APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
- CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
- CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
- If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.
This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the termlengthdiscussed willbebasedonuniversityneed,performance,and/oravailabilityoffunding.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The Research Translation Platform invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar interested in a career at the research-policy nexus supporting the translation of scientific evidence to policymakers. This exciting opportunity would support an embedded policy fellowship placement to train a Postdoctoral Scholar in the implementation and evaluation of research translation models, such as the Research-to-Policy Collaboration model. The Scholar would be responsible for implementing an effective, replicable and non-partisan model for brokering researchers and policymakers in an assigned region(s), in addition to supporting multiple projects and data analysis as assigned.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
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Frequently meeting with legislators or staff about their policy goals, priorities and research needs -
Identify and recruit research-oriented professionals with subject matter expertise into RPC's Rapid Response Network and coach them in policy engagement -
Act as relationship broker and build, lead, and maintain partnerships between researchers and policymakers via rapid response meetings to respond to legislative requests for research-based information -
Write, edit, and review evidence-based communication materials (fact sheets, policy briefs, op-eds, blog posts) tailored for non-academic and policy audience -
Organize panels, roundtables, or briefings for policymakers -
Outreach with partnering organizations or those engaged in relevant advocacy activities to coordinate our response to legislative requests -
Quasi-academic activities include thorough tracking and reporting activities, managing relevant data, and contributing to publications -
As needed, analyze data regarding policymakers' or researchers' engagement in boundary-spanning initiatives -
May be called upon to support grant writing and other development activities that support the sustainability of the Platform -
Supervise and train interns and fellows -
Time spent on any particular task area may shift based on need.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES
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Applied research experience with an enthusiasm and commitment to accelerating the translation of science to policy. -
Curiosity and a generalist attitude with interest in diverse social policy issues -
Experience in building and maintaining partnerships or collaborations -
Strong diplomatic communication and interpersonal skills. -
Solid writing skills tailored for a non-academic audience -
Ability to work respectfully with individuals across the political spectrum -
Comfort with interpreting and synthesizing research from a variety of disciplines
ELIGIBILITY
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Completion of all requirements for the Ph.D. at the time of appointment; applicants may have their degrees from any department, but degrees in human development, public policy, social work, prevention science, psychology, or public health will be particularly good fits for the program. -
While the RTP team primarily operates remotely, this role includes some required travel and in-person engagement to support relationship-building and policy engagement efforts. The ability to reside in, work from, and travel within the mid-Atlantic region(s) may be a condition of employment. Applicants outside current regional priorities may still be considered if they are open to relocation or can demonstrate equivalent regional knowledge and access.
Supervisionwill be provided by Executive Director, Taylor Scott, Ph.D. Additional mentorship provided by Max Crowley, Ph.D., Associate Professor at Pennsylvania State University.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Interested applicants, please submit a cover letter describing relevant experience and career goals, a resume, and three professional references. 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 well-being.
For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW 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 814-865-1473. Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines
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The Pennsylvania State University
May 21, 2025