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Job Summary:

The School of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Mercy University invites applications for a one-year, open-rank Visiting Faculty position, beginning Fall 2025. This appointment includes serving as Interim Program Director of the MS in Psychology program, with the opportunity to apply for the full-time, permanent position during the a search process that will launch during the 2025–2026 academic year.

The MS Psychology Program offers practicum opportunities in fieldwork, research, or teaching; a two-semester research sequence culminating in an empirical research report; and a choice of either a master’s thesis or comprehensive exam as a final capstone. OASAS-approved coursework also allows students to pursue training toward the CASAC-T credential for substance abuse counseling. The MS Psychology Program is a dynamic and growing graduate program with rolling admissions and a flexible curriculum designed to meet the diverse needs of students. Program features include practicum opportunities in fieldwork, research, or teaching; a two-semester research sequence culminating in an empirical research report; and a choice of either a master’s thesis or comprehensive exam as the final capstone. The program prepares students for direct employment in the field, entry into doctoral programs, and—through OASAS-approved coursework—training toward the CASAC-T credential for those pursuing careers in substance abuse counseling.

Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities:

• Serve as Program Director for the MS Psychology Program, including curriculum oversight, scheduling, and strategic planning.
• Manage the admissions process, including interviewing and admitting prospective students on a rolling basis.
• Advise and mentor students on academic progression, research, practicum, and career or doctoral pathways.
• Support undergraduate students enrolled in the BS/MS Psychology track and advise them as they enter the graduate program.
• Support the two-semester research course sequence (PSYN 616/617) and provide mentorship for faculty- and student-led research.
• Oversee practicum site placement and ensure alignment with program goals.
• Teach 2–3 graduate psychology courses per term across multiple modalities.
• Collaborate with the Grad PACT advisement team to support student engagement, career planning, and retention.
• Serve as a point of contact for student academic concerns, providing guidance, support, and appropriate referrals to ensure timely and effective resolution in alignment with academic policies and professional standards.
• Engage in curriculum assessment, continuous improvement, and alignment with graduate education best practices.
• Ensure compliance with academic policies, IRB protocols, and institutional expectations.
• Collaborate with other program directors within the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences regarding interdisciplinary courses and shared learning experiences such as guest speakers that serve our students with overlapping academic or professional interests (e.g., School Psychology, Criminal Justice. Marriage and Family Therapy, Mental Health Counseling).

Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position. It in no way states or implies that the responsibilities listed are the only duties required to perform in this position. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position responsibilities if the work is similar, related, or is an essential function of the position.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Strong leadership, organizational, and administrative skills in academic settings.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor students and guide them through research and professional development.
• Experience teaching graduate-level psychology courses and supervising student research.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, and institutional partners.
• Commitment to student-centered, inclusive teaching and advising.

Education Requirements:

• Ph.D. in Psychology required.
• Background or research interests in a psychology subfield aligned with the program’s curriculum (e.g., experimental, developmental, clinical, counseling, etc.)