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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.
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
Department Head of Human-Centered Computing and Social Informatics
The College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) at The Pennsylvania State University invites applications for Department Head of Human-Centered Computing and Social Informatics (HCC&SI) located in State College, Pennsylvania. The headship position is a tenured appointment as an Academic Administrator at the full rank of Professor beginning in July of 2026 at the University Park campus.
The Department of Human-Centered Computing and Social Informatics (HCC&SI) is home to three undergraduate Bachelor of Science degrees: Human-Centered Design and Development (HCDD); Enterprise Technology Integration (ETI); and Information Technology Ethics and Compliance (IEC). The department is one of three departments in the College, with extensive interaction with faculty in the Department of Informatics and Intelligent Systems (I&IS) and Department of Privacy and Cybersecurity Informatics (P&CI). The College’s graduate programs in Informatics span all three departments, fostering a strong culture of interdisciplinarity in teaching and research.
The primary focus of department heads in IST is managing people. Expectations for the HCC&SI department head include these example roles:
Establish and implement the vision for the department’s future directions in hiring, growth, and research advances.
Create a collaborative and respectful community where trust and support grow through strong leadership.
Lead faculty hiring. The department has an integrated group of tenure-line and non-tenure-line faculty who teach a mixture of courses in resident, hybrid, and remote modes across varied IST degree programs.
Plan faculty teaching assignments, with support from degree Program Coordinators (PCs) and Academic Operations staff.
Encourage curriculum development processes by collaborating with PCs, graduate program directors, and faculty to propose/revise courses and majors with attention to university Faculty Senate guidelines.
Provide support in covering classes during faculty absences or unexpected situations and assist with resolving teaching-related matters.
Conduct faculty evaluations and write letters for all stages of promotion and tenure, annual reviews, sabbaticals, five-year reviews, and award nominations.
The department head provides strategic leadership for the department and works closely with the dean, associate deans, and centralized college offices to carry out the department’s functions. Administrative support is currently provided by the dean’s office staff, with opportunities to engage in operational areas such as budgeting and resource management as the department evolves. The newly established department is currently led by an interim head. The head of Human-Centered Computing and Social Informatics is one of three department head positions we intend to fill with permanent appointments.
Established in 1999, the College of Information Sciences and Technology focuses on the significant opportunities and complex challenges at the intersection of information, technology, and society. In 2025, a new three-department structure was created to better accommodate the college’s rapid enrollment growth and enhance its strategic research priorities. The leaders of these departments are organizing faculty to maintain an interdisciplinary approach, and the departments have intermixed office spaces to encourage ongoing collaboration. With more than 2,000 undergraduate students and nearly 300 graduate students, the college offers a diverse range of academic programs, including eight residential bachelor’s degrees. The college’s staff are effectively organized to manage these programs, advise students, and oversee the college’s $11.5 million annual research expenditures.
We are seeking candidates with scholarship emphases in areas such as human-centered computing, human-centered AI, social and organizational informatics, ethics of sociotechnical system, and/or enterprise technology integration. Candidates are expected to have a depth of experience in leadership of cutting-edge interdisciplinary research; pursuit of external funding to support research activities; teaching undergraduate and graduate courses; supervision of graduate students; mentoring other faculty; engagement in service activities at college and university levels; and collaboration across university, industry, and/or governmental partners.
Candidates will possess a PhD in informatics, information science, computer science, cognitive science, social science, or a related discipline. Candidates will have attained the full rank of Professor before their appointment start date in IST at Penn State.
Applicants will attach documentation during their application process and should include a cover letter with information about their interest and qualifications for the position. They will describe their i) administrative experiences, ii) research accomplishments, and iii) approach to teaching. They will also provide their iv) curriculum vitae and v) contact information for at least three professional references. Candidates may combine their cover letter and descriptions into one overall document prior to uploading, or they may upload separate files.
Inquiries about the position may be directed to [email protected].
Applications received before November 3, 2025, will receive full consideration. The review of applications will continue until the position is filled.
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. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records 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 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.
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.
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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