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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Penn State Translational Center for Child Maltreatment Studies (TCCMS), a cross-disciplinary research center funded by the National Institutes of Health, is recruiting a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholar with interests in child maltreatment, child welfare services, and related topics. Applicants with interests or experience working with administrative data (e.g., electronic child welfare system, health care, clinical service, or justice system records) are particularly encouraged to apply. The scholar will be supervised by Drs. Sarah Font in the Department of Sociology and Criminology and Christian Connell in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies. Font and Connell co-lead the Dissemination and Outreach Core of the TCCMS.

About the Position

The selected candidate would be expected to collaborate on and initiate research projects that have the potential to inform improvements to the child welfare system in Pennsylvania and nationally, with a specific emphasis on improving the safety and well-being of children who encounter child welfare agencies. The candidate will be expected to work closely with Drs. Font and Connell as well as an interdisciplinary team of faculty, students, and staff and a range of community partners.

This position offers extensive opportunities for training in the conduct of applied, systems-focused research, innovative methodologies, and manuscript and grant development. The candidate will have ample opportunity to develop and lead projects.

This is a term position for one year from the start date, with an excellent possibility of renewal for an additional one-year term, contingent on performance.

Minimum Qualifications

• A doctoral degree or equivalent in social welfare, public policy, human development, psychology, or a related social and behavioral science by the start of the appointment

• Strong data processing and quantitative analysis skills

• Excellent writing and oral communication skills

• The ability to work both independently and as part of a team

• Commitment to the ethical conduct of research

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using administrative records for research

• Proficient in Stata

• Experience with primary data collection

The position provides salary and benefits based on those for NIH postdoctoral fellowships. Conference travel funds are also available for presentations stemming from the postdoctoral work.

​Application

To be considered for this position, please submit a completed online application and include as one pdf file  the following materials in the following order:

• A brief (3 pages max) cover letter

• A short (3 pages max) statement of research interests and methodological training

• A current curriculum vitae

• An example of scholarly writing

• Contact information for three professional references (name, position, mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address)

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here .

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. 

EEO IS THE LAW

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. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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