Director, Social Sciences Research Institute

Penn State University • University Park, IL

11d • Hybrid

About The Position

As one of Penn State’s seven, university-wide interdisciplinary institutes in the Office of the Senior Vice President for Research (OSVPR), the Social Sciences Research Institute (SSRI) supports and promotes innovation and excellence in the social and behavioral sciences and contributes to a University-wide culture of interdisciplinary collaborative research. The new SSRI Director will build on a strong foundation to promote the social and behavioral sciences at Penn State, including by working with faculty from across the University as well as the other OSVPR Institute Directors, College Deans, Research Associate Deans and Department Heads to advance the Institute’s and University’s strategic priorities.

With an annual budget of approximately $11 million, the SSRI’s mission is to foster research that brings the social sciences to bear on critical challenges at the local, national, and international levels. The Institute does so by bringing together researchers from a range of disciplines and by providing consultation, financial support, shared accessible infrastructure, and services to social and behavioral scientists across Penn State’s colleges and campuses. The SSRI’s five strategic foci, Reducing Social Disparities, Smart and Connected Health, The Human System, Innovative Methods, and Dissemination and Implementation Science, are contained within a portfolio of activities within SSRI’s research units https://ssri.psu.edu/about.

Requirements

• An internationally recognized leader in the social, behavioral, or population health sciences.
• A strong record of interdisciplinary research.
• The vision and leadership needed to advance new initiatives, sustain existing research strengths, and translate research into evidence-based programs, policies, and practices.
• Credentials appropriate for appointment as a tenured professor in an appropriate college.
• A commitment to advancing Penn State’s land-grant mission.
• Experience maintaining research excellence in the face of change.
• Enthusiasm for fundraising and resource development.
• The ability to create new opportunities for sponsored research, philanthropic support, and industry partnerships, including the translation of research into science- and technology-based solutions, programs, government policies, and practices.
• Successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
• Successful completion of a credit history check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

Responsibilities

• Advancing a vision for Penn State’s social and behavioral sciences, university-wide leadership, and catalyzing translational research excellence at the interfaces of the social and behavioral science and other science disciplines.
• Building interdisciplinary collaborations across the social and behavioral sciences and beyond including by developing policies and incentives for faculty engagement and creating an atmosphere of inclusion of diverse expertise and perspectives.
• Chairing SSRI’s Executive and Steering Committees, which advise on SSRI investments, policies, and programs.
• Chairing the SSRI Deans, Associate Research Deans, and Department Head Advisory Committees, which provide input and insights on both strategic and operational matters.
• Identifying new funding opportunities.
• Promoting interdisciplinary, collaborative, and translational research through seed funding and research infrastructure support.
• Serving as a liaison between the University’s social and behavioral science research initiatives and state, national, and international organizations.
• Maintaining and nurturing an exceptional work environment.
• Ensuring Penn State Values are in the forefront of workforce expansion.
• Providing professional development and opportunities for career advancement.
• Providing a work environment that positions individuals to do their best work, ranging from opportunities for individuals to excel, teams to be creative, and units to inspire.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Robust retirement plans.
• 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

What This Job Offers

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