Social Development Research Group Endowed Director and Open Rank Faculty (Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor) - Social Work

Position Overview

School / Campus / College: School of Social Work

Organization: School of Social Work

Title: Social Development Research Group Endowed Director and Open Rank Faculty (Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor) - Social Work

Position Details

Position Description

The University of Washington School of Social Work invites applications from distinguished prevention scientists to fill the position of Social Development Research Group Endowed Director. This is a full-time faculty position with a 9-month service period annually (September 16 through June 15 annually) in the School of Social Work at the rank of Assistant, Associate or Full Professor, depending on qualifications. 

The SDRG Endowed Director will help to guide and grow SDRG’s innovative research collaborations, dissemination of science and programs, and technical assistance for its evidenced-based programs in communities, as well as continue SDRG’s leadership in advanced technologies for conducting high-quality social science research. The Director will be a dynamic leader who builds partnerships with multiple constituencies and funders, and advances the UWSSW and SDRG as national and international centers of excellence and innovation in social work and prevention science.

The Social Development Research Group (SDRG) is a national and international leader in prevention science and one of several vibrant research centers within the School of Social Work. Its mission is to understand and promote healthy behaviors and positive social development among diverse populations using prevention science principles and knowledge gained through rigorous research. SDRG couples scientific rigor and strength with an emphasis on real-world intervention. The position of Director offers a unique opportunity for an accomplished scholar to provide strong management and leadership in the continued development of SDRG.. The director guides and grows SDRG’s innovative research collaborations, dissemination of science and programs, and technical assistance for its evidenced-based programs in communities, as well as continues SDRG’s leadership in advanced technologies for conducting high-quality social science research.

The University of Washington is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. The School of Social Work is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty and staff committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment and strongly encourages applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans.

About The Social Development Research Group

SDRG is a nationally and internationally recognized, interdisciplinary team of 35-50 staff, including 10-15 Ph.D. researchers. For over 40 years, SDRG has investigated and endeavored to promote healthy behaviors and positive social development in children, youth, and adults. In a typical year, SDRG operates under 15-20 grants and contracts, with annual awards totaling $5-8 million. A recognized leader in the field of prevention research, SDRG conducts research on factors that influence development; develops and tests the effectiveness of interventions; studies service systems and seeks to improve them; advocates for science-based solutions to health and behavior problems; promotes innovative and evidence-based practices; and disseminates knowledge, tools, and expertise produced by its research. We actively partner with community, school, and human service organizations to implement evidence-based interventions that improve health and well-being among those served.

SDRG is organized into four core areas: (1) Science and Research, (2) Dissemination and Implementation, (3) the Survey Research Division, which provides high-quality data collection services to SDRG researchers and many others, and (4) Administration, which provides critical support to the entire organization. SDRG’s Dissemination and Implementation core houses the UW Center for Communities that Care, which provides training and technical assistance to communities and other organizational partners in the implementation of preventive interventions. This core also functions as the Prevention Technology Transfer Center for the Northwest Region of the United States, providing workforce training for substance use prevention to professionals in four states.

In addition to active involvement in the School of Social Work as a tenured faculty member, the successful candidate for this position will be expected to:

• Serve as a leader in the field of prevention science through engagement with a range of research topics spanning etiology, intervention, and dissemination
• .Implement testing interventions using appropriate research methods.
• Be a confident, personable, adaptable and responsive leader, who supports and implements organizational core values, fosters cohesiveness amongst group members, and makes tough decisions while maintaining strong relationships.
• Partner with diverse communities and public systems to promote the use of research knowledge and effective preventive interventions to affect health disparities and vulnerable populations and provide leadership in ongoing efforts to improve race equity in prevention research and intervention.
• Lead the organization’s efforts to disseminate evidence-based preventive interventions and provide training and technical assistance for high-quality implementation.

Qualifications

Candidates must have an earned doctorate (or foreign equivalent) in social work or an affiliated social, behavioral, or health science discipline.

The successful candidate will merit appointment at the rank of Assistant, Associate or Full Professor at the School of Social Work.

Positive factors for consideration include but are not limited to, an MSW

Instructions

Applications and/or other application materials not submitted electronically will not be considered.  The search will begin immediately and continue until the position is closed.  For best consideration, submit applications by April 15, 2021, or until the position is filled.

Inquiries can be directed to Inquiries can be directed to the Co-Chairs of the Search Committee, David Takeuchi (dt5@uw.edu) and Jennifer Bailey (jabailey@uw.edu).

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All
qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed,
religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information,
gender identity or expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status.