Cornell University is seeking an Assistant Professor, Tenure-Track – Health Equity to join their Department of Human Centered Design in Ithaca, NY. The department aims to improve human wellbeing through design by incorporating various disciplines and perspectives. The faculty comprises experts in fields such as anthropology, engineering, psychology, material science, and design. They collaborate to address real-world challenges and conduct innovative research, with a focus on enhancing human potential, health equity, social and environmental justice, sustainability, and community flourishing. The position requires a scholar who can approach the field of health equity from a multidisciplinary standpoint and develop evidence-based solutions to bridge disparities and improve lives. The successful candidate should demonstrate excellence in research and teaching, as well as a commitment to social and environmental justice. Cornell University offers a supportive and inclusive campus atmosphere and is committed to meeting the needs of dual-career couples.
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Department Overview and Mission
The Department of Human Centered Design at Cornell University brings together multidisciplinary perspectives to improve human wellbeing through design. With a focus on transdisciplinary thinking and expertise, the department leverages knowledge from arts and design, material and social sciences to tackle real-world challenges. The faculty in the department consists of experts from various fields such as anthropology, engineering, psychology, and design. They collaborate internally and externally with colleagues from across the university, as well as industry and non-profit partners, to conduct research and enhance students’ learning experiences. The department’s mission is to conceptualize, prototype, and evaluate design solutions across domains like clothing, products, buildings, and neighborhood spaces to enhance human potential, health equity, social and environmental justice, sustainability, and community flourishing.
Job Description
The Assistant Professor, Tenure-Track position at Cornell University’s Department of Human Centered Design focuses on research and scholarship in the area of Health Equity. The faculty member will be responsible for developing evidence-based solutions to address disparities regarding equity and social/environmental justice in human health and wellbeing. The role requires a commitment to social and environmental justice, along with experience in inclusive excellence. The successful candidate will contribute to the department’s goal of improving lives through innovative design research and teaching.
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Research Interests
The faculty member in the Health Equity position will have the opportunity to explore novel solutions for human health and wellbeing. They will evaluate the role of design in shaping health outcomes and wellbeing, with a focus on socially and environmentally responsible designs. Their research may span a wide range of topics, including mental and physical health inequalities, design for underrepresented populations, design for vulnerable populations, design for equitable places and organizations, and design for diverse individuals and communities. By generating and translating ideas into actionable designs and products, the faculty member will contribute to improving the health and wellbeing of individuals, communities, and the environment.
Responsibilities
The Assistant Professor, Tenure-Track position entails several key responsibilities. The faculty member will be expected to develop and lead a research program that aligns with their expertise in Health Equity. They will teach undergraduate and graduate courses, providing students with valuable insights into design, health equity, and social/environmental justice. Additionally, they will advise undergraduate and graduate students on research and academic matters. The faculty member will also contribute to the department and university community through service activities, which may include committee work and participation in departmental and university events.
Qualifications
Candidates for the Assistant Professor, Tenure-Track position must hold a Ph.D. The position requires a demonstrated commitment to social and environmental justice, along with experience in inclusive excellence. The successful candidate will have a strong background in design research, teaching, and engagement/outreach in a human-centered context.
Funding Support
The Assistant Professor, Tenure-Track position is supported in part by Cornell University’s FIRST program. The FIRST program is a grant from the NIH’s Common Fund’s Faculty Institutional Recruitment for Sustainable Transformation (FIRST) Program. This grant aims to recruit early-career faculty who are committed to inclusive excellence. The funding support provided by the Cornell FIRST program will help facilitate the faculty member’s research and teaching activities in the area of Health Equity.
Campus and Community
Cornell University offers a collegial and supportive campus atmosphere, providing a high quality of life for faculty members. Beyond campus, the city of Ithaca, NY, where Cornell University is located, offers a vibrant cultural life amidst breathtaking natural beauty. The Finger Lakes region, in which Ithaca is situated, is known for its scenic landscapes and outdoor activities. Cornell University is committed to supporting dual-career couples and offers its own Dual Career program, as well as membership in the Upstate New York Higher Education Recruitment Consortium, to assist in dual career searches.
Application Process
To apply for the Assistant Professor, Tenure-Track position, candidates must submit the required documents, including a CV, research statement, teaching statement, publication list, three representative publications, experience statement (optional), transcript(s) of graduate work, and three references. The optional experience statement allows applicants to share their approaches to fostering learning, research service, and outreach in a diverse community. Applicants may choose to submit a stand-alone statement or incorporate the information into other parts of their application materials. The starting date for the new hire may be as early as July 1, 2024, and applications will be accepted and reviewed until the position is filled. For more information, interested individuals can contact Sienna Torbitt at slt86@cornell.edu.
Diversity and Inclusion
Cornell University is committed to diversity and inclusion. The university values AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. Additionally, Cornell recognizes and has a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations. The university strives to create an inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff who contribute creative ideas and perspectives to further its mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.
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