Open-rank Faculty Position in Quantitative Methods, Department of Human Development and Family [...]

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

Robust retirement plans

Job summary

A leading educational institution is seeking a candidate for an open-rank faculty position in quantitative developmental and family systems methods. The role involves developing innovative methodologies, teaching, and advancing research. Candidates should have a doctorate in a relevant field, a solid publication record, and capabilities in teaching and mentorship. Benefits include a competitive package and a generous tuition discount for employees and their families.

Qualifications

• Earned doctorate in a relevant field required before starting.
• Strong publication record and research program expected.
• Evidence of teaching and mentorship capabilities required.

Responsibilities

• Develop novel methods for measuring multi-system processes.
• Advance scholarship in quantitative methodology and data science.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses.

Skills

Measurement expertise

Latent variable modeling

Data integration approaches

Teaching and mentorship

Education

Earned doctorate in quantitative, developmental, behavioral, social science, or related fields

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Penn State Department of Human Development and Family Studies, located in the College of Health and Human Development, is actively seeking applications for an open‑rank, tenure‑track or tenured faculty position in quantitative developmental and family systems methods. Competitive candidates will have expertise in measurement, latent variable modeling, or novel data integration approaches.

• Development of novel methods to strengthen the measurement and analysis of multi‑system, multi‑scale processes (e.g., models of within‑person change and variability in human development and family processes across the lifespan; multilevel methods that integrate individual and community differences across contexts)
• Methods for large data sets
• Latent variable modeling
• Computational models of psychological processes, health decision processes, and human dynamics
• Use of advanced longitudinal methodologies to analyze intensive data streams, including mobile sensor data, social media, and ecological momentary assessment data
• Use of models as measurement instruments

The selected candidate will contribute to advancing scholarship in quantitative methodology and data science in social and behavioral sciences within the Department, College, and University. Mid‑career or senior candidates should also address their potential to serve in a leadership capacity in these areas. Responsibilities also include teaching undergraduate and graduate level courses as well as directing theses/dissertations.

Key Qualifications of the Candidate

• The successful candidate at each rank will have an earned doctorate in quantitative, developmental, behavioral, social science, or related field prior to beginning at Penn State.
• The candidate must have a clear program of research, a strong publication record, and evidence of or potential for receiving extramural funding, commensurate with rank.
• The candidate must show evidence of appropriate teaching and mentorship, commensurate with rank.

Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS)

Rated #1 in a recent survey of HDFS doctoral programs in North America, Penn State HDFS administers graduate, undergraduate, and research programs in its core, signature areas of individual development, family science, prevention/intervention, and developmental methods. HDFS is a dynamic, multidisciplinary and collaborative department, committed to excellence, innovation and impact in understanding and improving the lives of individuals and families in diverse contexts. The successful faculty member will have opportunities to collaborate with the Department's superb group of quantitative/developmental (QuantDev) research methodologists with expertise in intensive longitudinal data analysis and within‑person/within‑family methods that assess, analyze, and interpret daily and real‑time information about ongoing individual‑environment interactions.

Centers and training grants in the College of Health and Human Development and Penn State research institutes

The College of Health and Human Development provides excellent opportunities for research collaboration, mentoring, and scholarship. The College houses the Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, the Center for Healthy Aging, the Center for Childhood Obesity, and the NICHD‑funded P50 Capstone Center (the Translational Center for Child Maltreatment Studies). In addition, the College is home to three T32 training grants and extensive links with key College and University Centers of Excellence, networks, and Institutes that provide research infrastructure and collaboration opportunities. The successful faculty hire will also have access to research infrastructure in Penn State's cross‑university research institutes, including the Social Science Research Institute, the Penn State Clinical and Translational Science Institute, the Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, the Institute for Computational and Data Science, the Penn State Cancer Institute, and the Penn State Neuroscience Institute.

Benefits

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support both personal and professional well‑being. 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.

Background Checks/Clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814‑865‑1473.