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Assistant or Associate Professor in Architecture

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At the University of Minnesota School of Architecture, we believe faculty must be intellectually curious, adaptable, and open to a wide range of influences while remaining rooted in the disciplinary specificity of architecture. This requires a fundamental understanding of design as a unique mode of thought while retaining interest in broad contemporary issues. We seek individuals for a tenured or tenure track position in design who are first and foremost exceptional design studio instructors but also critical thinkers with a proven record of academic engagement with contemporary cultural and social phenomena. Such well established or especially promising candidates should be able to infuse a design studio with trans-disciplinary perspectives and model the benefit of collaborative and global practices.
        
The School’s primary objective is to hire a faculty member who excels at teaching design studio across any level of the undergraduate or graduate program. Candidates must also present a well-defined research agenda with promise for future growth. This research could be focused on a number of architecture-related fields, but the program has specific needs in the areas of design pedagogy, contemporary urban issues, sustainability, adaptive reuse, and/or digital design methodology. Priority will be given to candidates who demonstrate critical scholarly and design research in their area of expertise and provide evidence of a clear and effective way of integrating such interests into strategies for teaching design.

The successful candidate will develop and teach introductory studio courses as well as other core and elective undergraduate and graduate level courses; coordinate design studios at a variety of undergraduate and graduate levels; actively pursue his or her research agenda; participate in faculty governance at the college and university levels; and contribute with commitment and enthusiasm to the intellectual life of the community.
 
Institutional Setting: The School of Architecture is known for its history of high-quality design, strong relationship with prominent practitioners, emphasis on critical thinking skills, and ability to draw upon a sophisticated array of cultural amenities located in a major metropolitan area. The School of Architecture, within a multidisciplinary College of Design, sits at the academic hub of vibrant professional and research communities. In response to the changing landscape of the discipline, the School recently implemented an innovative graduate curriculum, providing multiple course formats for faculty to explore a wide spectrum of research topics. This curriculum was awarded an Education Honor Award from the National AIA in 2008.

Minnesota is recognized as a progressive state and the Twin Cities as one of the major design centers in the United States. Well known for its high quality of life, the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area offers world-caliber museums and theaters, an exceptional parks system, outstanding historical landmarks, excellent educational opportunities, and access to a well-regarded health care system. The Twin Cities are also home to 21 Fortune 500 companies, in addition to thriving small local businesses, and a strong non-profit sector.      

Position:  The position is a 100%-time, nine-month, tenure-track appointment at the level of Assistant or Associate Professor, with the possibility of tenure at the Associate level. Faculty rank will depend upon the qualifications and experience of the candidate consistent with University of Minnesota policy.  Tenure at the time of hire requires distinguished academic achievement in teaching, research and service that satisfies the criteria for holding an appointment with indefinite tenure in the School of Architecture at the University of Minnesota. Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. The expected start date is August 30, 2010.

Essential Qualifications:  At a minimum, an M.Arch degree, or B.Arch with equivalent experience is required.  Candidates should demonstrate interest and facility in developing and teaching large introductory design courses, design studio and other core and elective courses; the ability to coordinate large undergraduate introductory design courses and coordinate design studio at a variety of undergraduate and graduate levels. We seek applicants who can serve as a mentor for adjunct faculty who may not have extensive design studio experience. Candidates must demonstrate a proven ability to support the University’s commitment to equity and diversity.

For associate professor:  In addition to the above required qualifications, a record of distinction in teaching, scholarship, and creative practice is required.

Preferred Qualifications: Attention to cultural diversity. Experience as a designer in the field of Architecture. Experience working collaboratively across disciplinary divisions and in an outreach capacity.

Application procedure is online.  Applicants should 1) complete an application online at: http://employment.umn.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=91669 (Requisition #169516) and 2) submit the following materials:  a letter of interest; curriculum vitae; a statement regarding your professional experience, philosophy of teaching, and interest and experience in leadership for curriculum development and coordinating large (150 to 250 students) undergraduate introductory courses and design studios; a portfolio of both student work and scholarship / design work,  and contact information for three professional references. Exhibits may be submitted as PDF attachments in the on-line employment system or e-mailed as PDF attachments to mkegler@umn.edu, and mailed directly (non-returnable exhibits) to: Matt Kegler, HR Specialist, College of Design, University of Minnesota, 32 McNeal Hall, 1985 Buford Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108, Telephone: 612/624/1721; FAX 612/625-1922.  Applications will be considered beginning January 31, 2011. For more information, visit our web site at:  http://design.umn.edu.  Process questions:  Matt Kegler, 612/624-1721 or mkegler@umn.edu.  Committee chair:  Marc Swackhamer, 612-626-0105 or swack004@umn.edu

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