AssistantAssociate Professor Research Methods

The School of Leadership and Professional Studies (SLPS) at Western Kentucky University is a vibrant, growing academic unit committed to developing high-quality adaptive leaders in the education and private and public sector organizations. Our students learn how to effectively collect, analyze, and apply data to make informed decisions in their leadership roles.

The Research Methods program, situated in SLPS, seeks a dynamic Assistant or Associate Professor to join our faculty and contribute to excellence in graduate education and research in an applied research setting. This position offers an opportunity to shape the next generation of practitioner scholars and researchers through innovative teaching and meaningful research contributions in qualitative and/or mixed research methodology.

The successful candidate will have an established and proven record of research with an emphasis on the use of qualitative methods in applied research settings. This is a traditional tenure-eligible position with responsibilities in teaching, research, and service.

Job Requirements

• Terminal degree (PhD or EdD) in School Psychology, Leadership, Organizational Leadership, Human and Organizational Learning, Education, Educational Leadership, Administration, or closely related field. • ABDs will not be considered. • 18 credit hours of transcribed graduate-level research methods coursework or three years of experience teaching graduate-level research methods courses in quantitative, qualitative, and/or mixed methods and/or research design in a college or university setting. • Minimum of 36 credit hours taught.

Demonstrated Expertise

• Demonstrated expertise in qualitative research methods in one or more of the following qualitative areas: • Phenomenological research • Grounded theory • Case study methodology • Ethnographic approaches • Narrative inquiry • Program evaluation • Mixed methods research design

Associate Professor Qualifications

In addition to the minimal requirements for Assistant Professor, an offer at the Associate Professor rank will require:

• A minimum of five (5) years of full-time research methods teaching experience with a documented record of excellence. • A minimum of three (3) peer-reviewed publications as primary or secondary author highlighting qualitative methodologies or two (2) peer-reviewed publications as primary or secondary author highlighting qualitative methodologies with externally funded grant activity as PI or co-PI. • Minimum grant award of $500,000.

Additional Information

Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, expression, marital status, age, uniformed services veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities or employment practices.

Persons with disabilities who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process should notify the Office of Institutional Equity. To request an accommodation, report a complaint, or ask questions regarding WKUs Discrimination and Harassment Policy, please contact Ms. Ena Demir, Executive Director, Title IX Coordinator, via email at

ena.demir@wku.edu