Assistant Professor of Rural Sociology

Assistant Professor of Rural Sociology

POSITION SPECIFICS

Assistant Professor of Rural Sociology
Department of Agricultural Economics, Sociology, and Education (AESE)
This is a nine-month, tenure-track position in rural sociology at the Assistant Professor level with a 65% research and 35% Extension appointment. The successful candidate will be expected to develop a nationally and internationally recognized, integrated research-Extension program on population health, with a focus on rural populations, healthcare seeking and utilization behaviors, and the use of One Health frameworks to understand linkages between human health, animal health, and the natural environment.

The successful candidate should have skills in quantitative methods and network analysis and experience and interest working in interdisciplinary teams. They will also be expected to secure external funding and to advise and mentor graduate and/or undergraduate students.

• Doctorate in rural sociology, sociology, or a related interdisciplinary field of the social sciences. The successful candidate must have completed all degree requirements by the appointment date.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams.
• Ability to engage professionally with an inclusive population of faculty, staff, and students and actively strive to provide an inclusive learning environment for all.

• Review of applications will begin on August 1, 2026, with a start date of January 1, 2027, or as negotiated.
• Applicants should provide a cover letter, curriculum vitae, research statement, teaching statement, and names and contact information for three references.
• System limitations allow for a total of 5 documents (5 mb per document) as part of your application; combine materials to meet the 5-document limit.

The Department of Agricultural Economics, Sociology, and Education (AESE) is a welcoming community with scholarship focusing on people, society, and economic systems grounded in theory and methods from the social, economic, and behavioral sciences. Faculty and students develop and employ rigorous approaches to discover fundamental and applied principles that advance science in their core disciplines. AESE strives to improve the health, prosperity, and welfare of people in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and beyond.

Our core areas for teaching and research are:

• Agricultural and Food Systems
• Community Development and Engagement
• Environment and Natural Resources
• Population Processes in Global Perspective

• Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; robust retirement plans; generous 75% tuition discount for employees, spouses, and children.
• For more detailed information, please visit our benefits page. For postdoctoral benefits, please see our postdoctoral benefits page.

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact . Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging.

We embrace individual uniqueness, a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, and provide opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.