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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
Assistant Professor of Rural Sociology
Department of Agricultural Economics, Sociology, and Education (AESE)
This is a nine-month, tenure-track position in rural sociology at the Assistant Professor level with a 65% research and 35% Extension appointment. The successful candidate will be expected to develop a nationally and internationally recognized, integrated research-Extension program on population health, with a focus on rural populations, healthcare seeking and utilization behaviors, and the use of One Health frameworks to understand linkages between human health, animal health, and the natural environment.
The successful candidate should have skills in quantitative methods and network analysis and experience and interest working in interdisciplinary teams. They will also be expected to secure external funding and to advise and mentor graduate and/or undergraduate students.
Qualifications: Doctorate in rural sociology, sociology, or related interdisciplinary field of the social sciences. The successful candidate must have completed all degree requirements by the appointment date. Applicants should demonstrate excellent communication skills and the ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams. The ability to engage professionally with an inclusive population of faculty, staff, and students is required, and the successful candidate will actively strive to provide an inclusive learning environment for all.
Application Requirements: Review of applications will begin on August 1, 2026, with a start date of January 1, 2027, or as negotiated. Candidates should provide a cover letter, curriculum vitae, research statement, teaching statement, and names and contact information for three references.
System limitations allow for a total of 5 documents (5mb per document) as part of your application. Please combine materials to meet the 5-document limit. Questions can be directed to the Search Committee chair: Brian Thiede, Associate Professor of Rural Sociology and Demography ([email protected]).
The Department of Agricultural Economics, Sociology, and Education (AESE) is a welcoming community with our scholarship focusing on people, society, and economic systems grounded in theory and methods from the social, economic, and behavioral sciences. Faculty and students develop and employ rigorous approaches to discover fundamental and applied principles that advance science in their core disciplines. AESE strives to improve the health, prosperity, and welfare of people in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and beyond. Our core areas for teaching and research are (1) Agricultural and Food Systems, (2) Community Development and Engagement, (3) Environment and Natural Resources, and (4) Population Processes in Global Perspective. The Department offers three resident and one online graduate programs and oversees four undergraduate majors. For more information visit our site at https://aese.psu.edu/.
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 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.
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