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.
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 Biology at Penn State, University Park campus, invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor.
The search is open to any area of neuroscience. Areas of particular interest in this year’s search include expertise in exploring scientific questions related to cellular, molecular, systems, computational, or other emerging areas of neuroscience. The successful applicant is expected to develop an independent, interdisciplinary, and externally funded research program that leads to novel insights into the function of the nervous system at the molecular, cellular, and/or circuit levels. We remain flexible in our direction forward and encourage excellent candidates in all areas of neurobiology to apply.
The anticipated starting date for this appointment is Summer or Fall of 2026. The duties include research, teaching, supervision of student research at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and service to the university and the greater professional community. Candidates are expected to demonstrate interest in and capacity for developing a strong, independent research program, and teaching and mentorship excellence at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Applications submitted electronically by November 1, 2025, will receive full consideration, and should include the following:
A brief cover letter that highlights the applicant’s most relevant qualifications for a faculty position at Penn State.
Curriculum vitae including a list of publications.
Two statements addressing:
Research accomplishments, plans, and vision (up to 3 pages, including figures and references). This should include graduate/postdoctoral/faculty scientific mentoring accomplishments, goals or vision for your research program at Penn State, and qualifications that make you well-suited to achieve these goals
Teaching experience, philosophy, and/or interests (up to 3 pages). This should include any potential research and teaching synergies.
Application materials may comprise no more than 5 documents, each with a size limit of 5MB. Applicants may need to combine materials to meet the 5-document limit and should ensure all documents are uploaded and correct prior to final submission.
All competitive applicants will possess a PhD in Neurobiology, Biology, Physiology, or a related field before beginning employment at Penn State; will demonstrate potential for developing an externally funded and collaborative research program; and will demonstrate the potential to contribute to the department and college’s teaching and service missions. Additionally, candidates seeking the rank of Associate Professor should have a strong track record of scholarly achievement, external funding, and demonstrated success in teaching and service.
The Biology Department is ranked in the top 10% of all programs globally. We are a community of curiosity-driven researchers and educators, with global leadership in the fields of Plant Biology, Ecology, Neuroscience, Evolutionary Genetics, Symbiosis/Microbiomes, and Infectious Disease Dynamics across scales. The Biology Department sits at the nexus of the life sciences at Penn State, where our highly collegial and interdisciplinary culture removes barriers to collaboration, improves the value of our discoveries, and enriches our daily experiences. The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences at Penn State serves as a partner in our mission, offering outstanding core facilities and access to interdisciplinary graduate programs.
Questions about the position and the Department of Biology at Penn State may be directed at the Chair of the Faculty Search Committee, Professor Crowley, by e-mail at [email protected].
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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