Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in Total Worker Health

With a strong commitment to advancing diversity in research, thought and representation, the School of Health Sciences in the College of Health and Human Sciences at Purdue University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in the area of Total Worker Health, 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, 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 FTE 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. 

We seek a faculty member interested in launching a research program related to Total Worker Health, an area of research that is a high priority of the National Institutes of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). NIOSH's definition of total worker health is "policies, programs, and practices that integrate protection from work-related safety and health hazards with promotion of injury and illness-prevention efforts to advance worker well-being." This represents an integration of classic occupational health hazards (i.e., safety, environmental hazards) with general health and well-being (i.e., wellness programs). This field views work as a social determinant of health. Research areas relevant to Total Worker Health include but are not limited to worker well-being, mental health, substance abuse in the workplace, healthy work design, chronic disease, and more.

Qualifications: Applicants must hold a doctorate in occupational and environmental health, safety, public health or wellness, occupational health psychology or a related discipline as well as demonstrated excellence in research (e.g. publication record and/or funding support for research), and a commitment to teaching (e.g. experience teaching student researchers and/or teaching experience). Successful candidates will be expected to conduct research in their field(s) of expertise, teach courses in occupational and environmental health and/or biomedical health sciences and participate in department and university activities. 

The School of Health Sciences: This position is within the Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences program in the School of Health Sciences. Founded in 1979, the School of Health Sciences offers academic programs in Biomedical Health Sciences, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Medical Physics, Health Physics, Toxicology, and Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences (OEHS). Faculty maintain active research programs in these areas, including many interdisciplinary initiatives. This position is aligned with the OEHS program. The OEHS undergraduate and graduate programs have ABET accreditation in industrial hygiene and are designated as Qualified Academic Programs by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. The OEHS graduate program is supported by a NIOSH training grant. More information is available online about the School of Health Sciences and OEHS programs.

The School of Health Sciences is part of the College of Health and Human Sciences, which is comprised of nine units reflecting a range of disciplines related to human health and well-being. HHS has three signature research areas: developmental health and wellness, healthy lifestyles and vital longevity, and sustainable organizations and thriving communities. It is the third-largest college at Purdue with over 260 faculty and more than 6,000 students. Opportunities for collaboration exist across the Departments of Public Health, Psychology, Nursing, Nutrition, Industrial Engineering, and many more.

Application Procedure: Applications need to be submitted to this site https://career8.successfactors.com/sfcareer/jobreqcareer?jobId=16473&company=purdueuniv and need to include (1) a complete curriculum vitae, (2) a statement of research, (3) a statement of teaching, 4) at least three names of reference, and (5) the Diversity and Inclusion Statement. Purdue University’s School of Health Sciences is committed to advancing diversity in all areas of faculty effort including discovery, instruction, and engagement. Candidates should address at least one of these areas in a separate Diversity and Inclusion Statement, indicating their past experiences, current interests or activities, and/or future goals to promote a climate that values diversity and inclusion. 

A background check will be required for employment in this position. Review of applications and interviews will begin December 15, 2021, and will continue until positions are filled. Inquiries can be sent to the Search Committee Chair, Dr. Ellen Wells, at wells54@purdue.edu.

Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.