What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Director of the Rock Ethics Institute-Assistant Research Professor position at The Pennsylvania State University?
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This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the termlengthdiscussed willbebasedonuniversityneed,performance,and/oravailabilityoffunding.POSITION SPECIFICS
Penn State's Rock Ethics Institute (http://rockethics.psu.edu/) seeks applicants for an Assistant Director of the Rock Ethics Institute. The Assistant Director position is a full-time, non-tenure line appointment, starting Fall 2026, with flexibility. This position will be filled at the rank of Assistant Research Professor.
Based in the College of the Liberal Arts, the Rock Ethics Institute pursues a University-wide mission of promoting interdisciplinary and engaged ethics research and ethical leadership. Areas of specialization are open, but we especially invite candidates whose work contributes to the Institute's research strengths in the ethical dimensions of one or more of the following areas: agricultural and food; artificial intelligence, citizenship ad immigration, climate and sustainability, criminal justice and policing, empathy and moral psychology, engineering, gender and sexuality, health, race, and technology.
Duties include overseeing Institute activities, including conferences and events, lecture series, student and faculty fellows programs, awards committees, and search committees; serving as a liaison between Institute staff and directors; overseeing assessment procedures and preparing annual reports; and representing the Institute on university committees and in various capacities with faculty, students, staff, and the public. Further duties may include grant writing; developing and leading interdisciplinary ethics workshops and trainings for faculty, graduate students, and community partners; supervising postdoctoral fellows, graduate research assistants, and graduate interns; and oversight of communications, publicity, and production of print and media. The Assistant Director is expected to maintain an active research profile in one or more of the Institute's research areas, to participate actively in Institute-sponsored events and research activities, and to build collaboration with relevant scholarly communities.
A Ph.D. or relevant professional degree required is required at time of appointment.
To apply, candidates should submit an online application at https://hr.psu.edu/careers. A complete application will include the following materials: 1) A cover letter detailing the candidate's qualifications, including how their background and experience qualifies them for the administrative responsibilities associated with this position and their research experience in one or more of the above listed areas; 2) A current curriculum vitae; and 3) A scholarly paper or dissertation chapter (not to exceed 12,000 words) representing the applicant's scholarly achievement or potential. Review of the applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
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 ourBenefits Page.
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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. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.