Tenure-Track Faculty Position in Psychology – Point Loma Nazarene University

Sep 18, 2026 | Faculty, Job Post

PLNU is a Christian liberal arts university in the evangelical, Wesleyan tradition, offering quality undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. We provide higher education in a vibrant Christian environment where minds are engaged and challenged, character is modeled and formed, and service is an expression of faith. PLNU is an institution that is committed to reflecting the rich diversity of God’s kingdom. We therefore  encourage applications from culturally and academically diverse faculty of the highest caliber, skilled and/or demonstrating great potential in the practice of teaching and scholarship.
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The School of Behavioral & Social Sciences at Point Loma Nazarene University is seeking applicants for a full-time, tenure-track professor position in psychology. Candidates with expertise in any area of psychology are encouraged to apply.

The expected course load can include a combination of lower and upper division psychology courses. Available courses include psychology of cognition and learning, personality and adult development, general psychology, abnormal psychology, psychology of personal development (first-year experience), research methods and statistics, and/or pursuing goodness: the science of moral change.

The course load is 24 units over 2 semesters. Ongoing research activities are expected, and research that emphasizes undergraduate student collaboration is especially valued. We also recognize the strength that diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds bring to our School and we invite applications from people who are eager to nurture and support students from a wide variety of backgrounds.

Candidates with demonstrated teaching excellence and research experience are preferred, and initial rank will be determined by experience and academic qualifications. A doctorate in psychology by August 2027 is required, but candidates who are currently ABD are welcome to apply. Applicants should also demonstrate commitment to the university’s mission and quality undergraduate teaching. In addition, candidates should demonstrate a commitment to research, diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as to ongoing professional development.

Review of applications will begin October 6th, although applications may continue to be reviewed until the position is filled. Prospective applicants also may contact the search committee chair for an update on the status of the position. The anticipated start date is August 16, 2027.

Job Status:
Full time
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Job Description:
Responsibilities:
  • Teach 24 units of undergraduate psychology courses per year (12 units per semester)
  • Conduct scholarly research in psychology, with the expectation of involving undergraduate students as collaborators and trainees.
  • Advise students academically, professionally, personally, and spiritually.
  • Participate in departmental activities and governance.
  • Serve on faculty committees and perform other normal faculty duties.
  • Engage with the off-campus community, including involvement in a local Christian church.
Required Qualifications:
  • Ph.D., Psy.D., or Ed.D. in Psychology (or ABD with completion date prior to August 2027)
  • Commitment to developing and maintaining teaching excellence.
  • Commitment to developing and maintaining scholarly research productivity.
  • Commitment to developing and maintaining student mentoring.
  • Evidence of support for diverse peoples and perspectives.
  • Evidence of strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Personal: Evidence of Christian commitment and active church involvement. In addition, faculty agree to live in agreement with PLNU’s Community Life Covenant.
  • The job offer is contingent on the successful completion of a background check. PLNU  will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local “Fair Chance” laws.
  •  Commitment to the Mission of Point Loma Nazarene University and liberal arts education.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Evidence of teaching excellence.
  • Desire to teach courses within our core curriculum, especially combinations of the following: psychology of cognition and learning, personality and adult development, general psychology, abnormal psychology, psychology of personal development (first year experience), research methods and statistics, and/or pursuing goodness: the science of moral change.
  • Evidence of scholarly research productivity and a well-articulated research plan that would involve training undergraduate students in the research process.
  • Experience mentoring undergraduate students, including evidence of effectively teaching and mentoring students from diverse backgrounds.
Benefits:
We are pleased to offer attractive benefits and resources. This includes benefits such as health, dental, tuition benefits for employees and dependents, and competitive retirement matching. There also may be opportunities for university assistance with the cost of housing in Southern California. In addition, we have many opportunities to engage with our community including faculty chapel, weekly faculty lunches and a robust wellness program.
Salary: 
PLNU pays its faculty using a payscale based on experience and academic rank.  Faculty salaries using this scale for a 2-semester appointment range from $78,494 to $137,747. The actual salary will be based on the experience, rank, and appointment term of the candidate selected to fill this position.
Selection Process: 
Applicants will be expected to submit an application and corresponding documents. All applicants will be reviewed and evaluated. From this pool of applicants, a limited number will be selected and moved forward in the process. The interview process may include:
  • Stage 1: An in-depth Zoom interview with members of the search committee
  • Stage 2: An on-campus interview, which may include:
o A campus tour
o Dialogue with students and faculty in the School of Behavioral and Social Sciences
o A teaching demonstration presented to faculty and students in the School of Behavioral and Social Sciences
o A presentation of your past, current, and/or future scholarly research
o Dinner with faculty from the School of Behavioral and Social Sciences
o An interview with the Dean of the School of Behavioral and Social Sciences
o An interview with the Provost
o An interview with the President of the University
Special Instructions:
Please contact the search committee chair () for questions or clarification. When beginning your application, be prepared to answer these questions and upload the following documents, ideally in a single PDF:
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Cover Letter that addresses the job description and qualifications, including your area of expertise and courses you could teach.
  • Statement of Personal Faith (note: one page)
  • Philosophy of Teaching in Christian Higher Education (note: 1-3 pages)
  • Unofficial Transcripts for highest degree completed
  • Contact information for 3 references (note: references will only be requested for candidates who advance to the final stage of the search process)
  • Optional: up to 3 teaching evaluations
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At PLNU, we believe in pursuing calling together. Deep and meaningful relationships between students, faculty, and staff is vital in nurturing our shared community and expressing God’s love. We are looking for enthusiastic candidates to join us in empowering our students to reach their greatest personal, spiritual and professional potential.
Point Loma Nazarene University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures.