Assistant/Associate Research Professor of Human Development and Family Science
About the Department
HDFS is a multi-disciplinary department located in the College of Health and Human Sciences. With 22 tenure track and 8 clinical faculty members and 35 PhD students, the Department affords many opportunities to develop interdisciplinary collaborative research. Current research foci in the department include early childhood education and policy, diverse family systems, biological underpinnings of normative and non-normative development and health, advanced methodology, health & well-being, interpersonal relations, military families, cross-cultural development, health disparities, as well as research focused on Latinx, Multiracial, Asian American, and Black youth and families. HDFS faculty are involved in a wide range of cross-campus initiatives including the Center for Early Learning, Ben & Maxine Miller Laboratory Preschool, Center for Families, Methodology Center at Purdue, Military Family Research Institute, Cooperative Extension, HHS Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Science Consortium, Center for Aging and the Life Course, Purdue Autism Research Center, Women’s Global Health Institute, and the Purdue Policy Research Institute. HDFS maintains spacious and well-equipped research facilities and houses a number of the cross-campus centers. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to capitalize on an extraordinary network of collaborations and resources that include strong support for interdisciplinary and translational research.
Job Summary
The Department of Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) at Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN is seeking applications for a Research Professor position (non-tenure track) at the Assistant or Associate level. We are looking for someone with expertise in early childhood development, early childhood education, and state or federal policies that impact children’s learning. Additionally, we are particularly interested in individuals with expertise in research design, quantitative methods, and/or policy. This individual would work closely with the Center for Early Learning within HDFS, which is a research, practice, and policy cross-campus center focused on improving the lives of children birth through 8 years old.
A PhD, obtained by the start of the position, in Human Development and Family Science, Education, Developmental Psychology, or a related field is required. The successful candidate will be responsible for building an independent grant funded program of research; mentoring undergraduate and graduate students involved with research; and project management. Research Faculty are eligible for promotion, with the HDFS and College of Health and Human Sciences criteria provided at https://hhs.purdue.edu/faculty-staff/promotion-and-tenure/. The position is a fiscal year appointment with an anticipated start date of January 2025, though can begin as late as August 2025. This is a full-time 12-month position.
This position is currently funded until June 30, 2026, with 90% from an Indiana state grant examining early childhood education quality and children’s school readiness, 5% from the Center for Early Learning for grant writing, and 5% from HDFS for grant writing and/or mentoring specifically linked to the candidate’s research program. In addition to building an independent line of research, the person in this position is expected to lead or support all aspects of the project funding this position (along with the existing project team of Investigators and current research associates). After June 30, 2026, salary will be conditional on ongoing grant involvement (e.g., continued state grant funding) and new grant support, with other possibilities negotiable with the Department Head.
How to Apply
To apply, a cover letter, curriculum vitae, three selected publications, and the names of three professional references should be submitted through this link. Letters of recommendation are not requested in the initial application package but may be requested later. The cover letter should address the candidate’s programmatic research goals, including planned efforts to secure external funding and to ensure an inclusive research environment.
Priority will be given to complete applications received by January 2, 2025, but we will continue to review applications until the position is filled. Questions regarding the position should be directed to the Chair of the Search Committee, David Purpura ([email protected]).
The College of Health and Human Sciences and the Department of Human Development and Family Science are committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Our leadership, faculty, staff, and students are engaged in many efforts that are consistent with this commitment.
A background check will be required for employment in this position. Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including members of underrepresented groups, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.
