Description
The Department of Educational Psychology in the College of Education at the University of Texas-Austin is seeking a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the area of Human Development. The person hired for this position will conduct research examining how developmental processes shape learning and well-being across the lifespan, with particular attention to the cultural, social, and institutional contexts in which development occurs. We are especially interested in scholarship that advances understanding of how cultural values, practices, identities, families, communities, and institutions shape developmental processes.
We envision a scholar whose work uses developmental science to address questions of central importance to education broadly defined. Relevant areas include but are not limited to how cognitive, social, emotional, or neurobiological development shapes educational experiences; how developmental processes vary across cultural and sociocultural contexts; how family, school, community, and broader institutional environments interact with individual development; how developmental transitions shape educational experiences and well-being; or how educational environments can better support development across groups. We particularly welcome scholars who incorporate a developmental neuroscience perspective, while also encouraging applicants who use other rigorous and innovative theoretical, methodological, or interdisciplinary approaches. Across approaches, we seek a scholar whose research can contribute to developmental and educational research, practice, programs, or policy by deepening understanding of how people develop within the contexts in which education occurs.
UT-Austin's Department of Educational Psychology has robust graduate programs and is currently ranked #6 among the Best Educational Psychology Programs rated by U.S. News & World Report. The department advances knowledge about the human experience at the intersection of education and psychology through research, teaching, and practice. It provides an interdisciplinary and contemporary approach to learning and development and seeks to enhance the quality of the human experience through rigorous educational and psychological research, and effective translation of findings to policy and practice. The successful candidate will have opportunities to build collaborations across the College of Education and the broader university.
Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Ph.D. in Human Development, Developmental Psychology, Educational Psychology, Developmental Science, or a closely related field earned by August 2027.
- Potential for scholarly leadership (i.e., refereed publications and extramural funding) in the area of human development, with research that examines development within cultural, contextual, and institutional settings and contributes to understanding learning, well-being, and variation in developmental experiences.
- High potential for securing extramural research funding to support innovative research on human development across diverse populations and settings.
- Evidence of or potential for excellence in teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students from a wide range of backgrounds in areas such as human development, developmental science, developmental research methods, and related topics.
Established in 1891, the College of Education at UT-Austin consistently ranks among the nation’s top public colleges of education. It is home to approximately 3,500 undergraduate and graduate students and more than 300 faculty. In addition to its longstanding commitment to academic excellence, the college has an extraordinary record of advancing innovation, opportunity, health and well-being, and educational improvement through research, teaching, and public engagement. With annual research expenditures totaling ~$60 million, the college generates knowledge with direct relevance for schools, communities, health systems, and government agencies across Texas and beyond. We also contribute to the state through the preparation of educators and health professionals and through a large network of external partnerships.
Over the past five years, the college has expanded its academic programs and enrollment. The college serves students from major metropolitan areas, smaller cities, rural regions, and border communities in Texas, while also welcoming students from other states and countries. Our students diverse experiences and perspectives strengthen the college’s mission to prepare educators, professionals, researchers, and leaders who can address pressing educational and community needs.
The University of Texas at Austin is the state’s leading research university, with approximately $1.3 billion in annual research expenditures and a total enrollment of more than 55,000 students. As a member of the Association of American Universities, UT-Austin provides a robust ecosystem for interdisciplinary research through partnerships with Dell Medical School, the School of Social Work, and many other academic and research units on campus.
The campus is situated in Austin, one of the nation’s most dynamic and fastest-growing cities, and it is in a state that offers outstanding opportunities for scholarly inquiry. Texas is home to more than 10% of the nation’s PK–12 student population, and approximately 30% of Texas students speak a home language other than English, collectively representing more than 100 languages. Texas has also experienced significant growth in its healthcare, sports, and education sectors. Together, the scale and complexity of Texas, the dynamism of Austin, and the research strength of UT-Austin offer an exceptional environment for scholars seeking to advance knowledge and improve lives.
Application Instructions
Review of applications will begin 10/19/2026 and will continue until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration, please provide all requested materials by 10/16/2026. Applicants should upload the following items to the Interfolio system:
- Cover Letter with contact information
- Full C.V.
- Research Statement that includes research accomplishments and future research direction
- Teaching and Mentoring Statement that describes specific methods used to ensure effective student mentoring and a classroom environment that is welcoming, engaging, and supportive of student learning and success.
- Up to three representative publications
- A list of three references with contact information
For additional information about the department, see https://education.utexas.edu/departments/educational-psychology/
For questions regarding the application process, please contact Becky Cook (Becky.Cook@austin.utexas.edu). Questions about the positions can be directed to the chair of the search committee: Laura Quiñones-Camacho (laura.quinonescamacho@austin.utexas.edu)
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
