Assistant Professor - Rural Mental Health & Substance Use

Assistant Professor – Rural Mental Health & Substance Use

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

The Department of Child, Youth, and Family Studies (CYAF) is seeking applicants for a full-time, tenure‑track (9‑month appointment) Assistant Professor with a focus in rural mental health and/or substance use to begin 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 in collaboration with the Rural Drug Addiction Research (RDAR) Center, an NIH‑funded Center for Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE), to engage in cutting‑edge research that builds on the strengths of the RDAR Center.

The faculty member will be well positioned to leverage RDAR Center 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 (e.g., early childhood education, child development, adolescent and young adulthood, trauma, health disparities across the life course).

The successful candidate will conduct innovative research and provide high‑quality teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels in the Human Development and Family Studies and Global Family Health and Well‑Being programs in the CYAF department.

The successful candidate will develop and maintain a research program focused on rural mental health and/or substance use, secure external funding, collaborate across disciplines, teach undergraduate and graduate courses, and mentor students at all levels.

• Ph.D. or equivalent in Human Development and Family Science/Studies or 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 research program to include substance use is preferred.

Click “Apply Now,” login or create an applicant profile and upload the following required documents:

• Letter of application with brief narrative (maximum of 3 single‑spaced pages) addressing the qualifications for the position and a description of your preliminary ideas for collaborating with the RDAR Center.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Research statement outlining goals and future directions of your program of research (maximum 2 single‑spaced pages).
• Teaching statement describing your teaching philosophy, relevant experience, and evidence of teaching effectiveness (maximum 2 single‑spaced pages).
• Contact information (name, phone number, email address) for three professional references.

The statements and references can be added in “Additional Attachments.” For additional questions, please contact Search Committee Chair:
Dr. Alex Mason, email: amason
19, phone: (402) 770‑4642.

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment.