"Assistant Professor of Anthropology in Human Reproductive Ecology"

Assistant Professor of Anthropology in Human Reproductive Ecology

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Department of Anthropology (https://anth.la.psu.edu/) and the Social Science Research Institute (SSRI: https://ssri.psu.edu/) at The Pennsylvania State University, University Park invites applications for a full-time tenure-track position, at the rank of Assistant Professor.

We seek innovative social science researchers whose work focuses on the social and ecological determinants of reproductive health via field-based research using qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods. Candidates may work on topics including, but not limited to, reproductive outcomes, such as fertility or parental investment in children (e.g. breastfeeding, child mortality, education); reproductive life stages, such as puberty, pregnancy, or menopause; and/or the social and ecological determinants of reproduction, such as environmental risk, social support, inequality, healthcare access, or communicable disease. Penn State Anthropology prides itself on its integrative research and is interested in hiring a scholar whose work is interdisciplinary and/or integrates across anthropology's subfields. We welcome candidates with interdisciplinary interests or training in fields including, but not limited to, demography, human biology, epidemiology, ecology, evolutionary medicine, and/or public health. Study population is open and could include nationally representative samples, underrepresented groups, Indigenous communities, or small-scale populations, and regional focus could be in the U.S. or international.

Responsibilities include a combination of research, teaching, and service. Candidates for Assistant Professor of Anthropology in Human Reproductive Ecology must have demonstrated ability as a researcher, scholar, and teacher in a relevant field, and have evidence of growth in scholarly achievement.

The Department of Anthropology anticipates that the Assistant Professor, through their research, teaching, and service in this role, will contribute to the excellence and diversity of the academic community at Penn State.

This position will be co-funded by Penn State's SSRI, whose mission is to foster research that addresses critical human and social problems at the local, national, and international levels. SSRI supports interdisciplinary research by bringing together researchers across the university around emerging areas, and by providing consultation, seed grants, faculty fellowships, and core resources tailored to the needs of social and behavioral scientists. Researchers with excellent interdisciplinary orientations are particularly desired.

Successful candidates must demonstrate the potential for effective teaching at university levels, an ability to obtain external funding, an outstanding record of academic outputs, and an innovative and integrative research program. Candidates who are committed to community engagement, science communication, outreach, and/or diversity in teaching and research are strongly encouraged to apply.

A Ph.D. in anthropology or a related field must be completed by the time of appointment.

Interested candidates must submit an online application at https://hr.psu.edu/careers and should include: 1) a cover letter; 2) a curriculum vitae detailing the candidate's educational background, employment history, publications, and grants; 3) a statement summarizing the candidate's research and teaching experience and interests; and 4) the names, addresses, and emails of three references. Inquiries may be directed to the search co-chairs, Anne Pisor (pisor@psu.edu) and David Puts (dap27@psu.edu). Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

In their cover letter, candidates must address how their research contributes to the missions of both the Department of Anthropology and Social Science Research Institute. Visit https://anth.la.psu.edu/ for more information on the Department and https://ssri.psu.edu/ for more information about the Social Science Research Institute.

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 our Benefits Page.