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.
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 Hamer Center for Community Design, a research center at the Pennsylvania State University Stuckeman School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture located in University Park, PA, seeks a dynamic, motivated individual to advance community engagement and innovative, transdisciplinary research at the intersection of community design, sustainability, and the built environment. This assistant research professor position provides an exciting opportunity to contribute meaningfully to both academic scholarship and real-world community impact.
Hamer Center for Community Design (Hamer Center) is an endowed center that seeks to utilize the expertise of faculty members and students in the Stuckeman School to address a range of issues impacting the quality of communities, with a focus on issues with relevance to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Hamer Center activities entail two distinct but related types of undertakings, 1) applied research and 2) theoretical investigations on issues related to community design and planning. The successful candidate will join a team of researchers addressing public issues such as, but not limited to, community-based design/planning, affordable housing, development of design guidelines, sustainability, environmental and social-ecolological-technological systems anaylsis. We seek an innovative and creative colleague who will support the Hamer Center by fostering relationships between Penn State researchers (faculty and students) and partners in Pennsylvania and globally, assessing the impact of collaborative community-engaged scholarship, and developing externally funded research. Specific responsibilities include partnership development with non-academic communities, industry partners, or other groups; management and support of community-engaged research teams, research development and dissemination, applying for an securing external funding from federal agencies, foundations, and other sources; and, the design and delivery of programs to assess the impact of Hamer Center initiatives. The ideal candidate will bring research experience related to one or more of the four research and outreach arms of the Hamer Center for Community Design: Energy Effiecient Housing Research group (EEHR), Healthy Envionments Action Lab (HEAL), Penn State Initiative for Resilient Communities (PSIRC), and the Research and Energy Efficiency (RE2) Lab.
The holder of this position:
works closely with the director of the Hamer Center for Community Design and affiliated faculty members on the day-to-day activities of Hamer Center, including fostering strong community partnerships and develop community-engaged research
leads community engagement assessment programming
is responsible for contributing to research projects, monitoring of progress for successful completion and taking the lead in developing high-quality research reports, journal article manuscripts,
works with and supports the Hamer Center director to write and submit grant proposals rountinely to external federal agencies, foundations, and other funding sources as PI or Co-PI
actively represents the Hamer Center and its affiliated research and outreach arms at academic venues and events in School, University, or external communities
is responsible for surveying of literature, and data collection and analysis as related to Hamer Center research and projects
organizes and facilitates meetings to monitor progress on research projects and reports on a regular basis to supervisor(s)
assists and provides mentorship to students and researchers in the Hamer Center for Community Design
complies with all School and University policies
completes any other duties given by supervisors commensurate with the level and responsibility of this position
Qualifications:
Terminal degree in architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, planning, community development, public policy or a related field,
Experience building community partnerships, program management, transdiciplinary research, communication and team facilitation.
experience working with or leading interdiscilinary, community-centered projects.
Demonstrated expertise in community engagement and experience working with partner organizations.
Advanced skills in literature review, data collection and analysis, and assessment program development and implentation.
Strong writing and communication skills, including successful grant writing and scholarly publications
Ability to work independently and to take initiative
Adaptability and willingness to learn new tools or software within project timelines
Great time management and organisational skills
Visionary, with attention to details
Application: To be considered for this position, applicants must upload a curriculum vitae, a cover letter, and contact information for three professional references as three separate PDF documents. The cover letter must explain the applicant’s interest in the position, highlight relevant qualifications and experience, and include links to examples of relevant prior work.
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.
Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster
PA State Labor Law Poster
Penn State Policies
Copyright Information
Hotlines
Education