Entry Level Developmental Psychology Research Jobs

The San Diego State University Department of Psychology seeks to hire a tenure-track assistant professor with expertise in quantitative psychology. In particular, we seek a researcher who develops and applies novel quantitative methods to test hypotheses for psychological data collected from experimental, quasi-experimental, intervention/prevention, and/or longitudinal designs. Novel quantitative methods include (but are not limited to) machine learning, data mining, artificial intelligence, network analysis, Bayesian estimation, psychometrics, advanced structural equation modeling, or advanced multilevel models. 

Apply via PageUp by Friday, September 18, 2026.

Many faculty members in the Psychology department conduct experimental, quasi-experimental, and/or intervention/prevention research. Therefore, the successful candidate will have a unique opportunity to collaborate with a range of researchers and apply newly developed statistical methods to real-world empirical datasets. Priority will be given to candidates who are interested in collaborating with members of the department across different substantive topics (which include clinical, social, industrial/organizational, cognitive, and developmental psychology). Stated differently, we seek a researcher who is interested in both developing quantitative methods and applying them to real-world data.

Importantly, the faculty in the Department of Psychology at SDSU advocate for a teacher-scholar model that prioritizes a balance between teaching and research. The successful candidate would adhere to this model and therefore teach applied statistics courses at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. The department's course topics in quantitative methods currently include ANOVA, regression, generalized linear modeling, measurement, structural equation modeling, multilevel modeling, and longitudinal data analysis. The successful candidate would be expected to teach classes on two or more of these topics.

The Psychology Department has a PhD program in Clinical Psychology (which is a joint program with the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego), a research-oriented MS program in applied psychology (with emphases in industrial/organizational and quantitative methodology), and a research-oriented MA program (with emphases in Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience, Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Physical and/or Mental Health, and Social Psychology). 

Questions regarding this job ad may be sent to Dr. Jonathan (Jon) Helm at jhelm@sdsu.edu

Required qualifications by date of application

• A record of original research / scholarly / creative accomplishments and demonstrated capacity to a) develop a vigorous and independent program of research / scholarship / creative activity, b) teach graduate and undergraduate courses; and c) engage in both campus and professional service activities.

• Demonstration of past accomplishments and/or future plans in at least two (2) or more of the "Building on Inclusive Excellence" criteria. 

Required qualifications by date of hire

• Terminal degree in Psychology or related field, with all degree requirements met.

Preferred qualifications: 

• Demonstrated expertise in the Quantitative Psychology and its methodologies
• Record of publications, presentations, and/or funding 
• Demonstrated proficiency in interdisciplinary and collaborative approaches 
• Potential for securing extramural funding
• University-level teaching experience
• Preparation for teaching students from diverse backgrounds
• Demonstrated experience with relevant teaching technologies
• Ability to direct advanced undergraduate student research
• Ability to direct graduate student research
• Understanding of the mission and goals of the academic unit and SDSU

Apply via PageUp by Friday, September 18, 2026, providing the following materials: 

• Cover letter, including information indicating how the applicant meets or will meet required qualifications, preferred qualifications, and "Building on Inclusive Excellence" criteria

• Curriculum vita

• Names and contact information for three references

• Up to three representative publications (preprints ok)

• Teaching philosophy statement

The minimum salary for this position is based on the current CSU salary schedule and may be revised based on contract collective bargaining. The anticipated salary range is from $102K - $107K. Salary placement will be based on the selected candidate's qualifications and experience, and salaries higher than the published maximums may be offered in limited circumstances. San Diego State University offers a rich benefits package that constitutes a major portion of total compensation. For benefits information, click here.

SDSU Values

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment. We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California's Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU's Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. 

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

As part of its commitment to a safe and equitable "OneSDSU" community, SDSU requires that individuals seeking faculty employment provide at the time of application authorization to conduct background checks if they become a finalist for the position; applications without this authorization will be considered incomplete and not considered. A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.

Pursuant to Education Code 89521, the California State University requires that employment applicants disclose any final administrative decision or final judicial decision issued within the last seven years determining that the applicant committed sexual harassment. This requirement applies specifically to applicants who meet the minimum qualifications for the Academic or Administrative position they are applying to.  Disclosures shall be provided to the San Diego State University Center for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination for further adjudication. Please contact cphd@sdsu.edu.

The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. SDSU is a Title IX, equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy, medical condition, or covered veteran status.