Tenure-Track Assistant/Associate Professor in Special Education of Applied Behavior Analysis

Employment Type

Full-time, Tenure-Track (Teaching and Research)

College          

College of Education

Supervisor

Dean and Department Director

Campus Location

Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China  

Wenzhou-Kean University

Wenzhou-Kean University (WKU), located in Wenzhou City, China, is one of the officially approved Sino-American universities recognized by the Ministry of Education of China. Established in 2012, WKU offers a distinctive model of higher education in partnership with Kean University, a comprehensive public university in New Jersey, USA, accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Wenzhou is one of the most dynamic and economically advanced cities on China’s east coast, situated just one hour by air and three hours by high-speed train from Shanghai. 

WKU occupies a scenic 500-acre campus and currently enrolls approximately 5,500 undergraduate students. The university is experiencing rapid growth, with enrollment projected to reach 7,000 students within the next three years. All instruction is conducted in English, and the curriculum is fully aligned with that of Kean University. 

In addition to its 18 undergraduate programs, WKU has received approval from the Ministry of Education to offer 14 masters’ and 3 doctoral programs. The university places a strong emphasis on research-informed teaching and learning, and its faculty publication record and Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) rank among the highest of leading academic institutions in China. 

Position Summary

The Department of Special Education at Wenzhou-Kean University (WKU) is seeking a highly qualified and experienced faculty member for tenure-track position at the Assistant or Associate Professor level in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). 

All faculty position are full-time assignment, effective for the start of the 2026 Fall semester (August 16). This position are full-time assignments appointed on a 3-year contract at the first instance and are renewable upon successful reappointment review. 

Faculty carry a 24-credit annual teaching load, with a six-credit course release per year for the first three years to support external research grant development and other significant research endeavors. Thereafter, release time may be available by application on competitive basis. After joining WKU, faculty will be encouraged to apply to external grants at the municipal, provincial, and national levels. Faculty members successfully obtaining eligible external grants will be afforded release time ranging from 3-12 credits per year. New faculty receive a start-up research grant of up to 80,000 RMB and are eligible to apply for additional internal and external research funding. 

Successful candidates will play a central role in the delivery and advancement of the Master’s programs in Special Education, with a strong focus on Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Faculty are expected to teach postgraduate-level courses, engage in high-quality research, and supervise graduate student theses and applied projects. 

In addition to teaching and research, faculty will contribute to the continued growth and international recognition of the Department of Special Education by engaging in curriculum development, program assessment, student recruitment and advisement, and professional collaboration with local and international partners. 

Teaching assignments and related responsibilities may include day, evening, and weekend, depending on institutional needs. Interest or experience in using advanced instructional technologies to improve the teaching/learning process is highly desirable. All faculty may be required to teach General Education courses as needed. Opportunities are also available to teach interdisciplinary support courses. 

Key Position Responsibilities:

Teaching and Learning

• Teach postgraduate-level courses in Special Education for ABA and autism integrating research-informed and innovative pedagogies
• Design, update, and deliver course materials in alignment with program outcomes and accreditation standards.

Research and Scholarship

• Conduct independent and collaborative research leading to publications in high-indexed peer-reviewed journals.
• Apply for internal and external research grants to support scholarly work and contribute to the development of a strong research profile

Graduate Supervision and Advising

• Supervise master’s students in dissertation development, research design, data analysis, and academic writing.
• Provide academic and professional advising to graduate students, including guidance on practicum and internship placements.

Program and Institutional Service

• Participate in departmental, college, and university committees and initiatives.
• Support student recruitment, outreach, and partnership development with schools and professional organizations.

Professional Engagement

• Engage in professional development and maintain active membership in relevant scholarly or professional associations.
• Foster collaboration with local and international institutions, including schools and research networks in special and inclusive education.

Key Selection Criteria:

• A Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis, Behavior management, or Special Education with a specialization in Behavior Analysis from an accredited higher education institution.
• Board Certified Behavior Analyst – Doctoral (BCBA-D) credential, or BCBA certification with evidence of formal training in Applied Behavior Analysis.
• Prior academic teaching experience in ABA at an accredited higher education institution is preferred.
• An active research agenda with a demonstrated track record of publications in reputable SCI, SSCI, or Scopus-indexed (Scimago Q1) journals.
• Experience in the use of educational technologies, including digital learning platforms; familiarity with AI applications in education will be considered an advantage.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise graduate students in applied research and practicum or fieldwork settings. 

Desirable (Preferred) Qualifications:

• Evidence of successful grant acquisition or participation in externally funded research projects.
• Record of international collaboration or cross-cultural teaching and research experience.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive education, ethical practice, and evidence-based interventions in Applied Behavior Analysis.
• A Ph.D. degree obtained from reputable universities including Carnegie R1 institutions or equivalent research institutions renowned for their academic excellence in the fields.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills, with the ability to contribute to departmental growth and interdisciplinary initiatives. 

Compensation and Benefits:

Annual salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience with the range from $68,000-$75,000 for Assistant Professors; $73,000-$80,000 for Associate Professors. Salary of extraordinary candidates shall be determined on a case-by-case basis. A well-rounded healthcare coverage, housing options and subsidy up to $3,000, home traveling up to $6,000 (2 international round-trip airfares), a reimbursement to cover relocation expenses up to $1,000, shuttle bus to campus for work. The university provides financial assistance for academic travel. WKU tuition waiver up to 50% for spouse/dependent children of faculty for undergraduate programs. A collegial environment. Startup grant of up to 80,000 RMB. Three-year initial contract. Six-credit course release per academic year for the first three years. The opportunity to teach high-quality students. About 50% of graduates have been admitted to graduate schools at the World’s Top 50 Universities, and about 60% of graduates at the World’s Top 100 Universities. 

Application Instructions:

To Apply:
Submit your application online. To receive full consideration by the search committee, candidates need to submit the following documents by clicking the 'Apply' button 

Required Application Materials:

• Cover Letter responding to the selection criteria
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Teaching Philosophy Statement
• Research Statement (research interests, past accomplishments, and future plans)
• Contact Information for three professional references, including references/names of potential referees from a current or recent direct supervisor. Please note that your immediate supervisor may be contacted for conducting a reference check.
• Transcript 

Application Timeline:

The deadline for application is March 15, 2027. Review begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled. 

Note for Finalists:

Selected candidates are required to provide official transcripts for all degrees and three current letters of recommendation prior to a formal appointment. 

Background Screening:

Wenzhou-Kean University conducts background screenings on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background Screenings.