Asst/Assoc Professor - Diverse Families, Disparities, and Development

With a strong commitment to advancing diversity in research, thought and representation, the Department of Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) in the College of Health and Human Sciences at Purdue University invites applications for a tenure-track or tenured position in the area of diversity in family or developmental science, as part of a cluster hiring initiative in Public Health, Health Policy, and Health Equity. A national leader in the graduation of Black and African American doctorates in the physical sciences, computer science, and veterinary medicine over the past 5 years, Purdue’s track record of supporting diversity dates back well over a century and is rooted in our land-grant mission. Today, the University has embarked upon a comprehensive 5-year, $75 million plan to further enrich and diversify its faculty, staff, and student body, as described here.

This cluster, comprised of 14 new faculty members across four colleges—Health and Human Sciences, Liberal Arts, Libraries and Information Studies, and Pharmacy—is just the first wave of a larger, multi-year cluster hiring initiative totaling 40 faculty members overall that aims to expand our research enterprise, add to the range of perspectives of our faculty, and promote a supportive community for all students. Alongside several other ongoing initiatives, this program evinces Purdue’s strong commitment to further enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. For more information, a comprehensive plan may be found here. The appointments would start in August 2022 or a future date subject to negotiation. 

The HDFS department is particularly interested in candidates who aim to understand the unique needs of families from ethnically/racially diverse, marginalized, immigrant, and/or underrepresented groups. Potential areas of scholarship could include: health and/or health disparities and mitigating such disparities; educational, developmental, or family processes related to dual language learners; impacts of poverty or other adverse circumstances or other structural barriers on psychological and/or social development in diverse populations/families; factors that promote individual or family resilience; and immigrant families. This position would complement existing work being conducted in the department and college on Latine youth and families, multiracial youth and families, and cross-cultural development. Applicants with research experience in middle childhood through emerging adulthood are particularly welcomed. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies, Psychology, or a related field.

The successful candidate will be responsible for initiating, conducting, and publishing research, including procuring internal and external funding; teaching undergraduate and graduate classes, mentoring students; and engaging in service at the campus, community, state, and/or national level.

Human Development and Family Studies (https://www.purdue.edu/hhs/hdfs/) is a multi-disciplinary department located in the College of Health and Human Sciences. The department affords many opportunities to develop interdisciplinary and collaborative research. Research foci in the department include early learning, biological underpinnings of normative and non-normative development and health, family systems, advanced methodology, health & well-being, interpersonal relations, culture and diversity, and military families. HDFS maintains spacious and well-equipped research facilities and centers, including the Ben & Maxine Miller Child Development Laboratory School, the Center for Early Learning, the Center for Families, Cooperative Extension, and the Military Family Research Institute. Purdue itself is one of the nation’s leading land-grant universities, with an enrollment of over 48,000 students.   

Applications

Purdue University's Department of Human Development and Family Studies is committed to advancing diversity in all areas of faculty effort, including discovery, instruction, and engagement. Together and as individuals we hold ourselves accountable for embedding diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in our research, teaching, administration, and engagement (https://www.purdue.edu/hhs/hdfs/diversity/index.html). Candidates should address at least one of these areas in their cover letter, indicating their past experiences, current interests or activities, and/or future goals to promote a climate that values diversity and inclusion.

Applications need to be submitted to this site https://career8.successfactors.com/sfcareer/jobreqcareer?jobId=16027&company=purdueuniv and need to include (1) a cover letter, (2) complete curriculum vitae, (3) a statement of research, (4) a statement of teaching, (5) three letters of recommendation, (6) a Diversity and Inclusion Statement, and (7) three representative publications. Please have letters of recommendation sent separately from your application directly to divfamdi@purdue.edu.

A background check will be required for employment in this position. Review of applications and interviews will begin on November 1 and continue until the position is filled. Inquiries can be sent to Associate Professor Sara Schmitt (saraschmitt@purdue.edu), chair of the search committee.

Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer.

All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.