Explore Penn State Jobs and academic careers at Penn State, where innovation meets opportunity in higher education. As a leading public research university, Penn State offers professor positions, lecturer roles, and research jobs that drive impactful discoveries. Whether you're seeking faculty jobs at Penn State or insights into salaries in Penn State academia, AcademicJobs.com provides comprehensive resources for job seekers, academics, and students. Dive into professor ratings at Penn State via Rate My Professor to find top educators and make informed decisions. With a focus on academic opportunities, including higher education jobs at Penn State, this page highlights job trends, career progression, and unique benefits of working at this esteemed institution in State College, Pennsylvania. From research and innovation to student life, uncover why Penn State stands out for academic careers. Start your journey today by exploring faculty jobs at Penn State and rating professors to contribute to the community. Penn State, officially known as The Pennsylvania State University, has a rich history dating back to 1855 when it was founded as the Farmers' High School of Pennsylvania. It evolved into a land-grant institution and became a university in 1953. Today, it boasts over 24 campuses across Pennsylvania, with the flagship University Park campus in State College serving as the hub for research and education. Penn State's mission emphasizes teaching, research, and public service, making it a cornerstone of higher education in the United States. Key achievements include groundbreaking research in fields like materials science, agriculture, and environmental studies, with notable alumni including CEOs, Nobel laureates, and public figures. For more details, visit the Penn State Website. Explore related opportunities in Academic Jobs in United States and Academic Jobs in Pennsylvania.
About Penn State
Penn State, formally The Pennsylvania State University, is a premier public research university located in State College, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded in 1855 as an agricultural college, it has grown into a multifaceted institution with a global reach. The university's history is rooted in the land-grant tradition, emphasizing accessible education, research, and community service. Over the years, Penn State has expanded to include 24 campuses statewide, with the main University Park campus serving as the epicenter for academic and research activities. This campus alone spans over 7,500 acres and hosts more than 46,000 undergraduate students. Penn State's mission is to improve the lives of people in Pennsylvania, the nation, and the world through integrated, high-quality programs in teaching, research, and service. Key achievements include its ranking among the top public universities in the U.S., with strengths in engineering, business, and the sciences. The university has produced numerous Fulbright scholars, Rhodes scholars, and has contributed to advancements in fields like meteorology, where it operates one of the nation's leading programs. Campus locations extend beyond State College to include branches in cities like Erie, Harrisburg, and Scranton, offering diverse educational environments. For academics and job seekers, Penn State represents a hub for professor positions Penn State and higher education jobs Penn State, with opportunities in over 160 majors. Discover more about academic careers at Penn State through resources on AcademicJobs.com, including links to Academic Jobs in State College and the official Penn State Website. Whether you're interested in research jobs Penn State or lecturer roles Penn State, this institution offers a dynamic setting for professional growth.
Penn State's commitment to excellence is evident in its research expenditures, which exceed $1 billion annually, funding projects in sustainability, health sciences, and technology. The university is home to renowned centers like the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences and the Materials Research Institute, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Notable faculty have included pioneers in their fields, contributing to Penn State's reputation for innovation. For students and professionals, the university provides a vibrant community with access to world-class facilities, including the Pattee and Paterno Library, one of the largest in the nation. Explore professor ratings Penn State on Rate My Professor to gain insights from peers. Academic opportunities at Penn State are bolstered by its location in the scenic Happy Valley region, offering a blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. Job trends indicate strong demand for faculty in STEM fields, with the university actively recruiting for positions that align with its strategic plan for diversity and inclusion. Salaries in Penn State academia are competitive, reflecting the institution's investment in talent. For more on faculty jobs Penn State, check out Faculty Jobs.
In addition to its academic prowess, Penn State is known for its athletic programs, particularly football, which draws national attention and fosters school spirit. The university's alumni network, exceeding 700,000 members, provides valuable connections for career advancement. Key departments include the College of Engineering, Smeal College of Business, and the College of Agricultural Sciences, each offering specialized programs that attract top talent. Penn State's global impact is seen in its international partnerships and study abroad opportunities, making it an ideal place for those pursuing international academic careers. Discover more about rate professors Penn State and other resources on AcademicJobs.com.
Faculty Job Opportunities at Penn State
Faculty job opportunities at Penn State are abundant, reflecting the university's status as a top-tier research institution. High-demand roles include Assistant Professor in Engineering, Research Fellow in Life Sciences, and Lecturer in Business Administration. According to recent trends from sources like the American Association of University Professors and university reports, there's a growing need for positions in STEM fields, health sciences, and sustainability studies. Key departments such as the College of Engineering and the Eberly College of Science are actively hiring, with focuses on innovative areas like artificial intelligence and climate change research. Salary ranges for these roles, based on 2025 projections from Chronicle of Higher Education data, start at approximately $85,000 for Assistant Professors, rising to $150,000+ for tenured Full Professors, depending on experience and department. Factors like grant funding and publication records can influence earnings. Penn State offers competitive benefits, including health insurance and retirement plans. Explore these opportunities through AcademicJobs.com's job board, filtered for Penn State. For instance, professor positions Penn State in the Department of Materials Science often emphasize interdisciplinary work. Higher education jobs Penn State also include administrative roles in academic affairs. Job trends for 2025 indicate an increase in remote and hybrid positions, aligning with post-pandemic shifts. Academic careers at Penn State provide access to state-of-the-art facilities and collaborative environments. Link to Faculty Jobs at Penn State for current listings. Research jobs Penn State are particularly prominent in funded projects, with over 1,000 active grants. Lecturer roles Penn State offer teaching-focused paths with opportunities for advancement. Salaries Penn State academia are above national averages for public universities, making it attractive for job seekers. Discover more in Academic Jobs in Pennsylvania.
In the College of Agricultural Sciences, positions like Research Associate in Sustainable Agriculture are in demand, with salaries ranging from $70,000 to $110,000. The university's emphasis on diversity hiring has led to targeted recruitments in underrepresented fields. Job seekers can benefit from Penn State's professional development programs, which support career growth. For those interested in adjunct professor jobs, opportunities exist across campuses, often with flexible schedules. Community college jobs within the Penn State system provide entry points for early-career academics. Rate professors Penn State on Rate My Professor to inform your application process. Academic opportunities Penn State extend to postdoctoral positions, with stipends around $55,000-$65,000. Trends show a rise in interdisciplinary hires, blending fields like data science and humanities. Faculty jobs Penn State in the liberal arts, such as in the College of the Liberal Arts, focus on social sciences and humanities, with salaries from $80,000 for assistants. Explore Postdoc Jobs for research-intensive roles.
Penn State's hiring process is rigorous, often involving committee reviews and teaching demonstrations. Successful candidates benefit from mentorship programs and research support. Job trends for 2025 highlight a focus on digital transformation, with roles in online education gaining traction. Salaries for faculty in high-demand areas like computer science can exceed $200,000 for senior positions. Compare with national data on Professor Salaries. Overall, Penn State provides a supportive environment for academic careers, with low turnover rates and high job satisfaction.
Assistant Professor in Engineering 💼
Focus on innovative research; salary ~$90,000-$110,000.
Lecturer in Business
Teaching-focused role; salary ~$75,000-$95,000.
Research Fellow in Sciences 🔬
Grant-funded position; salary ~$60,000-$80,000.
Associate Professor in Health
Tenure-track; salary ~$110,000-$140,000.
Why Work at Penn State
Working at Penn State offers unparalleled advantages for academic careers, combining a supportive community with cutting-edge research opportunities. The university's commitment to work-life balance, including generous leave policies and family support, makes it appealing for professionals. Unique benefits include access to the university's vast resources, such as the Innovation Park for tech collaborations. Career prospects are strong, with high tenure rates and opportunities for advancement. Research opportunities abound in areas like renewable energy and biotechnology, supported by substantial funding. Penn State's location in State College provides a high quality of life with affordable housing and outdoor activities. Academic careers at Penn State benefit from interdisciplinary programs and global partnerships. Explore why via Higher Ed Career Advice. Faculty enjoy professional development workshops and sabbaticals. The university's diversity initiatives foster an inclusive environment. Compared to peers, Penn State offers competitive salaries and benefits, making it a top choice for lecturer roles Penn State and research jobs Penn State.
One standout feature is the Penn State Health system, providing healthcare benefits and research synergies. The alumni network aids in collaborations and funding. Job satisfaction surveys rank Penn State highly for its collegial atmosphere. For those in academic careers Penn State, the emphasis on public service adds meaning to work.
Salary Guide for Faculty at Penn State
The salary guide for faculty at Penn State is informed by 2025 data from sources like the AAUP and university transparency reports. Average salaries vary by rank: Assistant Professors earn $85,000-$105,000, Associates $105,000-$130,000, and Full Professors $135,000-$185,000+. Factors include experience, department (e.g., engineering commands higher pay), and location premiums for urban campuses. Tenure status and research output can add bonuses. Compared to national averages, Penn State salaries are 10-15% higher in STEM fields. Benefits like retirement matching enhance total compensation. For detailed breakdowns, visit Professor Salaries. Salaries Penn State academia reflect the university's investment in talent retention. In the College of Business, professors might see $150,000+ with incentives. Location in Pennsylvania affects cost-of-living adjustments. Job trends show salary growth in high-demand areas like data science. Faculty in humanities average lower, around $90,000 for associates. Overall, competitive pay supports long-term careers.
Additional factors include union negotiations for some staff, impacting base pay. Research grants can supplement income through stipends. For 2025, projections indicate a 3-5% increase due to inflation and market demands. Compare with other institutions on AcademicJobs.com. Salaries for lecturer roles Penn State range from $65,000-$85,000, often part-time adjusted.
In specialized fields like medicine, salaries exceed $200,000 for senior faculty. The university provides transparent salary data to promote equity. Explore more in University Salaries.
| Rank | Average Salary 📊 | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $95,000 | $85,000-$105,000 |
| Associate Professor | $117,500 | $105,000-$130,000 |
| Full Professor | $160,000 | $135,000-$185,000 |
| Lecturer | $75,000 | $65,000-$85,000 |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at Penn State
Discover top educators at Penn State through Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com. This platform helps students and academics find highly rated professors based on real feedback. Ratings aid in course selection and recognize teaching excellence in Penn State's programs.
Dr. Barbara Rolls - Nutrition ⭐
Rating: 4.8/5 - Known for engaging lectures in health sciences.
Dr. Paul Axtell - Biology
Rating: 4.7/5 - Expertise in plant genetics, highly recommended.
Dr. Nina Jablonski - Anthropology
Rating: 4.9/5 - Insightful on human evolution.
Dr. Jonathan Lynch - Plant Science
Rating: 4.6/5 - Innovative research in agriculture.
Dr. Susan Trolier-McKinstry - Materials Science
Rating: 4.8/5 - Leader in ferroelectric materials.
Dr. Eric Ford - Astronomy
Rating: 4.7/5 - Expert on exoplanets.
Career Progression at Penn State
Career progression at Penn State follows a structured path, from assistant to full professor, with tenure typically achieved in 6-7 years. Salaries increase with rank, as detailed earlier. Research funding is robust, with NSF and NIH grants common. Professional development includes workshops and leadership programs. University-specific factors like interdisciplinary centers enhance advancement. Link to Higher Ed Career Advice for tips. Academic careers Penn State emphasize publication and teaching excellence.
Tenure-track roles offer stability, with mentorship for early-career faculty. Progression includes administrative opportunities like department chairs.
Research and Innovation at Penn State
Research at Penn State focuses on sustainability, health, and technology, with major centers like the Institutes of Energy and the Environment. Funding exceeds $1 billion, supporting collaborations. Trends for 2025 include AI and climate resilience. Explore Research Jobs.
Innovations include advancements in 3D printing and genomics. Partnerships with industry drive real-world impact.
Resources for Penn State Academics
- Professional development via the Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence 🎓
- Faculty Senate for governance and unions
- Comprehensive benefits including tuition discounts
- Research support through grants office
- Career services for advancement 💼
Student Life and Perspectives at Penn State
Student life at Penn State is vibrant, with over 1,000 clubs and strong career outcomes in fields like engineering. Use Rate My Professor for professor selection. Resources include advising centers and internships.
Perspectives highlight diverse programs and supportive community.
