Assistant Professor – Human Development and Family Science

Assistant Professor – Human Development and Family Science

For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Michelle U. Grocke-Dewey

michelle.grocke

The Department of Human Development and Community Health (HDCH) seeks a tenure‑track faculty member in the Human Development & Family Science program with expertise in child development. Primary responsibilities include teaching courses, developing and sustaining a research program, mentoring student research, and participating in professional/service activities. The appointment is for eight semesters (50% teaching, 40% research, 10% service) starting August 2026, with potential for summer employment.

• Teach ~15 credits per academic year of undergraduate and graduate courses, including Introduction to Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Development, Administration of Early Childhood Programs, Individual and Family Development – Lifespan, Parenting, Contemporary Issues in Human Development.
• Advise graduate students and serve on graduate committees.
• Conduct research in a specialized area of interest within Human Development and Family Science.
• Provide outreach and service to the university and the citizens of Montana.

• Doctorate (or ABD) in Human Development and Family Science, Child and Family Studies, Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or related discipline.
• Demonstrated teaching experience at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels.
• Active research agenda, evidenced by publications, presentations, and/or grant proposals.

• Ability to teach within the Human Development and Family Science curriculum, preparing students to work with children ages 0‑8 in various settings.
• Ability to mentor undergraduate and graduate research opportunities.
• Evidence of research in one or more of the following areas: group or family childcare; early educator preparation; childcare or education in community contexts; family engagement; families of young children.
• Demonstrated integration of teaching, research, and service.
• Practical experience in early childhood settings such as infant, toddler, or preschool childcare, early learning centers, university laboratories, community programs, Early Head Start, Head Start, or parent/family education.

• Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrate the ability to build innovative teaching, research, and outreach programs.
• Commit to serving a diverse community.
• Work effectively across disciplines.

This job description is a general overview; duties, responsibilities, and requirements may be modified. This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.

To perform this job, an individual must be able to perform essential duties satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.

• Vacancies: 1
• Desired start date:
  August 2026
• Application review begins:
  December 13, 2025
  ; applications accepted until adequate applicant pool is established.

• Curriculum Vitae
• Teaching Statement (max 2 pages)
• Research Statement
• Cover Letter addressing each of the Required and Preferred Qualifications

Optional supplemental documents may be submitted.

Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of applicable law. In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans.

Exempt