Behrend Jobs and Career Opportunities at Pennsylvania State University

Overview of Pennsylvania State University at Erie - Behrend College

Pennsylvania State University at Erie - The Behrend College, commonly known as Penn State Behrend, is a renowned undergraduate-focused campus of the Penn State University system. Located in Erie, Pennsylvania, overlooking Lake Erie, it offers a unique blend of academic rigor and practical, hands-on learning. Established in 1948 as the Behrend Center, it evolved into a four-year college in 1989 and now serves over 4,000 students with bachelor's and master's degrees in fields like engineering, business, science, and technology. The campus spans 729 acres and is known for its strong industry ties, particularly in manufacturing and plastics engineering, making it a hub for career-oriented education.

For job seekers interested in higher education, Penn State Behrend provides diverse opportunities in teaching, research, and administration. Its location in Erie offers a lower cost of living compared to larger cities, with access to beautiful natural surroundings and a vibrant community.

Job Opportunities at Penn State Behrend

Jobs at Pennsylvania State University at Erie - Behrend College span faculty, staff, and research positions. Tenure-track faculty roles in engineering and business are common, alongside lecturer positions for those with master's degrees. Administrative jobs include roles in student services, HR, and facilities. Research jobs focus on applied projects, often funded by industry partners. For a full list of position types, visit university job types.

• Faculty positions in Mechanical Engineering, Plastics Engineering Technology, and Management Information Systems.
• Research assistant jobs supporting labs like the Center for Polymer Engineering.
• Administrative roles in enrollment management and academic advising.

The college prioritizes candidates who can contribute to its mission of experiential learning, with many jobs emphasizing student mentorship and industry collaboration.

Definitions

Tenure-track position: A faculty role leading to permanent employment after a probationary period, typically 5-7 years, involving research, teaching, and service.

Lecturer: Non-tenure-track teaching role focused on instruction, often part-time or adjunct.

Postdoctoral researcher: Temporary position for recent PhD graduates to conduct advanced research before faculty roles.

Grant funding: Financial support from agencies like NSF (National Science Foundation) for specific projects.

Required Academic Qualifications, Research Focus, Preferred Experience, Skills, and Competencies

To secure jobs at Penn State Behrend, candidates need strong academic credentials. Tenure-track faculty positions generally require a PhD in the relevant field, such as Mechanical Engineering or Business Administration. Lecturer roles may accept a master's degree with significant teaching experience. Research assistant jobs often demand a bachelor's or master's, with lab skills essential.

Research focus at Behrend centers on applied sciences, with expertise in areas like sustainable manufacturing, data analytics, supply chain management, and polymer science. The college's Black School of Business and School of Engineering are leaders in these fields.

Preferred experience includes 3+ years of teaching, peer-reviewed publications (5+ for assistant professors), and securing grants (e.g., $100K+ from NSF). Industry experience is highly valued, especially for engineering roles.

Key skills and competencies:

• Teaching: Ability to engage undergraduate students in hands-on projects.
• Research: Proficiency in tools like SolidWorks, ANSYS, or Python for data analysis.
• Soft skills: Collaboration, leadership, and communication for interdisciplinary teams.
• Administrative: Budget management and program development for staff roles.

Application Process and Tips

The application process for jobs at Penn State Behrend begins with the official Penn State Careers website. Search for openings using the university ID 5001 or keyword 'Behrend'. Submit a CV, cover letter, teaching statement, research statement, and three references. Interviews may include campus visits with teaching demos.

Actionable tips:

• Customize your materials to highlight Behrend's focus on applied learning.
• Use free resume template tailored for academia.
• Network at conferences like ASEE for engineering roles.
• Follow up post-submission and prepare for questions on student engagement.
• Apply early; rolling deadlines are common.

Utilize resources like how to write a winning academic CV for success.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

Penn State Behrend is committed to diversity through the Office of Equity and Compliance. Initiatives include the Women in Engineering program, supporting female students and faculty since 1993, and the PRIDE Center for LGBTQ+ support. The college participates in Penn State's Council of Affirmative Action and participates in recruitment fairs for underrepresented groups. In 2023, 25% of new faculty hires were from diverse backgrounds, exceeding system averages.

Work-Life Balance and Campus Life

Work-life balance at Penn State Behrend is supported by flexible work policies, generous vacation (22 days/year), and wellness programs like gym access and counseling. The scenic Erie location offers hiking at Presque Isle State Park and family-friendly events. Campus life features NCAA Division III sports, over 100 clubs, and the Junker Center for recreation. Employees praise the collaborative culture and proximity to Cleveland and Pittsburgh.

Benefits include tuition discounts for dependents and retirement matching, fostering long-term careers.

Career Growth and Salaries

Career advancement is robust, with sabbaticals every 6 years and promotion tracks. Salaries are competitive: assistant professors average $95,000, per AAUP data. Explore university salaries for comparisons. Research funding opportunities abound through the Erie NSF EPSCoR program.

In summary, jobs at Pennsylvania State University at Erie - Behrend College offer rewarding opportunities in a supportive environment. Check higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, and post a job on AcademicJobs.com for the latest listings and resources.