Cognitive Psychology (Tenure Track Faculty)

Evergreen State College; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 54,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

The Evergreen State College in Olympia seeks a regular, tenure-track faculty member in cognitive psychology or cognitive science. The appointee will lead teaching in cognitive psychology and related courses, contribute to introductory psychology, research methods, and statistics, and guide undergraduate research projects.

The successful candidate should demonstrate inclusive teaching, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a commitment to mentoring students.

Qualifications

• PhD in cognitive psychology or related field.
• Expertise in cognitive psychology or cognitive science.
• Demonstrated commitment to undergraduate teaching and mentoring.

Responsibilities

• Teach cognitive psychology, cognitive science and introductory psychology courses.
• Teach research methods and statistics; supervise undergraduate research projects.
• Engage students in interdisciplinary, experiential learning and community building.
• Provide advising and contribute to program development within the department.

Skills

Undergraduate teaching

Mentoring

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

PhD in cognitive psychology, cognitive science, or closely related field

Job description

Cognitive Psychology (Tenure Track Faculty)

Position Title Cognitive Psychology (Tenure Track Faculty)

Job Summary

The Evergreen State College seeks a regular* faculty member in psychology with expertise in cognitive psychology or cognitive science.

The successful candidate will be strong in teaching cognitive psychology and their area(s) of expertise, as well as introductory psychology, research methods, and statistics. They will help students develop theoretical, analytical, and applied skills in psychology.

The successful candidate will emphasize psychology as a science through teaching interdisciplinary programs. They will demonstrate the ability to engage undergraduate students in research.

This position will complement existing faculty strengths in developmental, social, clinical, and counseling psychology by enhancing coverage of cognition, brain-behavior relationships, and quantitative research methods. Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to interdisciplinary education, experience teaching research methods and statistics, and inclusive teaching practices.

Each applicant should submit a cover letter that explicitly addresses the various components of this position description. Successful applicants will give attention to the ways in which they meet each of the Minimum Qualifications and any of the Preferred Qualifications.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire. Employment-based visa sponsorship may be considered depending on the candidate’s current immigration status; however, the College is unable, at this time, to sponsor new H1B petitions that could potentially incur the $100,000 fee announced in September 2025.

*Regular is equivalent to tenure-track at other colleges. A complete description of the continuing contract and conversion process can be found in the Collective Bargaining Agreement, article 11.

Job Expectations

Most faculty will teach in full-time, team-taught, 16-credit programs connected by a particular theme or line of inquiry. This arrangement allows for in-depth, interdisciplinary and experiential learning, and the building of strong learning communities. Evergreen uses written narrative evaluations in lieu of grades, and faculty are generally responsible for writing evaluations and conducting in-person individual meetings with students at the end of each quarter. Faculty are generally responsible for evaluating 25 students each quarter, though their programs may include up to 50-75 students, depending on the size of their teaching team. Faculty are also responsible for advising students as they reflect on their learning process, develop a pathway of study, and formulate their own areas of concentration.

Our teaching is student-centered, which means we are interested in helping students develop strong skills in critical thinking, problem solving, communication and collaborative work. Because over 80% of our students come from underserved and marginalized groups, we are particularly invested in approaches to teaching that emphasize diversity and equity, that provide opportunities for challenge and growth, and that foster a learning environment where all are welcome and all can learn from each other.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire. Employment-based visa sponsorship may be considered depending on the candidate’s current immigration status; however, the College is unable, at this time, to sponsor new H1B petitions that could potentially incur the $100,000 fee announced in September 2025.

A complete list of faculty responsibilities can be found in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

• PhD in cognitive psychology, cognitive science, or a closely related field.
• Expertise in one or more areas of cognitive psychology or cognitive science.
• Demonstrated commitment to undergraduate teaching and mentoring.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience collaborating across disciplines, connecting cognitive psychology with disciplines in the arts, humanities, and sciences.
• Teaching ability in research methods and statistics at the undergraduate level.
• Experience working effectively with students from diverse backgrounds.

Conditions of Employment

*As a condition of employment, persons hired must provide proof of identity and employment eligibility within three (3) days of beginning work.

*Prior to an official offer of employment, a Declaration Regarding Sexual Misconduct form must be submitted to the college per RCW 28B.112.080. The college will contact current and past employers to verify this information. Applicants who provide inaccurate information in their declaration will be disqualified and, if the inaccuracies are discovered after the applicant has been hired, it shall be grounds for termination.

About Evergreen

Evergreen is an innovative, public, liberal arts college emphasizing integrated interdisciplinary study and collaborative team-teaching throughout the undergraduate curriculum and in three graduate programs. Teaching is the central work of the faculty at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Successful teaching at Evergreen requires broad-ranging intellectual curiosity, the ability to formulate interdisciplinary questions, and the pedagogical skills to support our diverse student population.

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or status as a protected veteran. For more information regarding Evergreen’s non-discrimination policies or to report discrimination, please visit the Affinity

Full time/Part time Full Time

Salary Information

Salary Information $53,966-$111,485 ($84,853 at median EY of 20 for recent faculty hires). Faculty membership is unranked with salary determined on a non-competitive, open scale based on earned degrees and years of relevant experience.

Number of Vacancies

Number of Vacancies 1

Location

Location Olympia

Start Date

Start Date Fall 2027

Open Date

Open Date 09/03/2026

Review Start Date

Review Start Date Review of completed applications will begin on November 1, 2026. The posting may close at any time after that.