About the Job
The Humphrey School of Public Affairs seeks applications for a tenured faculty position at the associate or full professor level in urban and regional planning. The faculty member will join a vibrant community of interdisciplinary scholars at the Humphrey School, supporting graduate students in the Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) professional degree program, the Ph.D. in Public Affairs program, and other related programs at the University of Minnesota. This position is joint with the UMN College of Extension, enabling the candidate to develop a component of their teaching and research program to inform the work of the Community Development Extension 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.
Applicants may have disciplinary backgrounds in urban or regional planning, public affairs, public policy, or related fields. We seek candidates working broadly on housing policy and neighborhood affordability, which can include: housing planning or development; housing policy or regulation; housing politics or political economy; housing justice; or the intersection of neighborhood redevelopment and affordability. We welcome applications from scholars employing a broad range of methodological approaches, though with a preference for applicants who conduct mixed-methods research inclusive of quantitative methods. We also welcome applications from scholars interested in exploring intersecting and related rural-urban affordability challenges.
Candidates should be able to teach graduate-level courses related to their area of expertise, as well as contribute to one or more core courses in the Urban and Regional Planning area. As part of the faculty of a comprehensive school of public affairs, they may also have opportunities to teach students with a diverse range of backgrounds and interests.
Candidates must be committed to scholarly and socially impactful research; provide leadership to established master’s 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.
This search is for candidates at the associate or full professor rank. Candidates should demonstrate a nationally or internationally recognized research program, a consistent record of high-quality publications, and a record of excellent teaching and service.
The starting date for this appointment is August 30, 2027 or as soon thereafter as possible. This position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
All candidates must hold a Ph.D. by the time of employment. See preferred qualifications in the description above.
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 5% nationally among U.S. based schools of public affairs, is NASPAA-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.
Pay and Benefits
Pay Range: $120,000 - $135,000 (associate professor) or $140,000 - $165,000 (full professor), based on qualifications and experience
Time Appointment: 100% Appointment
Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff
Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.
The University 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
How To Apply
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 or CV.
This position will remain open until filled.
Applications should include: a curriculum vitae; a cover letter that outlines research and teaching interests; two samples of recent research (publications or manuscripts); and a list of three references.
The deadline to apply is November 10, 2026 . Applications will be reviewed beginning mid-October.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [contact details available in the full listing].
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 University of Minnesota
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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State [contact details available in the full listing]). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.
