Assistant Research Professor

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

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.

This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Center for Healthy Aging (CHA) at The Pennsylvania State University (PSU) invites applications for a non-tenure track Assistant Research Professor position to work on research investigating the intersection of psychosocial processes (e.g. related to loneliness, depressed mood, and social interactions) with cognitive processes as well as neurobiological factors in healthy aging and neurodegenerative disease. This position is designed to extend the current portfolio of the Center for Healthy Aging to facilitate research that uses interdisciplinary approaches to better understand risk factors for and indicators of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD), as well as psychosocial and biological mechanisms contributing to cognitive decline with aging and neurodegenerative disease. Responsibilities will generally include managing NIH-funded research studies; data analyses; preparation of manuscripts and conference presentations; contributing to grant preparation; data collection and/or management; and participation in interdisciplinary research groups. The position will afford opportunities to publish, access to exceptional resources to facilitate development of independent research, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The successful candidate will have a background in Human Development or a related field, with research experience linking psychosocial phenomena with cognitive performance, and strong methodological skills including use of high frequency research designs and ecological momentary assessment (EMA). We are specifically seeking candidates with expertise related to social isolation and/or loneliness, and experience with the incorporation of behavioral and/or biological markers of ADRD is a plus. The strongest candidates will have a track record of experience with study design, data collection, and analysis with intensive longitudinal studies, successfully publishing in high impact journals, and experience with seeking external funding (as principal investigator and/or in collaboration with other researchers). The Center seeks candidates who are self-motivated, responsible, team-oriented, and creative, with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

TYPICAL EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

PhD degree in neuroscience, clinical psychology, or a related-field required

3 years of experience working with intensive longitudinal and ambulatory data, including with individuals at risk for ADRD

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

This is a limited-term position funded for one year from date of hire, with possibility of refunding.

The following clearances must be successfully completed for this position: 

• Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Background Check 
• Pennsylvania Child Abuse History
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Criminal Background Check  

The Pennsylvania State University 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.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

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

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 ourBenefits 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.

The Pennsylvania State University 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.

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