"Open Rank Professor Tenure Track Position in Caring & Compassion"

Open Rank Professor Tenure Track Position in Caring & Compassion

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Pennsylvania State University Department of Human Development and Family Studies

Open Rank Professor Tenure Track Position in Caring & Compassion

The Department of Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS), located in the College of Health and Human Development at The Pennsylvania State University, invites applications for a tenure-track position in Human Development and Family Studies. We seek a scholar whose work meaningfully advances the science and practice of caring, compassion, and human flourishing, particularly in the context of child development and education-based intervention. The successful candidate will contribute to and benefit from Penn State's vibrant ecosystem of interdisciplinary research on prevention, positive youth development and developmental science. We are particularly interested in applicants whose scholarship focuses on intervention or implementation efforts that promote caring, compassion, social-emotional and human flourishing supports for children and youth in educational or early childhood settings. Candidates tenured at their current institution will be considered for tenure on entry.

A successful Associate or Full Professor candidate is also anticipated to assume the Bennett Pierce Endowed Professorship of Caring and Compassion. The Bennett Pierce Endowed Professorship is supported by a gift from Edna Bennett Pierce & Bud Pierce, whose philanthropy also established the Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center—one of multiple endowments in prevention, caring & compassion established by the family. The professorship offers generous research funding and is embedded within an interdisciplinary environment committed to improving lives through prevention and human connection. Endowed professorships are reviewed every five years, with productive candidates expected to continue their appointments.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and sustain an internationally recognized, externally funded research program
• Contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching and mentorship
• Advance scholarship and practice in the areas of compassion, caring, or flourishing in childhood, youth, and family systems
• Collaborate with the Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, and university-wide institutes focused on child and family wellbeing
• Provide leadership in integrating contemplative science and human flourishing into education, prevention, and policy contexts

Ideal candidates will demonstrate:

• A strong record of externally funded research, including NIH or foundation-supported intervention work
• Research that integrates compassion, empathy, caring relationships, or related constructs
• Expertise in child or adolescent development, particularly in contexts of education, early childhood, and/or parenting-based intervention
• Interest in translational or applied scholarship that bridges science and practice
• A commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and building community

Qualifications:

• Candidates must hold a doctoral degree in human development, family science, psychology, education, public health, prevention science, or a related field
• A record of excellence in research, teaching, and service appropriate to rank
• Appointment with tenure requires qualifications consistent with the rank of Associate Professor or Professor at Penn State
• Evidence of (or potential for) leadership in prevention/intervention science and scholarly contributions to compassion-related work

Departmental and Institutional Context:
Penn State's Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS), Rated #1 in North America, HDFS administers graduate, undergraduate, and research programs in its core, signature areas of individual development, family science, prevention/intervention, and developmental methods. HDFS is a dynamic, multidisciplinary and collaborative department, committed to excellence, innovation and impact in understanding and improving the lives of individuals and families in diverse contexts. In addition to the affiliations mentioned above, the successful faculty member will have opportunities to collaborate with the Department's superb group of research methodologists with expertise in prevention/intervention trial design, administrative/intensive longitudinal data analysis, and within-person/within-family methods that assess, analyze, and interpret daily and real-time information about ongoing individual-environment interactions.

Collaborative opportunities exist across the College of Health and Human Development and Penn State's broader network of centers and institutes, including the Social Science Research Institute, the Child Study Center, the Clinical and Translational Science Institute, the Population Research Institute, the College of Education, and the College of Medicine.

How to Apply:
Candidates should complete an online application at https://hr.psu.edu/careers and upload the following materials:

• A cover letter describing fit for the position
• Curriculum vitae
• Statement of research interests (2-3 pages)
• Statement of teaching philosophy and experiences (1-2 pages)
• Names and contact information for three professional references
• Up to three representative publications or preprints

For more information, please contact the search chair, Dr. Max Crowley, at dmc397@psu.edu.
Review of applications will begin October 2025 and will continue until a suitable candidate is identified.

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.