Assistant Professor Psychology, Tenure Track

Grand Rapids Community College; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 71,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Grand Rapids Community College invites applications for an Assistant Professor of Psychology, tenure track. The candidate will teach introductory psychology and related courses, with a typical 15 credit hours per semester, and engage in curriculum development and assessment.

Commitment to equity, student success, and ongoing professional development is essential. The position supports GRCC’s mission across multiple campuses, including online/hybrid formats, and offers a 32‑week schedule with

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Psychology required.
• PhD in Psychology preferred.
• Minimum two years of full‑time teaching experience in Psychology at college/university level required.
• Ability to teach introductory courses and other psychology offerings.

Responsibilities

• Teach introductory‑level courses in Psychology, with potential additional offerings.
• Teach 15 credit hours per semester as the primary obligation.
• Develop and implement interactive teaching methods and use instructional technology.
• Provide leadership and mentoring for adjuncts as needed.
• Participate in department meetings, curriculum development, and outcomes assessment.
• Engage in professional development to maintain expertise in Psychology.
• Complete yearly Faculty Performance Evaluations as per the college process.

Skills

Teaching experience

Equity‑centered teaching

Course development

Education

Master’s Degree in Psychology

PhD in Psychology (preferred)

Job description

Assistant Professor Psychology, Tenure Track

Grand Rapids Community College is seeking candidates to teach courses within the discipline of Psychology. Candidates should possess an interest in serving a comprehensive community college that enrolls a diverse student body ranging from dual enrolled (Early/Middle College) high school students to traditional certificate, degree, and bachelor’s pathway transfer students and offers courses in multiple locations. GRCC faculty instruct and support students from a broad range of ages, cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. We seek applicants who are also committed to and effective in closing equity gaps; engaging in and developing innovative teaching strategies; assessing student learning outcomes; demonstrating a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development; and providing service to our students, the college, and our community at large.

Faculty members are responsible to GRCC and to each other for the successful completion of departmental work as well as associated with the School of STEM and GRCC as a whole. In addition to the major position responsibilities, it is expected that faculty demonstrate outstanding communication skills, collaborate effectively, use personal initiative to overcome obstacles and work efficiently to meet deadlines. GRCC faculty members share the College's commitment to the ongoing systemic changes needed to ensure the increased recruitment, inclusion, retention, completion, and post‑completion (transfer and career) outcomes of the GRCC student body’s traditional, non‑traditional, and historically underserved populations. In an environment where innovation is valued, each faculty member will take responsibility to perform their work in a manner consistent with GRCC’s mission, vision, and values.

About Grand Rapids Community College

Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) was established in 1914 as Michigan's first community college, providing affordable, accessible education to learners of all ages. GRCC offers academic pathways leading to degrees, certificates, transfer opportunities, and in‑demand career skills through courses delivered across multiple campuses - downtown Grand Rapids and Holland - as well as online, hybrid, and weekend formats.

GRCC provides more than 180 degree and certificate programs, complemented by robust non‑credit job training programs in healthcare, manufacturing, public sector, and IT industries. These short‑term programs, developed with local employers, prepare students for high‑demand fields with credentials and certifications that meet workforce needs.

Recognized nationally for excellence in transfer education and workforce development, GRCC supports thousands of students each year in achieving their goals. The college participates in Achieving the Dream and is recognized as an Achieving the Dream Leader College, reinforcing its commitment to equity‑centered teaching and student success. GRCC maintains accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and holds specialized accreditations across several programs.

Locations and Facilities

• Main Campus (Downtown Grand Rapids) and DeVos Campus (Heritage Hill).
• Tassell MTEC (Michigan Technical Education Center) for workforce training.
• Lakeshore Campus, a state‑of‑the‑art facility opened in 2021 in Holland, MI (Ottawa County).
• Early/Middle College Program sites that offer dual enrollment courses at area high schools.

Position Responsibilities

• Teach introductory‑level course offerings in Psychology. Additional psychology classes that may be available to teach include: Social, Developmental, Abnormal, Statistics, and Research Methods.
• The primary focus for community college faculty is teaching. Faculty are required to teach 15 credit hours per semester.
• Develop and implement teaching methods that employ interactive learning and integrate current instructional technology.
• Provide leadership and mentoring for adjuncts as needed or requested by the department.
• Participate fully as a member of the Psychology Department in activities such as department meetings, curriculum development, learning outcomes assessment, evaluation and revision of existing courses, student advising, committee membership, textbook selection, community outreach, and other duties as determined by the college.
• Engage in professional development activities and maintain expertise in the field of Psychology.
• Complete yearly Faculty Performance Evaluations and meet all responsibilities of the Faculty Evaluation System as detailed in the Faculty Contract.

Compensation: Master’s Degree $70,872 - $78,739 or Doctoral Degree $77,572 - $85,439. Final offers will be based on full‑time college‑level teaching and/or industry experience.

Benefits: Full‑time

Schedule: 32 Week (Fall and Winter Semester)

Start Date: Fall 2027

Reports to: Associate Dean School of STEM

Job Specifications

Educational Credentials

• Master’s Degree in Psychology required.
• PhD in Psychology preferred.

Work Experience

• A minimum of two years full‑time teaching experience in Psychology at the college or university level required; the equivalent part time, adjunct teaching time, or graduate assistant level teaching will be considered as having met the minimum.
• The additional experience teaching or ability to teach any of the following: Social Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Child Psychology, Adolescent Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Educational Psychology, Statistics, or Research Methods.
• Working knowledge of current areas of Psychology as demonstrated by coursework, research, or practice required.
• Community college teaching experience preferred.
• Understanding and appreciation of the community college mission.
• Experience working with non‑traditional students from diverse backgrounds preferred.

Skills

Ability and willingness to develop/teach online and hybrid classes.

Physical Demands

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Must be able to sit or stand for long periods of time.

Mental Demands

• High energy level with enthusiasm and interest in helping and supporting students, staff, and the general public.
• Ability to work under pressure while possessing mature judgment and flexibility in regards to interruptions and schedule changes.
• Must use good judgment in handling sensitive or difficult situations in a pleasant and professional manner.
• An understanding of and appreciation for the community college philosophy and student population.
• An interest in working with diverse student populations, who represent a wide range of age, ethnicity, socioeconomic background, national origin, and ability.
• A commitment to serve the Kent County community.
• Demonstrated initiative, organizational skills, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to perform routine and unexpected duties with minimum supervision.

Working Conditions

• GRCC will comply with any mandated health and safety requirements. Compliance information is available on our policies website.
• Faculty work in a classroom environment in an academic setting.
• Wellness Program: Access resources for physical and mental wellbeing, and an onsite gym membership.
• Retirement Plans: Secure your future with our retirement options, including the state retirement plan or a 401A with a 12% employer contribution.

Hiring Process

GRCC makes data‑driven hiring decisions to help mitigate bias throughout the hiring process. As part of this process, candidates will participate in reference checks and interviews.

Grand Rapids Community College creates an inclusive learning and working environment that recognizes the value and dignity of each person. It is the policy and practice of GRCC to provide equal educational and employment opportunities regardless of age, race, color, religion, marital status, sex/gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, height, weight, national origin, disability, political affiliation, familial status, veteran status or genetics in all programs, activities, services, employment and advancement including admissions to, access to, treatment in, or compensation in employment as required by state and federal law. GRCC is committed to reviewing all aspects of GRCC programs, activities, services and employment, including recruitment, selection, retention and promotion to identify and eliminate barriers in order to prevent discrimination on the basis of the listed protected characteristics. The college will not tolerate any form of retaliation against any person for bringing charges of discrimination or participating in an investigation. Further information may be obtained from the EEO Office or the Office of General Counsel, 143 Bostwick Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3295.