Assistant Professor

We seek applications for a tenure track faculty position at the assistant professor level in urban and regional planning. The faculty member will join a vibrant community of interdisciplinary scholars at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, support graduate students as part of the Masters of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) professional degree program and other professional degree programs, along with the Ph.D. in Public Affairs program. Successful candidates must demonstrate the potential to develop an innovative and socially impactful research portfolio that addresses contemporary questions related to social equity and planning.

Salary will be commensurate with experience. Benefits include health, dental, faculty life/disability insurance, retirement, and social security. The starting date for this appointment is August 25, 2025 or as soon thereafter as possible.

Applicants may have disciplinary backgrounds in urban planning, public affairs, public policy, or related fields. We seek candidates working in the areas of reparative, anti-racism, or decolonial planning, or race and urbanism. We are looking for planning scholars who also link to one or more of our MURP concentrations; land use, housing and community development, environmental planning, and transportation planning. We welcome applications from scholars employing a broad range of methodological approaches with a preference for applicants who have a demonstrated commitment to engaged and interdisciplinary scholarship. Candidates should be able to teach graduate-level courses in race and urbanism, civic participation, and courses in their area of expertise.

All candidates must hold a Ph.D. by the time of employment. Candidates must be committed to scholarly and socially impactful research; provide leadership to established Masters and Ph.D. programs at the Humphrey School; be willing to help prepare students for careers in urban and regional planning; function collaboratively in a multi- and interdisciplinary environment; and help ensure the long-term capacity of the School as a center of excellence for professional education, service, and scholarship.

About the Department

The Humphrey School of Public Affairs is committed to academic excellence and diversity in every facet of its work, and in its mission: to educate, engage, and equip leaders and communities to discover solutions that advance the common good in our diverse world. The School is ranked in the top ten nationally among U.S. based schools of public affairs, is NASPAA and PAB-accredited, and known for its research and public engagement in local, state, national, and international policy spheres.

The Humphrey School works to enrich the diversity of the University community and encourages faculty applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply. Our concept of a diverse community encompasses people with identities that have been historically marginalized in our society and underrepresented in higher education and the realm of public affairs, particularly: scholars from the Global South; Black, Indigenous, and people of color; new immigrants; people with disabilities; women and people of all gender identities and expressions; LGBTQIA+ individuals; and first- generation college students. We seek candidates whose approach to teaching and research is innovative and inclusive in terms of structurally or historically underrepresented groups. The Humphrey School also recognizes issues of access and climate for individuals who might encounter barriers based on their religion, age, national origin, ethnicity, or veteran status. We are committed to creating, inviting, and welcoming individuals into an environment where all people may learn and contribute with a sense of belonging.

Benefits

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

How To Apply

Applications should include curriculum vitae, the names and contact information of three references, a sample of recent research, and a cover letter with a brief account of research and teaching interests and experience.

Address cover and reference letters to: Search Committee for Urban and Regional Planning, Humphrey School of Public Affairs, c/o Human Resources, 301-19th Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455.

Applications will be reviewed beginning November 4, 2024. This position will remain open until filled.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).