New

Research Professor of Community Engaged Research

The Pennsylvania State University
remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, University Park
201 Old Main (Show on map)
Feb 06, 2026
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. If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants. Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants. This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the termlengthdiscussed willbebasedonuniversityneed,performance,and/oravailabilityoffunding. POSITION SPECIFICS The Social Science Research Institute (SSRI) at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a Research Professor (open-rank) who has experience in collaborative, community-engaged research (CEnR) approaches to social, behavioral, educational, and health sciences domains or similar. These approaches may include participatory action research, community-based participatory research, and other CEnR approaches. The successful candidate will help to support the Community-Engaged Research, Action and Partnerships (CERAP) Unit housed within the SSRI, which offers consultation, technical assistance and training to faculty, trainees and community members on CEnR methods and projects. The candidate is expected to demonstrate a commitment to collaboration, community engagement, inclusivity, and innovation. The candidate will also assist CERAP in providing conceptual and methodological consultations on the development and application of CEnR methods; implementing training and mentoring opportunities for community and university scholars in ethical and equitable collaborative research designs; and providing support for grant applications. Collaborations on research projects with community co-researchers, peers, and students are strongly encouraged. The successful candidate will work closely with CERAP to plan and execute several activities, such as seed grant and training programs, organizing and facilitating training and capacity-building workshops, presentations, and collaborations with other SSRI units (e.g., Survey Research Center) to guide activities toward CERAP's strategic mission and vision. The successful candidate will provide leadership, training, mentoring, supervision, and consultation to develop a cadre of experts on CEnR, both within and beyond the university.The ideal candidate will have a strong history of successful CEnR research and scholarship, including designing, implementing, evaluating and publishing on CEnR projects, grant writing, and training on CEnR methods and practice. QUALIFICATIONS A Ph.D. and 5 years or more of community-engaged research and scholarship and demonstrated leadership experience. A Ph.D. in Psychology, Anthropology, Education, Human Development, or related disciplines is preferred, along with a strong background in community-engaged social science research conducted within collaborative, cross-sector partnerships. Requirements for this position are: Significant expertise in conceptualizing and implementing cross-disciplinary community-based collaborative and participatory research Background knowledge of interdisciplinary approaches to community engaged research Ability to apply community engaged research conceptual and methodological frameworks to interdisciplinary projects Demonstrated track record of success in professional, scholarly, creative, or academic community-engaged work. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both oral and written Ability to establish a positive organizational culture and lead and support collaborative and effective teams Ability to work collaboratively and with organizational and interpersonal skills specific to the design and implementation of community-engaged research projects involving a team approach. Experience serving underrepresented communities, neighborhoods, and populations Ability to work productively with diverse individuals from differing industries (government, private sector, advocacy, social and grassroots organizations, and community-based organizations) Direct experience in stakeholder engagement; facilitation experience valued, but not required Interested candidates must submit an online application at Penn State's Job Posting Board, and should upload the following application materials: a letter of interest, CV or resume, and a list of three references with contact information.Review of applications will begin immediately and will be accepted 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. 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. (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. 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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