Psychology Instructional Positions

The Department of Psychology invites applicants for one or more instructional positions beginning in Fall 2026. We seek qualified instructors to teach courses including:

• Introduction to Psychology
• Biopsychology
• Upper-division Neuroscience course

Appointments may be made on a course-by-course basis, but we are also interested in candidates who wish to teach a larger load across the academic year. Depending on departmental needs and candidate qualifications, appointments may range from a single course to multi-course assignments (e.g., 2 courses in Fall and 2 in Spring, or 3 courses in Fall and 3 in Spring), with compensation and benefits varying according to appointment level.

These positions are an excellent fit for graduate students and early-career individuals who are drawn to teaching-focused liberal arts environments.

Instructor of Introduction to Psychology:

The successful candidate will teach one section of Introduction to Psychology in Fall 2026 (MWF 10:00-10:50 am) with the opportunity to teach an additional section of Introduction to Psychology in Spring 2027. We have not yet set the spring schedule, and we are happy to offer flexibility around days and times that work best in Spring 2027 for the instructor we hire.

• Course description: PSY-100 Introductory Psychology: Introduces students to the basic concepts, theories, and methods in the study of behavior and mental processes. Provides a basic understanding of psychology for interested students, who may take this as their only course in psychology, as well as for future majors

Instructor of Biopsychology:

The successful candidate will teach one section of Biopsychology in Fall 2026 (MWF 9:00-9:50am) with the opportunity to teach an additional section of Biopsychology in Spring 2027. We have not yet set the spring schedule, and we are happy to offer flexibility around days and times that work best in Spring 2027 for the instructor we hire.

• Course description: PSY-250 Biopsychology: Introduces students to the biological bases of behavior and mental processes. This course emphasizes the cell biology of neurons, neural communication, and the organization of the nervous system. The neurological basis of psychological processes such as sensation, learning, memory, and cognition are discussed.

Instructor of Upper-division Neuroscience course:

The successful candidate will teach one section of an upper-division neuroscience course (MWF 12:00-12:50 pm). While Drugs and Behavior is the course currently listed in the schedule, the department welcomes proposals for an alternative upper-division neuroscience course that aligns with the candidate''s expertise and interests. We are also looking for someone to teach an upper-division neuroscience course in the spring of 2027; course topic and timing are flexible.

• Course description of Drugs and Behavior: PSY-350 Drugs and Behavior: Explores how psychoactive drugs affect the nervous system. Concepts particularly relevant to a wide variety of psychological, sociological, and health-related careers in which clients are commonly taking drugs, therapeutically or recreationally. Course focuses on factors that influence the variability of drug effects, including neural, pharmacological, and psychological mechanisms. Major topics include the problem and implications of categorizing drugs, basic neural function, principles of pharmacology, and physiological and psychological aspects of addiction. Selected psychotherapeutic drugs and legal and illegal drugs of abuse are surveyed.

Qualifications:

ABD or terminal degree in Psychology or a closely related field preferred. Candidates with a completed master's degree and relevant teaching experience are also encouraged to apply.

About Coe College and the Department of Psychology:

Coe College is a small liberal arts institution in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where teaching is our central focus. Our students are curious, engaged, and looking for instructors who will meet them as individuals. Small class sizes make genuine mentorship possible, and our faculty take that seriously.

Our Psychology Department is a closely knit group of colleagues who share materials and syllabi, offer peer feedback formally and informally, and genuinely invest in one another's success. Someone stepping into this role will not just receive a classroom assignment; they will have real colleagues to work alongside.

How to apply:

Applications can be submitted at the link below and should include:

• A cover letter
• A current curriculum vitae
• Unofficial graduate transcripts
• Contact information for three professional references

Review of the applications will begin on June 26, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.

If you have any questions about the course, the students, or what teaching at Coe is like, please contact Ellen Lee (elee@coe.edu). We welcome informal inquiries before you apply and are happy to tell you more.