Assistant/Associate Professor in Human Development and Family Science

Position Summary

The Department of Human Development and Family Science ( HDFS ) at the University of Georgia is soliciting applicants for an assistant or associate professor to begin August 2023. We are seeking to hire an individual with expertise in computational social science, with a focus on understanding families and individual development broadly defined. We are especially interested in those that use computational methods in neuroscience to understand the interplay between biological and environmental contributions to health and development. We would also consider highly qualified candidates in other areas of biobehavioral science, including developmental cognitive neuroscience, genetic or epigenetic contributions to health and development, bioinformatics methods, the role of big data in predicting health outcomes, and research concerning health disparities and inequities. The intention is to hire a faculty member who is grant-active and can supplement the reputation of the faculty in advanced social science design and methods.

We are particularly seeking individuals who can assist in training graduate students in biobehavioral, computational science, and/or neuroimaging methodologies. This position will provide support for the HDFS Graduate Certificate in Quantitative Methods in Family and Social Sciences. The hire would join a dynamic program with a strong history of collaborative basic and applied research that cuts across methodological and disciplinary boundaries. Successful candidates will contribute to an established curriculum in HDFS at both graduate and undergraduate levels; maintain a rigorous, nationally or internationally-recognized research program using advanced analytical strategies; secure funding from external sources commensurate with rank and experience; publish in peer-reviewed scholarly outlets; and mentor doctoral students.

The position is part of a campus-wide Presidential Interdisciplinary Faculty Hiring Initiative in Computational Social Sciences that aims to recruit a total of 50 faculty members who will educate students and advance research in data science and AI. The majority of UGA’s newly recruited faculty will focus on the fusion of data science, AI, and computational social sciences in cross-cutting areas such as health and medicine, biomanufacturing, infectious diseases, integrative precision agriculture, ethics, cybersecurity, resilient communities, and the environment. The cluster hiring initiative will bridge research efforts between multiple colleges across UGA .

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applications: Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Full consideration will be given to applications received by Feb. 25th, 2023. Required materials include a letter of interest, curriculum vita, statements of research and teaching interests, a diversity statement, up to three preprints/reprints of representative publications, and contact information for three references. The diversity statement should describe one or more ways you will contribute to building an equitable, inclusive, and diverse learning environment in teaching, mentoring, research, and service. Direct additional questions about the position to Dr. Geoffrey Brown ( glbrown@uga.edu ) or Dr. Assaf Oshri ( oshri@uga.edu ), search committee co-chairs.

Posting Details

Posting Number

F1532P

Working Title

Assistant/Associate Professor in Human Development and Family Science

Department

FACS-Human Devel & Family Sci

About the University of Georgia

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education ( https://www.uga.edu/ ). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

About the College/Unit/Department

About HDFS at UGA : The Department of Human Development and Family Science provides leadership in the field via cutting edge research, pedagogy, and service. We are an interdisciplinary program focusing on individual, relationship, and family development within diverse ecological contexts. Faculty research interests include infancy and childhood, adolescence and young adulthood, adult development and aging, parenting and caregiving, interpersonal relationships, health and biobehavioral processes, diversity and culture, and contexts of human development. We have a vibrant program with over 480 undergraduate majors, 48 graduate students, and 20 faculty operating in a collegial and supportive environment. Faculty in the department collaborate with numerous programs and institutions across campus including The Neuroscience Program, Owens Institute for Behavioral Research, Center for Family Research, Bio-Imaging Research Center, Health Sciences Campus, Institute on Human Development and Disability, Institute of Gerontology, McPhaul Child Development Center, and UGA Cooperative Extension. Additional information about the department may be found at: https://www.fcs.uga.edu/hdfs.

The University of Georgia, located in Athens, Georgia, is a Research I land-grant and sea-grant university institution in the University System of Georgia. Founded in 1785, the University of Georgia is the largest and most comprehensive educational institution in the state. The campus and community of Athens offer many cultural and recreational opportunities. UGA has approximately 30,000 undergraduate students and has been ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top 15 public institutions of higher education in the United States. Recently, UGA was ranked 15th by the Kiplinger Magazine in the list of the “100 Best Values in Public Colleges.” The Athens campus is approximately 60 miles from the Blue Ridge Mountains and 185 miles from the coast. Visit the University’s website at http://www.uga.edufor additional information.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion : The Human Development and Family Science ( HDFS ) Department at the University of Georgia aims to promote social justice, disrupt systems of oppression and marginalization, and advocate for the well-being of diverse individuals and families through teaching, research, and outreach. This is central to promoting optimal individual and family development. The HDFS Department is committed to: diversifying our faculty, staff and student body; creating opportunities and venues for continued faculty, staff and student learning, accountability, and discussion about issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice; utilizing critical pedagogical practices in our curriculum that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice in undergraduate, graduate, and extension education; generating and disseminating socially relevant research and scholarship; engaging with diverse communities through culturally responsive, decolonizing service and outreach; creating a climate of social justice learning within the HDFS community by examining and challenging institutional structural inequalities; and annually assessing our individual and collective progress toward these commitments.

Likewise, the College of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Georgia embraces a commitment to diversity by modeling for the state and nation a community of individuals and programs which seek to reduce prejudice, disparities, and discrimination and build a supportive environment for all (see https://www.fcs.uga.edu/about/diversity for more information). We welcome applicants who share this commitment.

College/Unit/Department website

https://www.fcs.uga.edu/hdfs

Posting Type

External

Retirement Plan

Employment Type

Employee

Benefits Eligibility

Benefits Eligible

Underutilization

Advertised Salary

Anticipated Start Date

08/01/2023

Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings)

Job Posting Date

01/24/2023

Job Closing Date

Open until filled

Yes

Location of Vacancy

Athens Area

EEO Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title

Open Rank

FLSA

Faculty Rank

Open Rank (Tenure Track)

Contract Type

Academic (9 mo.)

Tenure Status

Tenured

Minimum Qualifications

Earned doctorate in HDFS or closely related area (e.g., psychology, neuroscience, sociology, public health, education, gerontology, etc.) at the time of appointment is required.

Additional Requirements

Qualifications: Appointment to rank of associate professor will be extended to individuals with at least five years as assistant professor (eligible for promotion to rank of associate professor upon appointment) at a comparable institution and must show clear and convincing evidence of high levels of attainment in teaching and research and commensurate national or international recognition related to developmental science and/or family studies. The successful candidate must show evidence of, or clear potential for, successful teaching at the graduate level and securing external research funding. See UGA’s criteria for faculty appointment, promotion and tenure.

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification

A minimum of one year of postdoctoral experience is strongly preferred.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

Physical Demands

Is this a Position of Trust?

No

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?

No

Does this position require a P-Card?

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?

No

Is driving a responsibility of this position?

No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?

No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)

No

Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. Sample Publications
4. Other Documents #1
5. List of References with Contact Information
6. Teaching Portfolio/Philosophy
7. Research Portfolio/Philosophy

Optional Documents