Assistant Professor - Rural Mental Health & Substance Use

Assistant Professor - Rural Mental Health & Substance Use University of Nebraska-Lincoln Job Summary

The Department of Child, Youth, and Family Studies (CYAF) is seeking a full‑time, tenure‑track (9‑month appointment) Assistant Professor whose research focuses on rural mental health and/or substance use. The position begins August 2026.

The successful candidate will bring expertise in research and teaching that will contribute to the national and international reputation of our programs, department, and university. They will work with the Rural Drug Addiction Research (RDAR) Center, an NIH‑funded Center for Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE), to engage in cutting‑edge research and leverage RDAR data to better understand the causes and consequences of substance use and related outcomes, and to inform prevention and intervention approaches.

The candidate’s teaching and research will complement existing departmental focus areas such as early childhood education, child development, adolescent and young adulthood, trauma, and health disparities across the life course. The faculty member will conduct innovative research and provide high‑quality teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels in the Human Development and Family Studies and Global Family Health and Well‑Being programs in the CYAF department.

Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Science/Studies or a related social science field (e.g., Sociology, Psychology) by the time of appointment. Candidates whose research addresses related factors such as behavioral health disparities, access to care, community well‑being, prevention, or intervention in rural contexts are encouraged to apply. Applicants must clearly explain how their research contributes to the broader field of rural mental health and/or substance use.

Successful candidates will show evidence of, or potential for, securing external funding related to rural mental health, substance use, or closely connected topics.

The Department of Child, Youth and Family Studies at the University of Nebraska‑Lincoln serves approximately 360 undergraduate majors, 76 master’s students, and 30 doctoral students. The department includes 33 full‑time faculty members, 3 administrative staff, and 8 adjunct faculty. It offers degree options and specializations at both undergraduate and graduate levels, including doctoral specializations in Early Childhood/Child Development and Global Family Health and Well‑Being.

The department houses the Ruth Staples Child Development Laboratory and the Couple and Family Clinic, supporting clinical training and community engagement.

The College of Education and Human Sciences (CEHS) strives to be a vibrant, welcoming community driven by a mission to enhance lives of individuals, families, schools, and communities.

At the University of Nebraska‑Lincoln, we are recognized by Forbes as a top employer. Lincoln, Nebraska, is a vibrant city that blends the cultural richness of a Big Ten university community with Midwestern affordability.

• Ph.D. or equivalent in Human Development and Family Science/Studies or in a related social science field (e.g., Sociology, Psychology) by the time of appointment.
• A program of research that clearly aligns with the theme of mental health and/or substance use specifically within rural contexts.
• Evidence of, or strong potential for, developing a robust and sustained program of research that will, in time, achieve national recognition (e.g., publications, grants, leadership in the field).
• Evidence of, or strong potential for, acquiring external grant funding.
• Demonstrated commitment and interest in research collaborations within and across disciplines.
• Evidence of, or strong potential for, teaching excellence.
• Demonstrated commitment to effectively mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering inclusive excellence across teaching, research, and service.

• Strong quantitative and/or qualitative research skills.
• Postdoctoral experience.
• For candidates whose previous research has focused primarily on rural mental health, an interest in extending their…