Director, Prevention Science Program

University of Colorado Boulder, Institute of Behavioral Science (IBS): Director – IBS Prevention Science Program

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.

Who We Are

This recruitment is sponsored by the Prevention Science Program, housed within the Institute of Behavioral Science (IBS). Founded in 1968, the Prevention Science Program (formerly the Program on Problem Behavior and Positive Youth Development) is a vibrant interdisciplinary group of 75 researchers across multiple projects seeking to understand the nature, development, and life consequences of behaviors that put the health and development of young people and adults at risk. This effort also involves promoting positive life course development. We focus on translating science to action, which involves conducting research that explores mechanisms and theory, designing, testing and implementing interventions, and working actively with communities to make a difference in the lives of children and their families. Program members include researchers from sociology, psychology, social work, public health, criminology, education, and related fields.

IBS is a research institute at the University of Colorado Boulder. Since its establishment in 1957, it has provided a setting for interdisciplinary, collaborative research on problems of societal concern. By engaging faculty from all the social and behavioral sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder, IBS encourages work that transcends disciplinary boundaries, that illuminates the complexity of social behavior and social life, and that has important implications for social policy; IBS researchers are expected to conduct research that fulfills that mission. IBS is organized into five research programs, each defined by an interdisciplinary area of research and directed by a senior research scientist.

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 You Should Know

Faculty positions in the Institute of Behavioral Science are budgeted in the Institute and hold tenure in an academic department, where their teaching responsibilities are determined.

As part of the University of Colorado Boulder’s deep commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, the campus has implemented a reference check pilot program with respect to final candidates for tenured faculty appointments. The reference check pilot program is intended to allow CU Boulder to collect and review information about a candidate’s conduct at their current and previous institutions –specifically conduct related to sexual misconduct, harassment, and/or discrimination – before making hiring decisions. All final candidates for tenured faculty appointments are required to complete an Authorization to Release Information.

What We Can Offer

Annual Salary Range is $140,000-$190,000 for a 9-month appointment.

Summer salary is possible, subject to the availability of external funding.

Benefits

The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder.

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

The following application materials are to be submitted online:

• A curriculum vitae
• A letter of application describing your research specializations, leadership experience, and interest in directing the Prevention Science Program. Include discussion of how your current and future research engages with the mission of, and research within, the Institute of Behavioral Science (up to three pages)
• A statement about your teaching and mentoring experience and goals (up to two pages)
• Please integrate into the above materials your concrete contributions to and perspectives on diversity, equity, and inclusivity
• At least one, and no more than three samples of your written work
• Contact information for three references