Assistant Research Professor

The Pennsylvania State University•University Park, FL

About The Position

The Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center (PRC), housed in Penn State’s College of Health and Human Development, seeks a collaborative and highly motivated prevention scientist committed to research that improves the health and well-being of children, families, and communities. The successful candidate will contribute to the Center’s research portfolio, pursue external funding, write competitive grant proposals, and build a program of scholarship in prevention science. Areas of interest include preventive intervention development, implementation and evaluation; risk and protective factors; community and population-level prevention; implementation and dissemination science; research-to-practice and research-to-policy translation; prevention of behavioral health problems, substance use, violence, and other adverse outcomes; promotion of child, family, and community well-being; economic evaluation; and innovative methods, data science, and emerging technologies applied to prevention research. The candidate will collaborate across disciplines and projects, participate actively in the PRC’s intellectual life, and help develop new research initiatives and funding opportunities. A central goal is to expand the Center’s research portfolio by developing collaborative teams, pursuing funding opportunities, and establishing an externally funded prevention research program. The PRC brings together researchers, staff, students, policymakers, practitioners, and community partners to develop, evaluate, implement, and disseminate prevention approaches. Its research is supported by federal agencies, foundations, government agencies, and other partners. An earned doctorate in a relevant behavioral, social, public health, or related discipline is required. The position is a term appointment; the term length will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation beyond the discussed term depends on university need, performance, and/or funding availability. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Employment requires successful completion of background checks in accordance with University policies.

Requirements

Earned doctorate in a relevant behavioral, social, public health, or related discipline.
Clear and developing program of prevention research.
Strong and growing record of peer-reviewed scholarship.
Demonstrated interest and experience in developing grant proposals.
Capacity to contribute to and, over time, lead externally funded research projects.
Commitment to collaborative, interdisciplinary research.
Strong methodological and scientific skills relevant to prevention research.
Potential for outstanding scholarly accomplishments and for developing a sustainable externally funded research program.

Responsibilities

Develop and contribute to externally funded prevention research.
Write competitive grant proposals and pursue new funding opportunities.
Build a program of scholarship in prevention science.
Contribute to and, over time, lead externally funded research projects.
Develop collaborative research teams and new research initiatives.
Collaborate across disciplines and projects and participate actively in the PRC’s intellectual life.
Contribute to expanding the PRC’s research portfolio.