saturdays. Please indicate in your cover letter your general availability and your experience teaching in various formats.
• Regular attendance is an essential job function as it demonstrates dependability towards the performance of job duties.

Compensation:

• Non-Terminal Degree & 0-6 credits experience = $3,000
• Terminal Degree & 0-6 credits experience = $3,200

Application Instructions:

Persons interested in the above position should apply online. Please submit:

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• A cover letter addressing your specific subject area strengths, interests, and any applicable teaching experience. Please also include your general availability.

The Department Chairperson will review your application. If there is an opening in a subject area you are qualified to teach, the department will contact you directly to discuss the specific opportunity. Thank you for your interest in joining the University of Saint Joseph as adjunct faculty.