Assistant Research Professor

Penn State University • University Park, IL

1d

About The Position

The Quantitative Developmental (QuantDev) Systems Group within the Social Science Research Institute at Penn State University is seeking an Assistant Research Professor who has experience in application of quantitative (e.g., data science, statistical, and latent variable) analytic techniques to social, behavioral, and health sciences domains or similar. The successful candidate will help support data management and analytic needs for cross-disciplinary projects of QuantDev faculty, and assist the QuantDev unit in providing statistical and methodological consultations on development and application of latent variable methods; implementing testable models of causal processes in development, family systems, education, and health; and providing power analysis and other analytic support for grant applications. Collaborations on research projects with peers and students are strongly encouraged. There are also good opportunities to engage in teaching and dissemination activities. A Ph.D. in a Quantitative Social and Behavioral Science area (e.g., Quantitative Psychology, Quantitative Human Development and Family Studies, Quantitative Sociological Research, Behavioral Data Science), Statistics, Biostatistics, Data Science, or related disciplines is preferred.

Requirements

• Demonstrated cross-disciplinary skills in applying quantitative and data science techniques
• Familiarity with R/RMarkdown and Python
• Background knowledge of latent variable models and software such as Lavaan, OpenMx, and MPlus
• Ability to apply big data analytic techniques and corresponding data wrangling
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to work well as part of a team

Nice To Haves

• A Ph.D. in a Quantitative Social and Behavioral Science area (e.g., Quantitative Psychology, Quantitative Human Development and Family Studies, Quantitative Sociological Research, Behavioral Data Science), Statistics, Biostatistics, Data Science, or related disciplines

Responsibilities

• Help support data management and analytic needs for cross-disciplinary projects of QuantDev faculty
• Assist the QuantDev unit in providing statistical and methodological consultations on development and application of latent variable methods
• Implementing testable models of causal processes in development, family systems, education, and health
• Providing power analysis and other analytic support for grant applications
• Collaborate on research projects with peers and students
• Engage in teaching and dissemination activities

Benefits

• Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing.
• In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans.
• One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree