Visiting Faculty, Psychology

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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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 $77,357 to $133,945. The actual salary will be based on the experience, rank, and appointment term of the candidate selected to fill this position.

The Department of Psychology at Point Loma Nazarene University is seeking applicants for a one-year visiting assistant professor position in psychology. Candidates with expertise in clinical/counseling or research psychology are encouraged to apply, and the expected course load will likely include a combination of specialization courses and core psychology courses (recent available core courses include abnormal psychology, personality & adult development, research methods & statistics, and general psychology).

The visiting assistant professor will have a 27-unit contract over 2 semesters, with a 3-unit course release for a structured new faculty professional development opportunity. Research activity is preferred, especially research that emphasizes undergraduate student collaboration. We also recognize the strength that diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds bring to our department, 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 rank will be determined by experience and academic qualifications. A doctorate in psychology is preferred, 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 ongoing professional development, as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion. The initial review of applications will begin on January 23rd, 2026, video interviews will be conducted shortly thereafter, and the review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Final candidates will conduct on-campus interviews. The anticipated start date is August 15, 2026.

Job Status:

Full time

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Job Description:

Responsibilities:

• Teach 24 units of undergraduate psychology courses over the year (12 units per semester) and attend new faculty seminar. 

• Advise students academically, professionally, personally, and spiritually.

• Participate in departmental/school activities and faculty meetings.

• Off-campus community engagement, including involvement in a Christian religious community.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D., Psy.D. or Ed.D in Psychology (or ABD)

• Commitment to developing and maintaining teaching excellence

• Commitment to developing and maintaining student mentoring

• Evidence of support for diverse peoples and perspectives

• Evidence of strong interpersonal and communication skills

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D., Psy.D. or Ed.D in Psychology completed prior to application

• Evidence of teaching excellence

• Commitment to developing and maintaining scholarly research productivity, especially that which involves undergraduate students

• Experience mentoring undergraduate students

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:

  • Dialogue with students and faculty in the Department of Psychology

  • A teaching demonstration presented to faculty and students in the Department of Psychology

  • Dinner with faculty from the Department of Psychology

  • An interview with the Dean of the Colleges

  • An interview with the Provost

  • An interview with the President of the University

Special Instructions: Please contact the search committee chair (kimschaeffer@pointloma.edu) for questions or clarification. When beginning your application, be prepared to answer these questions and upload the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae

• Cover Letter

• Statement of Personal Faith, including:

  • Sharing your personal testimony or faith journey 

• Philosophy of Teaching in Christian Higher Education, including, but not limited to:

  • Integration of your faith into coursework and learning

  • Modeling your Christian faith to students in an authentic way

  • Encouraging students in their own spiritual journey

• Provide names and contact information for 3 references, including at least one professional contact who can speak to your teaching potential and one person in leadership at your church who can speak to your Christian character and church involvement (references will only be contacted if you are advanced as a finalist candidate)

• Unofficial Transcripts for highest degree completed

• Optional: 3 teaching evaluations

If you have questions about items for the application, please contact the Office of Human Resources at humanresources@pointloma.edu or the Search Committee chair at kimschaeffer@pointloma.edu.

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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.