"Research Track Faculty Position (All Ranks)"

Job Description

Location: Philadelphia, PA
Open Date: Oct 20, 2025
Deadline:

The University of Pennsylvania's School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) invites applications for full-time, non-tenure track faculty positions at the rank of Research Assistant Professor, Research Associate Professor, or Research Professor.

SP2 is a world leader in advancing knowledge, policy, and practice in Nonprofit Leadership, Social Work, and Social Policy. We welcome applications from scholars across disciplines who bring expertise in these areas and who are committed to research that promotes equity, innovation, and social impact. Candidates should demonstrate a clear content area, a strong methodological approach, and an active program of research that advances knowledge and practice in at least one of these domains.

Position Overview

Consistent with University policy, Research Track faculty salaries must be derived exclusively from external research grants or other external funding sources. These are research-only positions; teaching is not permitted. Research Track Appointments at SP2 are structured to support both collaborative and independent scholarship:

• Collaborative Research Faculty: Designed for early-stage scholars who bring specific content and/or methodological expertise and make substantive intellectual contributions to collaborative research programs led by senior faculty. Appointments in this category require full financial support from senior faculty through extramural research funding. This track is designed as a developmental pathway, with the expectation that faculty will advance toward research independence over time.
• Independent Research Faculty: Intended for established investigators who maintain fully funded, self-directed research programs. Faculty in this category are expected to support their own research operations, including staff and resources, through sustained external funding.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a relevant discipline
• Capacity to fund position through sustained external funding

Application Instructions

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, beginning immediately, and will continue until the position is filled. Please contact Dr. Jacqueline Corcoran (cojacq@upenn.edu) for further information. Please submit the following materials through our online application system:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter describing your interest in SP2 and your fit for the position
• Research statement outlining your scholarly contributions, current projects, future trajectory, and funding strategy. The statement should clearly demonstrate your expertise in a defined content area and/or your methodological expertise. Please describe how your existing or pending funding will support your appointment for at least three years.
• Three samples of scholarly writing
• Three confidential letters of recommendation

To apply, visit https://apply.interfolio.com/176187

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.