Research Professor & Executive Director, Christopher M. Barnett Autism Laboratory - School of Social Work en Temple University

POSITION SUMMARY: The Temple University Barnett College of Public Health invites applications for Executive Director for its newly formed Christopher M. Barnett Autism Laboratory. The successful candidate will also hold a non-tenure track faculty rank of Research Professor. The individual will lead efforts to establish a nationally-significant laboratory addressing Autism translational and implementation research, practice and policy agendas, and will collaborate with interprofessional colleagues across the College of Public Health, Temple University, other universities, Federal and State agencies, key actors in healthcare, foundations, insurers and provider organizations and Autistic people themselves. There will be a strong emphasis on self- determination principles, support of families and shared agendas with co-researchers. The goal is for the Laboratory and Philadelphia to rapidly become a nationally recognized leader.  Supported with a substantial donor fund, the Executive Director will develop and lead a funded portfolio of research, training and evaluation additionally supported by NIH, foundation and state and local sources, and will build and advance the Laboratory’s central team of researchers and practitioners.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Build and lead a large multi-disciplinary laboratory.
• Form and lead a nationally significant Autism agenda
• Build and support research teams to seek external funding to support research activities
• Provide leadership in expanding funding and research opportunities
• Mentor and advise early career faculty
• Conduct their own scholarly research and publish and present in peer-reviewed venues.

QUALIFICATIONS: The successful candidate shall have a doctorate, such as a PhD in a relevant discipline; prior experience leading a multi-million-dollar research, training and evaluation organization and in leveraging gifts/donations/administrative grants to secure additional sponsored projects and revenue producing programs; a demonstrated commitment to the well-being of autistic individuals of all ages and of their families; demonstrated success in authentic inclusion of experts with lived experience and with inclusive employment, dissemination, and research methods; and experiences of successful collaboration with non-academic university partners and with advisory groups, community partners, funders, project officers, and government agencies.

THE COLLEGE OF PUBLIC HEALTH: Now occupying the newly-opened Paley Building at the center of Temple University’s main campus, the CEPH-accredited Barnett College of Public Health consists of academic units in the public health disciplines, health professions, and the School of Social Work, enrolling more than 4,000 students. The College’s research focuses on social, behavioral and environmental inquiries, medical/health interventions, and basic science and is sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, Department of Defense and other major funders. The College is already home to the Collaborative on Community Inclusion, the Center for Obesity Research and Education, and is staffed by a robust complement of seasoned professionals, including Offices of Communications and Marketing, Information Technology, Sponsored Research, and Academic Affairs. Collaboration across our clinical disciplines creates an emerging, innovative framework for interprofessional education. 

About Temple University. 

Temple University, founded in 1884, is a Carnegie R1 (Very High Research Activity) institution and one of the nation’s largest urban public research universities. Located in North Philadelphia, just 1.5 miles from Center City, Temple enrolls more than 30,000 students across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.

As an anchor institution in North Philadelphia, Temple is deeply engaged with the surrounding community through educational partnerships, workforce development, and neighborhood initiatives. Faculty and students benefit from the university’s dynamic urban setting, vibrant campus life, and opportunities to contribute to research, teaching, and service that make a meaningful impact locally and globally.

We are committed to fostering a welcoming environment for students, faculty, and staff.  We believe that diversity (of experiences, thought, etc.) enriches our learning environment and strengthens our academic community. We encourage applications from individuals whose backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives will enhance our commitment to these values.

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit:

1. Cover letter addressing qualifications.
2. Curriculum vitae.
3. Statement of research interests.
4. Statement of contributions working effectively in an urban environment and advancing research, practice and policy excellence.
5. Contact information for 5 professional references.

Apply via email to [email protected] by no later than November 30, 2025. For Questions, contact Philip McCallion at [email protected]. Application review begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Temple University values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity for all persons regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status protected by law.