Assistant Professor of Psychology and Human Development

The Department of Psychology and Human Development in Peabody College at Vanderbilt University invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor level to begin August 2026. We seek a scholar to join our clinical science faculty whose research applies artificial intelligence (AI) methods to developmental psychopathology, clinical psychological science, model behavior and decision-making processes, and/or intervention research with children and/or families.

Vanderbilt University and Peabody College provide strong faculty support (e.g., competitive salaries, start-up funds, support for grant preparation and post-award management, tuition benefits for dependent children). Peabody College is consistently ranked among the top schools of education nationwide. The Department of Psychology and Human Development is home to highly collaborative faculty with strengths in developmental science, clinical psychological science, and quantitative methods. Affiliation is possible with the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development http://kc.vanderbilt.edu, LIVE Learning Innovation Incubator, https://lab.vanderbilt.edu/live/ , and close collaboration is expected with the College of Connected Computing https://computing.vanderbilt.edu/

Position Description

The successful candidate will maintain an active, externally-competitive research program that leverages AI approaches (e.g., machine learning, natural language processing, large language models, deep learning, speech or behavioral signal processing, computer vision, predictive analytics) to advance clinical/developmental science. Ideal candidates will use AI to enhance research methodologies, develop predictive models for risk and treatment response, and/or integrate AI into evidence-based interventions for children and/or families. Responsibilities include teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels, mentoring trainees, and contributing to departmental and college service.

Qualifications

Minimum required qualifications include:

• Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology or a closely related field by the start date.
• Experience applying AI methods in research.
• Evidence of high-impact scholarship and a strong trajectory for external funding.
• Commitment to excellence in teaching and mentoring at undergraduate and graduate levels.

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit the following materials via Interfolio:

• Cover letter describing qualifications, research program, and fit with the department (12pages)
• Curriculum vitae
• Research statement (23 pages)
• Teaching/mentoring statement (12 pages)
• Three samples of scholarly writing (published or unpublished manuscripts). We recommend candidates submit the research they are most proud of, regardless of journal or publication status
• Contact information for three references (letters requested at a later stage)

Review of applications will begin November 15, 2025; full consideration will be given to applications received by that date.

Apply at: https://apply.interfolio.com/174418

Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit the Vanderbilt Peabody College website at http://peabody.vanderbilt.edu/. Inquiries about the search may be directed to the search committee chair, Kathryn (Kate) Humphreys (k.humphreys@vanderbilt.edu).

Vanderbilt University shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.

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