Job description

Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist Case Western Reserve University in its search for Chair, Department of Psychological Sciences.

For full consideration, please apply by March 16, 2026.

The Department of Psychological Sciences at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) is entering a major period of growth and reinvention, driven by a transformative $60 million institutional investment in mental health research, education, and community impact. The next Chair will lead one of the university’s most dynamic departments at this moment of significant opportunity, overseeing new academic hires, renovated space, and the launch of the Moll Institute as a catalyst for interdisciplinary scholarship and national visibility.

This role offers an exceptional chance to shape the department’s future direction, balancing long-standing strengths in developmental science with emerging clinical and well-being initiatives, while guiding a thoughtful, inclusive strategic planning process. The Chair will mentor a talented community of faculty and students, strengthen research impact and external funding, and position the department for continued national distinction.

The Department of Psychological Sciences has a distinct interdisciplinary structure that brings together psychology and communication sciences, offering Ph.D. programs in experimental psychology and communication sciences; an APA-accredited Ph.D. program in clinical psychology; a CAA-accredited master’s program in communication sciences; and undergraduate programs in psychology and communication sciences. Faculty collaborate across these programs fostering innovative research and training experiences that bridge disciplines and reflect the department’s collegial, supportive culture and shared collective energy around scholarship and mentorship.

Reporting to the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, the Chair will provide strategic, academic, and administrative leadership for a complex and collaborative department at an R1 institution, with the mandate and resources to guide growth, elevate national visibility, and translate discovery into societal impact. Sustained investment is fueling faculty renewal and the expansion of research and instructional infrastructure to address the mental health crisis within and beyond Northeast Ohio. Key elements of this investment include:

• Launch of the Sara and Curt Moll Institute for Mental Health and Well-Being: A flagship, cross-disciplinary institute uniting research, clinical collaboration, and community engagement across psychology, psychiatry, neuroscience, medicine, nursing, and external partners.
• New State-of-the-Art Facilities: Psychology faculty will soon occupy newly renovated research and instructional space, complemented by Silver LEED–certified facilities for communication sciences that actively promote interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Faculty Growth & Renewal: Planned and ongoing hires create momentum to strengthen core areas while defining the department’s future scholarly profile.
• Expanding Clinical and Research Ecosystem: Proximity to, and partnership with, world-class health systems provide exceptional opportunities for translational research, training, and impact.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a senior scholar-leader to leave a legacy by building faculty capacity, strengthening interdisciplinary culture, and advancing solutions to the global mental health crisis from one of the nation’s most research-intensive environments.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead a department-wide strategic planning process that defines areas of future distinction and investment, balancing long-standing strengths in developmental and cognitive science with expanding initiatives in mental health and well-being.
• Guide the department through a major period of expansion and transition, including recent faculty hires, renovated research and instructional space, and the continued evolution of the department’s academic and research portfolio.
• Support the successful launch and integration of the Sara and Curt Moll Institute for Mental Health and Well-Being, ensuring that the Institute serves as a catalyst for interdisciplinary collaboration and societal impact while maintaining strong departmental governance and academic breadth.
• Oversee faculty recruitment, mentoring, and professional development, fostering a collegial, inclusive culture that supports both emerging and established scholars and strengthens leadership capacity across the department.
• Strengthen and diversify the department’s external research funding profile, mentoring faculty in grant development and supporting a broad range of funding strategies across federal agencies, foundations, and other sponsors.
• Advance interdisciplinary partnerships and visibility, including collaborations across Case Western Reserve and with major regional and national partners in health, research, and community engagement.
• Provide effective administrative stewardship of a complex academic enterprise, including responsibility for budget, personnel, instructional programs, and staff leadership, while sustaining the department’s strong record of student training and scholarly excellence.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A doctoral degree in Psychology or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in an academic setting with a track record of fostering collaborative relationships across diverse disciplines and research types.
• A clear, forward-looking vision for departmental growth and excellence.
• Deep understanding of the external funding landscape and responsibilities associated with sustaining extramurally supported research programs.
• Research accomplishments and extramural grant funding consistent with those required for an appointment as a tenured Professor at an R1 institution.
• Teaching and mentoring experience, with a successful track record in the classroom and mentoring students.
• Strong commitment to collegiality, collaboration, transparent communication, and appreciation for interdisciplinary scholarship that bridges psychological and communication sciences.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• While specific research focus is open, there is a strong preference for candidates with expertise in developmental psychology, cognitive psychology or affective science.
• Particular interest will be in applicants who appreciate the interdisciplinary nature of the department, and who will nurture existing collaborations while identifying new opportunities to leverage the interdisciplinary structure.

About Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) is a leading private research university located in Cleveland, Ohio, known for its deep commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and community impact. As a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), CWRU is a national leader in research, teaching, and innovation. Home to more than 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students from around the world, the university offers a wide spectrum of academic programs across fields including the arts and sciences, engineering, health sciences, law, management, and social work. Its vibrant research enterprise is among the nation’s most impactful.

CWRU’s mission is to improve and enrich lives through collaborative research and an educational experience that engages students actively and creatively. The university emphasizes inclusiveness, global citizenship, and creative scholarship, while preparing graduates to lead and make meaningful contributions in a rapidly changing world.

Showcasing close partnerships with worldclass medical, arts, and scientific institutions, CWRU provides unparalleled opportunities for experiential learning and community engagement. The location proximal to the Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, MetroHealth, and the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, allows for very high research and clinical productivity.

CWRU offers a dynamic and supportive environment for faculty, staff, and researchers, with opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary initiatives, advance innovative projects, and contribute to meaningful societal impact. The university values diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering a community where all voices are heard and respected. Employees benefit from Cleveland’s rich cultural, recreational, and professional opportunities, making CWRU not only a place of work but a place to grow, connect, and thrive.

Living in the Area

Located in University Circle, living in Cleveland places you at the center of one of America’s premier arts and cultural districts. Residents enjoy immediate access to world-class institutions, including multiple museums and music venues. The neighborhood is also home to Severance Hall, where The Cleveland Orchestra performs, as well as a vibrant uptown district featuring unique restaurants, local breweries, and frequent community events. Sports enthusiasts will find a deeply rooted fan culture that brings the city together year-round.

Beyond University Circle, Cleveland also offers an exceptional quality of life for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The award-winning Cleveland Metroparks system spans more than 24,000 acres across 18 parks, offering scenic trails, golf courses, and nature centers throughout the region. Just a short drive away, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, one of the few national parks located between two major cities, features outstanding hiking and biking trails, waterfalls, and picturesque landscapes. Lake Erie further enhances the outdoor experience with beaches, boating, water sports, and renowned sunset views.

Cleveland also stands out for its affordability. As of May 2025, the median home sale price was approximately 68% below the national average, with similar savings for renters. This lower cost of living, combined with the city’s cultural depth, outdoor amenities, and access to highly regarded K-12 schools, makes the region especially attractive for individuals and families alike.

How to apply

For full consideration, please apply by March 16, 2026.

To be viewed by the search firm, you must apply directly at: https://acesrch.applicantstack.com/x/detail/a21esjyjcsop

Please apply through the application link and do not email applications.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and curriculum vita. Ideally cover letters should not exceed two pages. All applications are treated confidentially.

Inquiries, referrals, and nominations are also treated confidentially.

Inquiries and questions: Please send to [email protected].

Nominations and referrals: Please send the nominee’s name, title, and contact information if available to [email protected].

The annual base salary range for this position is $130,000 to $180,000, plus an administrative stipend. Compensation may be adjusted for an exceptionally qualified candidate, and the final salary will be commensurate with the selected individual’s experience, scholarly accomplishments, and leadership record.

Case Western Reserve University considers a range of factors when extending an offer, including (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the role, relevant experience, education and training, key skills, internal peer equity, and market and organizational considerations.

University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare coverage, retirement plans, tuition assistance for employees and eligible family members, and generous paid time off. Additional information about benefits is available here.

Institutional Information

Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodations

Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the CWRU Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicants will be made on a case-by-case basis.