Assistant Professor in Rural Sociology

Pennsylvania State University University Park, PA Full-time Education

Posted on April 23, 2024

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Assistant Professor in Rural Sociology

Assistant Professor in Rural Sociology
Department of Agricultural Economics, Sociology, and Education

This is a nine-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Rural Sociology with a 60% research and 40% teaching appointment in the Department of Agricultural Economics, Sociology, and Education (AESE). Applicants should have at the time of appointment a Ph.D. in rural sociology, sociology, or related field. The successful candidate will be expected to develop an internationally recognized research program that draws on expertise in the sociology of agriculture and food. Applicants should provide evidence of strong potential for conducting and publishing research, securing external funding to support research activities, teaching experience and effectiveness, and strong skills to mentor and advise graduate students. The applicant should also demonstrate interest in and ability to contribute to interdisciplinary research collaborations in one or more areas central to the College of Agricultural Sciences strategic plan, including sustainability, integrated health solutions, human and community connections, and citizens' socioeconomic well-being. Teaching expectations will be three courses per year in the Community, Environment, and Development (CED) undergraduate major, the Food Systems (FDSYS) undergraduate minor, and the Rural Sociology (RSOC) graduate program.

Qualifications: A Ph.D. in rural sociology, sociology, or related field. The successful candidate must have completed all degree requirements by the appointment date. Applicants should demonstrate excellent research and communication skills. Teaching experience along with experience indicating independence, productivity, and capacity to work effectively on multi-disciplinary teams is preferred. A demonstrated ability to engage professionally with a diverse population of faculty, staff, and students is required, and the successful candidate will actively strive to provide an inclusive learning environment for all students.

Application Requirements: The review of applications will begin on March 1, 2024 with a start date of August 1, 2024, or as negotiated. Candidates should provide a cover letter, curriculum vitae, names and contact information for three references, a forward-looking statement on research interests, and a statement of teaching/pedagogy related to the position description. In addition, every candidate must submit a “Reflection on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging” document as part of their portfolio. Employment will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with university policies. Questions can be directed to the Search Committee chair: Dr. Kathy Sexsmith (kjs95@psu.edu).

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

AESE is a welcoming community with our scholarship focusing on people, society, and economic systems grounded in theory and methods from the social, behavioral, and economic sciences. Faculty and students develop and employ rigorous approaches to discover fundamental and applied principles that advance science in their core disciplines. AESE strives to improve the health, prosperity, and welfare of people in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and beyond. Our core areas for teaching and research are (1) Agricultural and Food Systems, (2) Community Development and Engagement, (3) Environment and Natural Resources, and (4) Population Processes in Global Perspective. The Department offers three resident and one online graduate programs and oversees four undergraduate majors. For more information visit our site at https://aese.psu.edu/.

Apply online at https://psu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/PSU_Academic/job/Penn-State-University-Park/Assistant-Professor-in-Rural-Sociology_REQ_0000051522-1

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Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

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