Assistant​/Associate Professor - Early Childhood and Elementary Education; Tenure-Track

Ohio University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant/Associate Professor in Early Childhood and Elementary Education (PK-5) with a focus on Developmental Cognitive Foundations.

This position is a cornerstone of the "Brain Health and Cognition Across the Lifespan" cohort, a collaborative initiative spanning Education, Health Sciences, and Arts & Sciences. This position offers the opportunity to be a leader in research, turning insights from cognitive development into instructional strategies and school policies. This role focuses on how schools and communities create conditions that support resilience and long-term cognitive success for all learners and the preparation of future early childhood and elementary educators.

As a faculty member, you will contribute to high-impact scholarship, seek internal and external funding, and collaborate with university researchers to improve outcomes for children, families, and communities.

Our new faculty member will have experience with the ways that teaching practices, school culture, family engagement, and community contexts shape growth across cognitive, social, and emotional domains. The role has expectations for teaching, research, and service.

• A doctoral degree in a relevant field (by the time of hire) with a strong emphasis on learning, development, and brain health (e.g., Early Childhood, Education, Learning Sciences, Educational Psychology, Human Development).
• Evidence of experience with critical issues affecting the fields of early childhood and elementary education, such as PK-5 teaching, policy, administration, and teacher preparation.
• Past or current experience as an early childhood or elementary educator.
• Experience and/or expertise in one of the following areas:
• Executive function development and culturally sustaining pedagogy;
• Developmental foundations of learning;
• Bio-ecological systems perspective on child well-being;
• Developmental cognitive foundations of early development, focusing on how attention, executive function, and language skills emerge in learning environments.
• How teaching practices, school culture, family engagement, and community contexts shape growth across cognitive, social, and emotional domains.

• Evidence of mentoring graduate students
• Experience and/or expertise in additional area(s) listed above
• Evidence of interdisciplinary research collaboration in areas relevant to brain health and cognition
• Expertise in culturally sustaining pedagogy and research conducted in real-world settings
• Demonstrated commitment to student success and/or teaching excellence in higher education and fostering inclusive learning spaces

• A cover letter addressing the ways in which your degree program/coursework, experience, and other qualifications prepare you for the position and meet the minimum and preferred qualifications.
• A research statement that explicitly addresses developmental cognitive foundations that will contribute to the "Brain Health Across the Lifespan" cohort.
• The contact information (names, email, and phone numbers) for three professional references to be contacted following final interviews.

The position will remain open until filled. For full consideration, please apply by March 13, 2026.

medical, vision, dental, basic and supplemental life, paid holidays, educational benefits for you and eligible dependents, sick leave, and retirement.

Teacher Education

02/10/2026

The position will remain open until filled. For full consideration, please apply by March 13, 2026.

9 month

Patton College of Education

Applicants may contact this person if they have questions about this position.

Ohio University is proud of its rich history and as part of our ongoing efforts to provide and support a transformative learning experience, we affirm our commitment to fostering a welcoming and respectful workforce and community. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration free from discrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military service or veteran status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, status as a parent or foster parent, or any other bases under the law.

Ohio University is an equal access/equal opportunity employer.

Ohio University is committed to creating a respectful and inclusive educational and workplace environment. Ohio University is an equal access/equal opportunity and affirmative action employer with a strong commitment to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. Women, persons of color, persons with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.