Pennsylvania State University - Erie, commonly known as Penn State Behrend or PSU Erie, stands as a dynamic campus within the renowned Penn State University system. Located in Erie, Pennsylvania, along the shores of Lake Erie, this institution offers a unique blend of academic rigor and practical, hands-on learning. For job seekers interested in higher education careers, jobs at Pennsylvania State University - Erie represent opportunities to contribute to innovative teaching, cutting-edge research, and community engagement in a supportive environment. Whether you're eyeing faculty positions, research roles, or administrative jobs, PSU Erie provides pathways to impactful work in fields like engineering, business, and sciences.
The campus enrolls over 4,000 undergraduate students and supports graduate programs, emphasizing experiential education through co-ops, internships, and industry partnerships. This focus translates directly into job opportunities that value real-world application alongside academic excellence. As part of the larger Penn State network, employees benefit from system-wide resources while enjoying the intimacy of a regional campus.
Established in 1948 as the Behrend Center, PSU Erie evolved from a technical institute into a four-year college by 1982, gaining full integration into the Penn State system. Named after industrialist Ernest Behrend, the campus has grown into a leader in plastics engineering—one of the first programs of its kind in the U.S.—and executive education. Today, it spans 729 acres with modern facilities like the Penn State Erie Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Center, fostering jobs in research and instruction tied to regional industries such as manufacturing and logistics.
This history underscores a commitment to adaptability, making it an attractive employer for professionals seeking stability and growth in higher education. Jobs at Pennsylvania State University - Erie often involve advancing this legacy through curriculum development and collaborative projects.
Job openings at PSU Erie span faculty, staff, and leadership roles. Common positions include assistant professors in mechanical engineering, lecturers in business administration, research associates in environmental science, and administrative roles like academic advisors or HR specialists. Tenure-track faculty jobs emphasize teaching loads of 2-2 courses per semester alongside research expectations.
Staff positions support operations, from IT support to student services coordinators. For a deeper dive into university job types, including adjunct professor jobs and research assistant jobs, PSU Erie aligns with broader higher ed trends. Explore higher ed faculty jobs or research jobs for similar opportunities across campuses.
To fully understand jobs at Pennsylvania State University - Erie, key terms include:
Securing jobs at Pennsylvania State University - Erie demands specific credentials. For faculty roles, a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in the relevant field—such as electrical engineering or supply chain management—is standard. Research focus areas include advanced manufacturing, data analytics, and biomechanics, aligning with Erie's industrial hub.
Preferred experience encompasses 3-5 peer-reviewed publications, grant writing success (e.g., NSF or industry funding), and prior teaching. Skills and competencies prized here are interdisciplinary collaboration, student mentoring, and industry engagement. Proficiency in tools like MATLAB for engineers or ERP systems for business roles enhances candidacy.
| Role Type | Key Qualifications | Skills |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | PhD, publications | Teaching, grant management |
| Research Associate | MS/PhD, lab experience | Data analysis, project coordination |
| Administrator | BA/MA, 5+ years | Leadership, compliance |
Candidates with experience in becoming a university lecturer thrive in these positions.
The application process for jobs at Pennsylvania State University - Erie begins on the official Penn State Careers site (jobs.psu.edu). Search for Behrend-specific postings, then submit a tailored cover letter, academic CV, transcripts, and three references. Interviews often include teaching demos and research seminars.
Actionable tips:
Follow up post-interview. For CV advice, see how to write a winning academic CV.
PSU Erie actively advances diversity through the Penn State ALTITUDE program, mentoring underrepresented faculty, and Women in Engineering initiatives. The campus hosts affinity groups like the Black Faculty/Staff Forum and PRIDE Network, promoting equitable hiring. In 2023, diversity hiring goals led to increased representation in STEM roles. Inclusive practices include bias training and family-friendly policies, making it welcoming for global talent.
Work-life balance at PSU Erie benefits from a small-campus vibe (student-faculty ratio 16:1), flexible scheduling, and generous PTO (up to 24 days annually). Campus life features hiking trails, the Erie Zoo nearby, and Lake Erie water sports. Wellness centers offer yoga and counseling; family perks include tuition discounts for dependents. Erie’s low cost of living (20% below national average) and cultural amenities like the Erie Art Museum enhance appeal. Employees enjoy collegial events and professional development sabbaticals every seven years.
Jobs at Pennsylvania State University - Erie offer career advancement within a top-tier system, regional impact, and quality living. Salaries competitive: professors $100K+, with benefits like TIAA retirement. For more, browse higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job if recruiting. Start your journey today.
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