Director – IBS Prevention Science Program*

*position availability contingent on final approval by Provost

The University of Colorado Boulder’s Institute of Behavioral Science (IBS), in collaboration with the Department of Sociology and the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience in the College of Arts and Sciences, invites applications for a tenured position to direct the established and internationally recognized IBS Prevention Science Program to begin in Fall 2026. The appointment will be at the rank of full professor or advanced associate professor. The Director will be expected to provide leadership and vision to the Program in conducting and fostering nationally recognized interdisciplinary and collaborative research, in managing the Program’s research programs, and in securing external funding. The Director will also serve as a member of the IBS Executive Committee and Board of Directors.

We are seeking applicants with broad expertise in prevention science, including the study and prevention of substance use, the study and prevention of crime and violence, or the promotion of positive outcomes. Other relevant fields include social/developmental psychology, human development, public health, social epidemiology, criminology, mental health, school-based interventions, implementation science, or program evaluation.

Within IBS, prevention science is conceptualized broadly to range from fundamental research on prevalence, causes and consequences, and theory building through to intervention development and dissemination in communities at scale.

Candidates are expected to have an established and ongoing program of original research, a distinguished publication record, successful leadership experience, and demonstrated ability to obtain external funding. Also expected is a strong record of high-quality teaching and mentoring.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

•  Provide overall leadership to the program, which includes CU and non-CU faculty, researchers who are not tenure-track faculty, students, and professional research staff, including strategic leadership, mentoring, supervision, evaluation, and the holding of regularly scheduled meetings to discuss research and administrative matters, with both individuals and groups.
• Undertake continued research in their specialization, and secure external funding to support that research.
• Manage the financial and personnel resources of the program.
• Organize activities for the Institute and the Program, including meetings, workshops, and speakers that contribute to our intellectual life and communication.
• Work with colleagues to encourage and ensure continued external funding of research in the program, including individual mentoring of younger researchers as they prepare grant applications and proposals and manage external funds.
• Seek opportunities for external funding that benefits the larger university community and provides research opportunities for faculty and students, building on current examples such as the Rocky Mountain Research Data Center, the University of Colorado Population Center, the CDC Center of Excellence grants, the Natural Hazards Center, and training grants.
• Contribute to the leadership of IBS as a member of the Board and in other ways as needed, by participating in Board and other meetings, and by chairing search committees and leading other IBS activities.
• Represent CU, IBS, and the program externally, through speaking opportunities and service commitments that include work as grant reviewers and panel members as well as membership in national and international boards and committees.
• Actively participate in departmental tenure home, including instructional mission.
• Advance Institute and University goals regarding inclusivity, including but not limited to faculty recruitment and student recruitment and training.

What We Require

 A doctoral degree in Prevention Science, Sociology, Psychology, Criminology, Public Health, Social Welfare or a closely related field is required. The successful candidate will have received their doctorate before they begin employment.

Additional requirements include:

• Experience/knowledge of the field of prevention science
• A strong history of grant productivity
• A strong history of project management and leadership experience
• A strong publication record
• Teaching courses and mentoring students

Review of applications will begin September 19, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled. For questions, please contact Professor Jillian Turanovic, Co-Chair of the Search Committee, at jillian.turanovic@colorado.edu