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Assistant/Associate Professor in Health and Critical Information Literacy

Assistant/Associate Professor in Health and Critical Information Literacy

Purdue University Job Location: Indiana Apply By: Open until filled Date Created: 12-01-2021

Position Announcement

Assistant/Associate Professor in Health and Critical Information Literacy – Public Health


With a strong commitment to advancing diversity in research, thought and representation, the Purdue University Libraries and School of Information Studies invites applications for tenure-track or tenured positions in the area of Health Information Literacy and Informatics, as part of a cluster hiring initiative in Public Health, Health Policy, and Health Equity. A national leader in the graduation of Black and African American doctorates in the physical sciences, computer science, and veterinary medicine over the past 5 years, Purdue’s track record of supporting diversity dates back well over a century and is rooted in our land-grant mission. Today, the University has embarked upon a comprehensive 5-year, $75 million plan to further enrich and diversify its faculty, staff, student body, as described here. https://www.purdue.edu/provost/diversity/equity/cluster.html

This cluster, comprised of 14 new faculty members across four colleges—Health and Human Sciences, Liberal Arts, Libraries and Information Studies, and Pharmacy—is just the first wave of a larger, multi-year cluster hiring initiative totaling 40 FTE overall that aims to expand our research enterprise, add to the range of perspectives of our faculty, and promote a supportive community for all students. Alongside several other ongoing initiatives, this program evinces Purdue’s strong commitment to further enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. For more information, a comprehensive plan may be found here. https://www.purdue.edu/provost/diversity/equity/index.html

The appointments will start in August 2022 or a future date subject to negotiation.

Position Focus

This position focuses on health literacy and critical information literacy related to health and wellness. The position’s scholarship and engagement would relate to community education, particularly in traditionally underserved communities, and improving access to credible health information and critical evaluation of that information. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has identified the disconnect between research and uptake as a critical issue for the health sciences, and this position would lead research related to how health information is received and processed by different communities, and potentially collaborate with researchers in the Libraries and Purdue Extension. The faculty member would also consult on systematic reviews and other evidence synthesis methods of the literature, which could include aggregating, analyzing, and visualizing health-related data of public health, policy, and equity topics. Candidates with experience working with diverse groups of students, faculty, and staff and the ability to contribute to an inclusive climate are particularly encouraged to apply.

Successful Candidate Will

  • Develop and teach specialized undergraduate and graduate classes and workshops that incorporate active-learning methods and information and data literacy concepts;
  • Provide individual research consultations with faculty and students.
  • Have a strong commitment to diversity and promoting and sustaining a multicultural environment for learning;
  • Lead and/or collaborate on sponsored research;
  • Meet the criteria for promotion and tenure, including teaching and librarianship, research and scholarship, engagement, and service in Library and University governance. Faculty are also expected to actively engage in mentoring, advising, and supporting the academic success of undergraduate and graduate students.

About Purdue Libraries

Purdue University Libraries and School of Information Studies https://www.lib.purdue.edu/, recipient of the 2015 Award for Excellence in University Libraries from the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), is at the forefront of academic librarianship and redefining the role of the academic, research library in learning, discovery, and engagement activities of the University. Libraries faculty and staff are deeply involved in information literacy instruction and instructional design, redefining of learning spaces, scholarly communication, data management, and global outreach. Libraries faculty have expanded their collaborative endeavors with disciplinary faculty in integrating information literacy into the core curriculum.

Qualifications:

  • Requires a terminal degree in library/information science (a master’s from an ALA-accredited or equivalent school) or a terminal degree in a health sciences or other relevant field (typically a doctorate);
  • Experience or potential to deliver effective information literacy instruction on campus and in traditionally underserved community settings (off campus)
  • Experience or potential to deliver research-support, including systematic review support;

Opportunities for collaboration exist across the Colleges included in this cluster hire. Purdue itself is one of the nation’s leading land-grant universities, with an enrollment of over 49,000 students. The minimum salary is $71,000.

Application Procedure

Applications need to be submitted to this https://careers.purdue.edu/job-invite/17107/ and need to include (1) cover letter addressing your interest in this position and how you meet the qualifications (2) a complete curriculum vitae, (3) a statement of research, (4) a statement of teaching, (5) at least three names of reference, and (6) the Diversity and Inclusion Statement described below.

Purdue University Libraries and School of Information Studies is committed to advancing diversity in all areas of faculty effort, including scholarship, instruction, and engagement. Candidates should address at least one of these areas in a separate Diversity and Inclusion Statement, indicating their past experiences, current interests or activities, and/or future goals to promote a climate that values diversity and inclusion.

A background check will be required for employment in this position. Review of applications and interviews will begin January 15, 2022, and will continue until position is filled. Inquires can be sent to Carole Tolley, Senior Administrative Assistant at tolleyc@purdue.edu.

Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.

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