Rural Sociology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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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.
Qualifications: Doctorate in rural sociology, sociology, or related interdisciplinary field of the social sciences. The successful candidate must have completed all degree requirements by the appointment date. Applicants should demonstrate excellent communication skills and the ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams. The ability to engage professionally with an inclusive population of faculty, staff, and students is required, and the successful candidate will actively strive to provide an inclusive learning environment for all.
Application Requirements: Review of applications will begin on August 1, 2026, with a start date of January 1, 2027, or as negotiated. Candidates 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 (5mb per document) as part of your application. Please combine materials to meet the 5-document limit. Questions can be directed to the Search Committee chair: Brian Thiede, Associate Professor of Rural Sociology and Demography (thiede@psu.edu).
The Department of Agricultural Economics, Sociology, and Education (AESE) is a welcoming community with our 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 (1) Agricultural and Food Systems, (2) Community Development and Engagement, (3) Environment and Natural Resources, and (4) Population Processes in Global Perspective. The Department offers three resident and one online graduate programs and oversees four undergraduate majors. For more information visit our site at https://aese.psu.edu/.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
BENEFITS
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.
For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)
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