Head of the Implementation Science Lab in Mental Health
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at the Penn State College of Medicine, in collaboration with the Social Science Research Institute (SSRI), invites applications for an independent, tenure-line faculty position, at the Associate Professor or Professor level. The ideal candidate will have a robust track record in developing and testing evidence-based mental health interventions in real-world clinical settings, particularly focused on reaching underserved populations. This position offers an exciting opportunity to build and lead interdisciplinary research to improve mental health outcomes by accelerating evidence-based adoption into routine care. The successful candidate will leverage SSRI's collaborative networks and resources, as well as opportunities to apply implementation science methodologies within the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health's established clinical and research programs, including areas such as mood disorders, sleep medicine, autism spectrum disorders, substance use disorders, ADHD, and child/adolescent mental and behavioral health.
Responsibilities:
- Establish, lead, and direct the Implementation Science Lab focused on mental health
- Collaborate with researchers across Penn State's colleges and interdisciplinary networks to design and test interventions targeting mental health in underserved populations
- Teach and mentor graduate students, medical students, and medical trainees
- Conduct and publish research on the effectiveness of mental health interventions in diverse, real-world settings
- Secure external funding to support research initiatives and contribute to the department's research goals
Qualifications:
- PhD, MD, or equivalent in a relevant field (e.g., psychology, psychiatry, public health, social science)
- Established record of research in mental health disparities, particularly in implementation science or health equity
- Proven ability to lead interdisciplinary teams and collaborate with clinical and academic departments, including through SSRI-supported initiatives
- Experience securing external research funding
- Commitment to teaching and mentoring in a collaborative, diverse academic environment
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working with rural, underserved, or other marginalized populations
- Clinical background with demonstrated interest in integrating research and clinical care, with no more than 25% clinical time required for those with a clinical degree
About Penn State and Hershey:
Pennsylvania State University ranks as one of the top 30 research universitites in the world, and its College of Medicine is one of the nation's leading medical schools. Located in Hershey, Penn State's College of Medicine and Penn State Health offer a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment for collaboration in mental health research. Our department is committed to research that translates into real-world improvements in health outcomes for underserved populations.
Furthermore, the College of Medicine boasts a rich and growing community focused on Implementation Science, centered around the Penn State Clinical and Translational Science Institute's (CTSI) Implementation Science Core (ISC). The ISC provides infrastructure, including expert consultation, training opportunities, and pilot funding, fostering a vibrant ecosystem dedicated to bridging the gap between evidence-based practices and real-world applications to improve health equity.
Penn State's interdisciplinary Social Science Research Institute (SSRI), a university-wide institute under the Office of the Senior Vice President for Research, is co-funding this position. The SSRI's mission is to foster novel and interdisciplinary research collaborations across colleges to address critical human and social problems and to disseminate and translate this work into the broader community. SSRI provides research support and consultation, funding, infrastructure support, and services to social and behavioral scientists across different colleges. Candidates whose research shows evidence of, or potential for, interdisciplinary collaborations across disciplinary lines are particularly desired. A description of the Social Science Research Institute's Strategic Foci can be found at https://ssri.psu.edu/about/ssri-overview.
How to apply:
Interested candidates should submit a CV, a cover letter outlining research interests and experience, and the names of three references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.
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.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity 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.
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports both broad and specific equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion 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.
Apply online at https://psu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/PSU_Staff/job/College-of-Medicine/Head-of-the-Implementation-Science-Lab-in-Mental-Health_REQ_0000067767-1
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS: For more about safety at Penn State, and to review the Annual Security Report which contains information about crime statistics and other safety and security matters, please go to http://www.police.psu.edu/clery/, which will also provide you with detail on how to request a hard copy of the Annual Security Report.
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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