Job Description

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in urban planning, public policy, sociology, political science, or a related social science field;
• Experience in research related to housing policies and conditions, tenant-landlord relations, or housing movements;
• Experience with community-engaged research;
• Experience in writing up research results for publication.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with film or video production;
• Experience in presenting research findings in public venues and to funders;
• Knowledge of Twin Cities housing issues;
• Success in publishing research results in highly regarded journals.

The Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA) is hiring a full-time Postdoctoral Associate in Urban and Regional Affairs. The postdoctoral position is a temporary scholarly appointment. The Associate will carry out advanced independent and/or directed research related to issues of housing, community development, land use, racial equity, and other issues of interest to the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area or the Upper Midwest region. The duration of the postdoctoral appointment will be either one or two years as negotiated with the successful candidate.

Research projects for the Postdoctoral Associate will be generated in any of the following ways: 1) an issue of importance in the region decided upon by the leadership of CURA in consultation with program staff, 2) Requests for Proposals that are offered by local organizations and agencies, and 3) the Associate’s own interests as they relate to the mission of CURA.

We are especially interested in candidates with experience in engaged, community-based research, and experience in working with community partners in the conduct of research. We are also interested in candidates who have experience with different media including film and video as a means of communicating research findings and relating research-based stories. The ideal candidate would be one who combines interest and experience in engaged research with innovative media experience.

The Executive Director, as the responsible faculty member, will establish the professional objectives and performance standards for the incumbent and will make annual evaluations. The incumbent will conduct research and ensure that all research is appropriately conducted following the policies and procedures of the University of Minnesota.

To be classified at this level, the incumbent must not have been professionally employed in their specialty subsequent to the receipt of the doctoral or other appropriate terminal degree. Prior assignment as Teaching or Graduate Assistant or Post-doc is permitted.

Duties assigned to this title will require an in depth knowledge of a specialized field, process, or discipline and may involve organizing and implementing complex research plans, the development of methods of research, testing and data collection, analysis and evaluation, and writing reports containing descriptive, analytical and evaluative content. The duties will require the exercise of independent discretion and judgment in carrying out research activities within the predetermined research scope and methodology.

CURA is an applied research and technical assistance center that helps the University of Minnesota fulfill its land grant and urban missions by connecting faculty and student resources with nonprofit organizations, businesses, neighborhoods, local governments, and state agencies in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area and throughout Minnesota. CURA supports research and publishes policy-oriented research based reports on a wide range of urban and regional issues. The Postdoctoral Associate will work with other program leaders to develop and carry out CURA’s research agenda.

A COMPLETE application must be submitted online via the University of Minnesota system.

• Letter of application that explains your vision for this position and how your career goals training and experiences support your candidacy.
• A complete resume.
• Names and contact information of three individuals who can comment on your abilities and experience.

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

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.

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).

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