Associate/Full Professor, PhD Program Director - Human Development & Family Science

Job Description Summary, Duties and Responsibilities, Required Qualifications and Preferred Qualifications

The search will remain open until the position has been filled. First consideration will be given to applications received by April 4, 2026. Applications received after April 4, 2026 may be reviewed depending on search progress and needs but are not guaranteed full consideration.

About URI

The University of Rhode Island enrolls approximately 17,000 students across its graduate and undergraduate programs and is the State's flagship public research university, as well as the land grant and sea grant university, for the state of Rhode Island. The main campus is located in the historic village of Kingston, and the Bay Campus is located in Narragansett. Both campuses are near major beaches in a beautiful coastal community. URI is just 30 minutes from Providence, RI and within easy reach of Newport, Boston, and New York City.

Position Summary

The Department of Human Development & Family Science at the University of Rhode Island invites applications for a tenure-track Associate or Full Professor who will also serve as the Program Director for the PhD in Health Sciences, an interdisciplinary program in the College of Health Sciences. We are looking for a leader with extensive experience obtaining external funding for research and mentoring graduate students and who complements the mission of the Department, College, and University. We have a particular emphasis on applied research aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities. Appointment will be made at the rank of Associate or Full Professor, depending on qualifications. The position is a 9-month appointment. We seek an accomplished scholar whose research and teaching address early stages of development across the lifespan and child health. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to: child health and well-being, connections between physical and mental health, child life and pediatric health services, lifespan development, and medical social work.

The Human Development & Family Science Department is located within the College of Health Sciences and is recognized for excellence in teaching, research, service, and experiential education. The Department includes high quality outreach programs, including child development centers and couple and family therapy clinics. The Department's faculty lead several research laboratories/programs, conducting research in individual and family wellness across the lifespan. The PhD in Health Sciences is an interdisciplinary program with specializations in physical therapy, kinesiology, nutrition, communicative disorders, and human development & family science.

The Department, College, and University recognize the importance of contributions from a broad range of perspectives. The Department of Human Development & Family Science is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and seeks to serve as a representative inspiration for the next generations. As such, we particularly welcome candidates from groups historically underrepresented, marginalized, and/or excluded in the field of human development & family science who will support the mission of both URI and the College of Health Sciences to expose students to different perspectives. Candidates will demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity to enhance a sense of belonging and academic success among students from diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Qualifications

Required:

1. A PhD or equivalent terminal academic degree in human development & family science, social work, or a closely related field.
2. Record of teaching, research, and service commensurate with a tenured faculty appointment at the rank of associate or full professor.
3. Experience in teaching and mentoring graduate students, including PhD students.
4. Track record of successfully securing external research funding and having a strong scholarship record.
5. Strong leadership, teamwork, organizational, and communication skills.
6. Demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups/populations.

Preferred:

1. Clinical background with licensure (e.g., social work or related professional license).
2. Leadership experience in graduate education.
3. Experience in human development and family science programs.
4. Demonstrated experience in interdepartmental and interdisciplinary collaboration.
5. Demonstrated successful teaching in areas of family and community health and early lifespan development.
6. Experience working within medical or healthcare systems.

EEO Statement

URI is unwavering in its commitment to equal opportunity, community, equity, and diversity. In furtherance of its mission to serve and support all learners as the state's public flagship university, URI continues to expand efforts to recruit and retain a broadly representative workforce as well as to regularly evaluate the effectiveness of those efforts. All employment decisions, including hiring, are made without regard to protected status. Qualified individuals with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation by contacting the URI benefits office at 401-874-2416. For TTY assistance, contact R.I. Relay Services at 711.

Union: AAUP - American Assoc of Univ Professors
Status: Academic Year, Full-time, Tenure-track, Permanent
Department: Human Development & Family Science

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please attach the following 5 (PDF) documents to your online Faculty Employment Application:

1. Cover letter.
2. Curriculum Vitae.
3. Research Plan - description of current research activity and future research directions.
4. Other Document - teaching & diversity statement.
5. Other Document - PDF reprints of up to 3 publications that you feel best highlight your suitability for the position (not necessarily those publications in journals with the highest impact factor) (as one complete pdf document).

Please Note: References will be upon request by the search committee.

Position Number: 109542
Posting Number: F00514
Posting Date: 03/10/2026
Closing Date:
Open Until Filled: Yes

To apply, visit https://jobs.uri.edu/postings/16514