Cass Gilbert Fellowship in Architecture
The University of Minnesota School of Architecture is pleased to offer the bi-annual Cass Gilbert Design Fellowship,
which seeks new to early-career candidates who are eager to engage the community in their scholarship and make a
lasting, high impact on students and the school as a whole. The School’s primary objective is to select a candidate with
expertise in emerging technologies who can infuse his/her exploration and knowledge into the core undergraduate and
graduate student learning experience in a design-focused capacity. We aim to draw dynamic, inquisitive faculty who
are also well-grounded 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.
In addition, the candidate’s research agenda should clearly align with or build on one or more of our existing strengths;
for example: design-build and community engagement; use of data in virtual design methodology; or the use of
technology to address inequalities manifested in the built environment and advance instruction to a diverse group of
underrepresented students. Priority will be given to candidates who demonstrate a clear and effective way of
integrating their existing or proposed critical scholarly and design research into strategies for teaching design.
The successful candidate will be expected to develop and teach core and elective courses in a diverse community of
undergraduate and graduate students (a minimum courseload of two classes per semester); collaborate with faculty in
the school, college and across the university; mentor undergraduate and/or graduate students; and participate in
faculty governance and service, as well as public engagement. S/he will be expected to develop a strong record of
research culminating in a research exhibition. We are committed to attracting candidates from historically
underrepresented groups in Architecture because diversity enriches learning and provides the knowledge base for
innovations in research and practice.
Position: The Fellowship is a 100%-time, nine-month, annually renewable, contract faculty appointment at the level of
Assistant Professor. Appointment may have the option of renewal for a second year, contingent upon performance
and funding. Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. The expected start date
is August 31, 2015.
Institutional Setting: The College of Design, one of the most comprehensive design colleges in the country, leads,
innovates and educates in the full range of design fields; i.e., apparel design, architecture, graphic design, housing
studies, human factors and ergonomics, interior design, landscape architecture, product design, and retail
merchandising. The College offers rich opportunities for interdisciplinary research and public engagement through its
highly regarded research and outreach centers that include Sustainable Building Research, Design in Health, the
Goldstein Museum of Design, Metropolitan Design Center, Changing Landscapes, and Wearable Product Design. College
labs in support of student work and faculty research include: Digital Fabrication Lab, Human Dimensioning Lab, W.L. Hall
Workshop, Product Design Studio Lab, Virtual Reality Lab, and Wearable Technology Lab
(http://design.umn.edu/about/facilities.html).
Minnesota is recognized as a center for innovation in health care and medical technologies with the University of
Minnesota contributing as a rich resource for research and teaching. The College of Design has strong links with
programs in the College of Science and Engineering (Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering,
Computer Science, Digital Technology Center), the Carlson School of Management, the Academic Health Center
(Medicine, Nursing, Public Health, Center for Spirituality and Healing).
The School of Architecture is known for its history of high-quality design, strong relationship with prominent
practitioners, and emphasis on critical thinking skills. The School sits at the academic hub of vibrant professional and
research communities. Minnesota is recognized as a progressive state and the Twin Cities, in particular, for its rich
design and arts culture. Well known for its high quality of life, the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area offers worldcaliber 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.
Required Qualifications: At a minimum, an M.Arch degree, or B.Arch with equivalent experience is required.
Candidates should demonstrate the potential to develop and teach core and elective courses at a variety of
undergraduate and graduate levels and to a diverse group of students. Demonstrated expertise in emerging
technologies and the ability to collaborate with researchers with a wide range of viewpoints. The ability to support the
University’s commitment to equity and diversity.
Preferred Qualifications: Exceptionally promising experience in emerging technologies aligned with design build and
community engagement, use of data in virtual design methodology, and/or use of technology to address inequalities
manifested in the built environment and advance instruction to a diverse group of underrepresented students; and a
record of innovative teaching. Demonstrated critical scholarly and design research in area of expertise and evidence of
a clear and effective way of integrating their existing or proposed critical scholarly and design research into strategies
for teaching design.
To Apply: Required application procedure is online via the University of Minnesota Employment System at
http://employment.umn.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=125335 (Job # 194997). The following materials must be
submitted as PDF attachments with your online submission: 1) letter of interest; 2) curriculum vitae; 3) statement
regarding your professional experience and statement regarding your philosophy of teaching; 4) portfolio of both
student work and scholarship / design work; 5) contact information for three professional references. Maximum file
size for attachments is 5MB.
Priority consideration will be given to applications received by January 5, 2015; search will remain open until filled.
Process Questions: Carrie Vigen, Human Resources 612/624-1721 or cvigen@umn.edu. Search Committee Chair:
Professor Lee Anderson, 612/624-5201 or landerso@umn.edu. Employment is contingent on a satisfactory
background check. For more information, please visit our web site at: http://design.umn.edu.
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.