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The University of Minnesota's School of Architecture, has opened a search to fill a tenure-track position in Design. 

We are seeking an applicant who is, first and foremost, an exceptional design studio instructor and also a critical thinker, ideally with a record of academic engagement with contemporary cultural issues and social challenges. This requires a fundamental understanding of design as a unique mode of thought, while retaining interest in its engagement with broader contemporary issues. 

The School's primary objective is to hire a faculty member who excels at teaching design studio across all levels of the undergraduate or graduate program, with the capacity to lead large introductory design courses. The selected candidate must also present a compelling research agenda, with demonstrated expertise in bridging research and design and whose own design practices reveal the sophisticated integration of research. While this research could be pedagogical in nature, the candidate's eventual tenure case may be best served by an additional, non-pedagogical research trajectory. The selected candidate will be expected to participate in faculty governance, at the school, 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 design excellence, strong relationship with prominent practitioners, emphasis on critical thinking skills, socially engaged students 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 current transformations to 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. Current strengths of the School include design pedagogy, sustainability, building technology, emerging practices and the social impact of architecture. The School and College strategic goals will sharpen focus on theoretical perspectives, global practice, culture of building, public interest design and economic factors in design. 

Minnesota is recognized as a progressive state and the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul 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 Professor. Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. The expected start date is August 27, 2012. 

Essential Qualifications: At a minimum, an M.Arch. degree, or B.Arch., with equivalent experience is required. Demonstrated record of excellence in teaching design studio, at either the undergraduate or graduate level. Demonstrated interest and potential to develop and coordinate design courses, as described above. Ability to mentor adjunct faculty who may not have extensive design studio experience. Record of academic engagement with contemporary cultural phenomena and social challenges. Ability to support interdisciplinary initiatives in teaching and research with other fields in the college. Evidence of research, with demonstrated expertise in bridging research and design and a record of design practices (academic and/or professional), that reveal sophisticated integration of research. Candidate must demonstrate a proven ability to support the University's commitment to equity and diversity. 

Preferred Qualifications: Design experience in the field of Architecture (academic or professional). Professional licensure. Experience working with multidisciplinary collaborations and outreach. 

Applications: Application procedure is online (employment.umn.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=98779 -- Requisition #174925). Submit an attachment, summarizing: a) your professional experience; b) philosophy of teaching; and, c) interest/experience in leadership for curriculum development and coordinating large (150 to 250 students) undergraduate introductory courses and design studios (at all levels). Each summary should be no more than 200 - 300 words. Also, submit the following attachments: curriculum vita; a portfolio of both student work and scholarship/design work (no more than 20 pages); samples of recent teaching evaluations (10 page maximum); and, contact information for three professional references. Exhibits should be submitted as .PDF attachments in the online employment system, maximum size 10 Mb. Hard copy exhibits of student work and scholarship/design work will be accepted, but must be either accompanied by an electronic file/s or emailed as a .PDF attachment/s (cvigen@umn.edu). 

U.S. Mail Address (Non-returnable Exhibits): 

Carrie Vigen, HR Specialist 
College of Design 
University of Minnesota 
McNeal Hall, 1985 Buford Avenue, Rm. 32 
St. Paul, MN 55108 

Telephone:             612.624.1721       
Fax: 612.625.1922 

Applications will be considered beginning January 31, 2012. 

Process Questions: Carrie Vigen (            612/624-1721      ; cvigen@umn.edu). 
Committee Chair: Jennifer Yoos (            612/872-6370      , Extension 202; jennifer-yoos@vjaa.com). 

For more information, visit our website (http://arch.design.umn.edu/).

• EEO/AA Policy The University of Minnesota is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities and employment, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status or sexual orientation.