Director, Social Sciences Research Institute at The

About The Role

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

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Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

Director, Social Sciences Research Institute

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.

The SSRI Director reports to the Senior Vice President for Research who oversees Penn State research--currently exceeding $968 million annually. The Director’s responsibilities include: (1) 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; (2) 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; (3) chairing SSRI’s Executive and Steering Committees, which advise on SSRI investments, policies, and programs; (4) chairing the SSRI Deans, Associate Research Deans, and Department Head Advisory Committees, which provide input and insights on both strategic and operational matters; (5) identifying new funding opportunities; (6) promoting interdisciplinary, collaborative, and translational research through seed funding and research infrastructure support; and (7) serving as a liaison between the University’s social and behavioral science research initiatives and state, national, and international organizations.

The successful candidate will be an internationally recognized leader in the social, behavioral, or population health sciences, with a strong record of interdisciplinary research and the vision and leadership needed to advance new initiatives, sustain existing research strengths, and translate research into evidence-based programs, policies, and practices. The candidate must have credentials appropriate for appointment as a tenured professor in an appropriate college and demonstrate a commitment to advancing Penn State’s land-grant mission. The candidate should also bring experience maintaining research excellence in the face of change, enthusiasm for fundraising and resource development, along with 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.

The successful candidate must also support maintaining and nurturing an exceptional work environment. Our employees are our greatest asset and our success as an organization in achieving our goals is based on having a team of inspired individuals with unique perspectives, an array of skills, and providing them with an engaging environment with opportunities for growth. The successful candidate will ensure Penn State Values are in the forefront of workforce expansion; they will provide professional development and opportunities for career advancement; and they will provide 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.

The Pennsylvania State University is in central Pennsylvania. Coined Happy Valley for its highly ranked livability, the area is known for its access to nature spanning beautiful mountains, streams, and parks, as well as superb sports and recreational opportunities. The area has excellent schools and offers a multitude of cultural and sporting events.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Applicants should submit a letter expressing their interest in this position with a detailed vision statement for advancing Penn State social sciences research, managing talented faculty and staff to achieve greater impact. Also include a curriculum vitae and contact information for four references. Interested individuals are invited to visit SSRI’s website for more information about SSRI.

Inquiries can be directed to Craig Newschaffer, Raymond E. and Erin Stuart Schultz Dean, College of Health and Human Development ([email hidden]), chair of the search committee.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Due to the financial and fiduciary responsibilities of this position, successful completion of a credit history check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

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.

For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

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.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.