Open Rank Professor Tenure Track Position in Caring & Compassion

Penn State University • Ferguson Township, PA

98d

About The Position

The Pennsylvania State University Department of Human Development and Family Studies invites applications for a tenure-track position in Human Development and Family Studies. We seek a scholar whose work meaningfully advances the science and practice of caring, compassion, and human flourishing, particularly in the context of child development and education-based intervention. The successful candidate will contribute to and benefit from Penn State’s vibrant ecosystem of interdisciplinary research on prevention, positive youth development, and developmental science. We are particularly interested in applicants whose scholarship focuses on intervention or implementation efforts that promote caring, compassion, social-emotional and human flourishing supports for children and youth in educational or early childhood settings. Candidates tenured at their current institution will be considered for tenure on entry. A successful Associate or Full Professor candidate is also anticipated to assume the Bennett Pierce Endowed Professorship of Caring and Compassion, which offers generous research funding and is embedded within an interdisciplinary environment committed to improving lives through prevention and human connection.

Requirements

• Candidates must hold a doctoral degree in human development, family science, psychology, education, public health, prevention science, or a related field
• A record of excellence in research, teaching, and service appropriate to rank
• Evidence of (or potential for) leadership in prevention/intervention science and scholarly contributions to compassion-related work

Nice To Haves

• A strong record of externally funded research, including NIH or foundation-supported intervention work
• Research that integrates compassion, empathy, caring relationships, or related constructs
• Expertise in child or adolescent development, particularly in contexts of education, early childhood, and/or parenting-based intervention
• Interest in translational or applied scholarship that bridges science and practice
• A commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and building community

Responsibilities

• Develop and sustain an internationally recognized, externally funded research program
• Contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching and mentorship
• Advance scholarship and practice in the areas of compassion, caring, or flourishing in childhood, youth, and family systems
• Collaborate with the Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, and university-wide institutes focused on child and family wellbeing
• Provide leadership in integrating contemplative science and human flourishing into education, prevention, and policy contexts

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Robust retirement plans
• Generous 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses and children

What This Job Offers

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