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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
The Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management at Penn State seeks an outstanding colleague to contribute to our engaged, productive, and collegial group whose mission is to transform human health and wellbeing through research, teaching and outreach associated with engaging people with recreation, park, and tourism activities (RPTM; http://www.hhd.psu.edu/rptm).
We are excited to announce a tenure-line opening for an assistant or associate professor in the general area of tourism management to begin in fall 2026. We seek an energetic and collaborative colleague who will contribute broadly to our departmental goals, and we are particularly interested in candidates who can make meaningful contributions and linkages to cross-campus entities (e.g., Institutes for Energies and Environment, Ecology Institute, Social Science Research Institute, Institute of Computational or Data Sciences, Shaver’s Creek Environmental Education Center, Center for Social Data Analytics and associated SODA dual-title doctoral program, and/or the dual-degree graduate program in Transdisciplinary Research on Environment and Society (TREES).
The successful candidate will be expected to develop or continue a funded and focused line of high-quality research. As a department of approximately 350 undergraduate students on a University Park campus of over 42,000 undergraduates, we also highly value effectively engaging students inside and outside the classroom. We seek individuals with an earned Ph.D. and a broad background in recreation, park and tourism management, as well as more specific expertise in travel and tourism. Research interests may include but not be limited to tourism systems as they connect to global challenges (e.g., climate; poverty; gender equality; water; biodiversity; human health and wellbeing; infrastructure) or specific management issues (e.g., traveler and tourist experiences and behavior; destination marketing, management, and event tourism; entrepreneurship; social media; big data; AI). Successful applicants will have a high level of demonstrated research excellence and productivity as well as strong abilities to mentor and guide graduate students through to completion of their theses and dissertations.
This position will be responsible for teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in RPTM, supervising and funding both undergraduate and graduate (M.S./Ph.D.) student research, and providing service to the RPTM department, the College of Health and Human Development, and the University, as well as to their profession. Candidates must have an active line of programmatic research, commitment to engaged and inclusive learning practices including in-person and online (synchronous and asynchronous) classrooms, and the ability to work collaboratively with faculty in the department, College, and University, as well as with industry and community partners. We are particularly interested in applications from underrepresented populations as well as individuals who have research and teaching experience in the management of tourism systems, though all individuals with a strong publication and funding record in broader areas of recreation, park, and tourism research are encouraged to apply.
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.
Consider working for The Pennsylvania State University. Located in Happy Valley Centre County, Pennsylvania, employment at Penn State offers an incredible opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the central Pennsylvania outdoors combined with all of the culture, sports, and entertainment a large university community can bring. More information on the area and all of its amenities can be found here: https://happyvalley.com/
Review of applications will begin September 29, 2025 and continue until a suitable candidate is found. Informal inquiries or questions about the position should be directed to: Carter Hunt ([email protected]). To be considered for the position, candidates must complete an online application and upload (1) a cover letter, (2) a curriculum vitae, (3) teaching and research statements (maximum one page each), and (4) the names and contact information for three professional references.
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.
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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