The Social Science Research Institute (SSRI) is searching for a faculty member to lead the interdisciplinary Consortium on Substance Use and Addiction (CSUA). Applications for the position are open until October 1, 2023. For more information about the position, please visit CSUA’s website.
The successful candidate for the new CSUA director will be a tenured associate or full professor at any of the Penn State campuses with a demonstrated research record in the broadly defined area of substance use and addiction including externally funded work in this area. The preferred start date for the position is July 1, 2024. The director will report to the SSRI director and be responsible for setting the next three-year vision for the CSUA, working with SSRI to promote impactful, interdisciplinary research by the co-funded faculty and faculty affiliates including the following:
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Guide strategic requests for proposals through the SSRI seed grant mechanism to promote novel, interdisciplinary, and translational research aimed at prevention, treatment, recovery, and stigma reduction in substance use and addiction.
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Facilitate interdisciplinary research teams across the Penn State campuses with the goal of fostering ongoing, high-quality research that leads to external funding for substance use and addiction related research.
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Host an annual conference that brings together researchers, policymakers, practitioners, funders, community leaders, and other stakeholders.
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Host a series of highly visible, interdisciplinary, and translational forums including speakers, workshops, and awareness events focused on substance use and addiction.
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Work with University leadership to help direct communications, foster research opportunities including training grants and program projects, and engage in development opportunities pertaining to substance use and addiction.
The CSUA director will also develop and implement an annual plan; work with SSRI staff to manage communications including the CSUA website, electronic newsletter, and social media; engage with a multi-stakeholder advisory board; and collaborate with other relevant Penn State groups across the Commonwealth.
Applications will be reviewed beginning October 1, 2023, and continue until the director has been selected. The SSRI Search Committee will review applications and finalist candidates will be invited to present their research expertise and share their future vision for the CSUA. The Committee will solicit feedback and provide recommendations to the SSRI Director who will make the final decision. Interested candidates should send a CV and 2-page cover letter that outlines interest, qualifications, and ability to direct and administer the program to Barbara Rigg (ber2@psu.edu) by October 1, 2023.
Established in 2018, the CSUA is a multidisciplinary network of researchers, educators, and practitioners who work together to address the systemic problems of substance use (including opioids, cannabis, alcohol, tobacco, vaping, and stimulants) and addiction. Initially motivated by the opioid epidemic that continues to deeply impact communities across Pennsylvania and the nation, the CSUA connects and cultivates a diverse group of stakeholders to advance effective programs, policies, and practices aimed at preventing and treating addiction, supporting recovery, and addressing spillover effects on children, families, and communities. The CSUA currently includes 12 co-funded faculty across 12 departments, 7 colleges, and 4 campuses and 26 other faculty affiliates, and supports innovative and impactful research on substance use and addiction.