Head of Department | Psychology
American University of Sharjah
The Department of Psychology in the College of Arts and Sciences at American University of Sharjah (AUS) invites applications for the position of Head of Department. The department seeks a collaborative and visionary leader with a record of excellence in teaching, research and service, and a strong commitment to student success and faculty development.
About the Department
The department offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and contributes significantly to the university’s general education curriculum. Faculty members are engaged in diverse areas of research, including mental health and well-being; cognitive psychology and psycholinguistics; organizational psychology; and social, cultural and personality psychology. The department values multidisciplinary collaboration and emphasizes both scientific rigor and applied engagement with the community.
Required Qualifications
Applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications:
- PhD in Psychology or a closely related discipline.
- Minimum rank of Associate Professor (Professor preferred).
- A record of effective and inclusive academic leadership, including experience in personnel management and decision-making.
- Evidence of excellence in teaching, research and service.
- Experience with program accreditation, curriculum development and faculty evaluation.
- Familiarity with North American models of higher education.
Preferred Qualifications
In addition to the above, the college will give preference to candidates who demonstrate:
- Experience as a department chair, program director or equivalent academic leadership role.
- Success in developing and supporting undergraduate and/or graduate programs.
- Commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration within the college and across the university.
- Demonstrated ability to mentor faculty, support student engagement and foster research productivity.
- A clear vision for the future development of the department, consistent with the strategic goals of the college and university.
Responsibilities
The Head of Department will:
- Provide strategic leadership and foster a collegial and inclusive departmental culture.
- Foster and promote the professional growth of faculty in teaching and research.
- Oversee curriculum planning, program assessment and accreditation.
- Represent and advocate for the department within the college and university.
- Recruit and retain high-quality faculty and students.
- Engage in teaching and scholarship at the undergraduate and/or graduate level.
- Participate in university service and governance.
Date of Commencement
The position begins mid-August 2026.
Application Procedure
Applicants should apply online at https://acg-apps1.aus.edu/cas/empapp/apply.php?p=PSY-DH-26-01.
Applicants should submit:
- A cover letter describing their research, teaching and administrative experience, and articulating their vision for how they can contribute to the department’s development and success.
- A current curriculum vitae.
- Names and contact information for three referees (references will be contacted only for shortlisted candidates).
Additional materials may be requested from candidates advancing to later stages of the search.
Applications received by December 15, 2025, will receive full consideration; review will continue until the position is filled.
About American University of Sharjah
American University of Sharjah (AUS) is a comprehensive, independent, non-profit, coeducational institution of higher education that promotes excellence in teaching, learning, research and creative work. AUS fosters a community that celebrates diversity and whose members are committed to the ideals of open intellectual inquiry, ethical behavior and civic responsibility.
AUS offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs to approximately 6,000 students from over 100 nations. English is the language of instruction and the workplace. Among the top 18 percent of ranked universities in the world (QS World University Rankings, 2026), AUS is consistently among the top ten universities in the Arab region (QS Arab Region University Rankings, 2026).
AUS is located in the heart of Sharjah’s University City, adjacent to the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park and just minutes from Sharjah International Airport and only 30 minutes from Dubai International Airport. The campus is situated in a vibrant and cosmopolitan area offering abundant opportunities for travel, entertainment, cultural experiences and natural beauty. Salary and benefits are competitive.
AUS is licensed and its programs are accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the United Arab Emirates. AUS has been accredited in the United States of America by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (1007 North Orange Street, 4th Floor, MB #166, Wilmington, DE 19801 USA) since June 2004.
For more information, please visit www.aus.edu.
