Open Rank – Assistant, Associate or Full Professor – “1855 Professorship” in Social and Environmenta

Open Rank – Assistant, Associate or Full Professor – “1855 Professorship” in Social and Environmental Justice

School of Planning, Design and Construction

Michigan State University

Position description: The School of Planning, Design and Construction (SPDC) at Michigan State University invites applications for a high profile, open rank “1855 Professorship.” This solicitation is for a full‐time, 9-month tenure system Assistant, Associate or Full Professor (rank will be commensurate with the successful applicant’s experience) with 45% research, 45% teaching, and 10% service assignment. In addition to the academic home in SPDC, the position is affiliated with the Center for Global Change & Earth Observations, and Environmental Science and Policy Program through adjunct status or partial appointment. The position start date is anticipated to be Fall 2024.

As part of Michigan State University’s “1855 Professorships” group, the position is anticipated to form a cohort at the university level to advance and transform high-impact research and teaching in diversity, equity and inclusion. Details of the 1855 Professorships are described on the university’s website (https://provost.msu.edu/priorities-and-initiatives/1855-professorships). The successful candidate will have expertise and scholarly evidence in social justice and environmental justice in the fields of planning, design, development, or policy and will contribute to the school vision for creating sustainable and healthy built, natural and virtual environments. Candidates must demonstrate substantial experience working with minoritized communities in the US. Ability to bridge research across the built environment disciplines is highly desirable. The successful candidate will be expected to teach within landscape architecture and/or urban planning in areas of, for example, people and their environment, environmental planning, sustainable development, social equity in planning and the intersection between environmental and social justice. Diversity, equity and inclusion needs to be at the core in research, teaching and service. The candidate is expected to teach three courses per academic year.

Required qualifications:

• Earned master’s and Ph.D. degrees in landscape architecture, urban & regional planning, or a closely related field from a peer institution,
• Demonstrated substantial experience working with minoritized communities in the US.
• All required degrees must be earned by the start date.

Desired qualifications: Practical experience is desired. AICP credential or landscape architecture licensure welcomed. 

The School of Planning, Design, and Construction unites four academic programs related to the built environment: Construction Management, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, and Urban and Regional Planning, as well as the National Charrette Institute, with 45 faculty and academic specialists, and 8 staff members. The School offers 9 degree pathways from Bachelors to Ph.D. – including 5 professionally accredited degrees with over 500 undergraduate and 80 graduate students. The School is jointly administered by the Colleges of Agriculture & Natural Resources and Social Science.

The mission of the School is to advance the knowledge, prepare innovative leaders, and support the practice of planning, design, and construction. Our academic activities address sustainability, health, transportation, economic development and communities. Please refer to the School’s homepage available at: http://spdc.msu.edu/

The School is committed to achieving excellence by creating and sustaining an accessible, equitable and inclusive environment that values cultural and academic diversity. We are particularly interested in candidates of all backgrounds who are committed to the principle that academic excellence is achieved through open access, mutual respect and proactive inclusion.

Center for Global Change & Earth Observations (CGCEO) is a group of MSU scientists from multiple fields who conduct collaborative research, at multiple scales, that relies on geospatial technologies, earth observation, data analytics, modeling, on-the-ground field research, coupled human and natural system interactions, and socioeconomic and policy analyses. Through research, training of students and early-career scientists, and outreach to stakeholders, we seek to equip society with the technical tools and the physical, socioeconomic, and ecological knowledge to maintain sustainable ecosystems and societies. The work of CGCEO is facilitated by our shared space and staff resources, and regular interactions through meetings, seminars, and collaborative research, and educational activities.

Environmental Science and Policy Program (ESPP) is a unique multidisciplinary program for environmental research and graduate education at MSU, working together with colleges and departments in a collaborative manner to solve environmental problems.

Location: The position will be based at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI, USA. Michigan State University (MSU) is one of the top research universities in the world and home to nationally ranked and recognized academic, residential college, and service-learning programs. MSU is a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, and scientists that provide regional, national, and international leadership in basic and applied research and excellence in teaching. In addition, consistent with its Land Grant origins, the MSU community pursues international engagement and provides strong extension programs that partner with diverse stakeholders to provide much needed research in the areas of food, energy, water and the environment. MSU enjoys a park‐like campus with outlying research facilities and natural areas. The campus is located in the city of East Lansing, adjacent to the capital city of Lansing. The Lansing metropolitan area has a diverse population of >500,000. Local communities have excellent school systems and place a high value on education. The University is proactive about its obligations under the ADA, and provides individual accessibility plans to students and employees with disabilities. Michigan State University is also proactive in exploring opportunities for employment for dual career families, both inside and outside the University, and respects all family forms. Information about MSU’s dual career and other support can be found at http://worklife.msu.edu/

Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: The Colleges of Agriculture and Natural Resources and Social Science at Michigan State University are committed to achieving excellence by creating and sustaining an accessible and inclusive culture that values cultural and academic diversity. We are an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer. We are particularly interested in candidates of all backgrounds who are committed to the principle that academic excellence is achieved through open access and proactive inclusion. Candidates are invited to view norms adopted by SPDC at https://socialscience.msu.edu/_assets/pdfs/Community-Code-of-Conduct.pdf

Salary and Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with qualifications. MSU offers a generous benefits package (details at https://hr.msu.edu/benefits/index.html).

To Apply: For consideration, submit your application online at http://careers.msu.edu to job number 855527. Upload the following required documents: a) letter of interest that includes qualifications for the position and highlights how your experiences align with the position; b) current curriculum vitae; c) a statement of teaching philosophy (2‐page maximum); d) a statement (3-page maximum) addressing your experience with diversity, equity and inclusion in teaching/learning, mentoring, service, professional activities and research and/or describing how you will contribute to MSU’s goals of inclusive excellence; and e) contact information for three academic/professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Review of Applications: The search committee will begin reviewing applications on 8/31/23 and continue until a suitable candidate is selected.

Questions regarding this position can be addressed to the Search Committee Chair: Zenia Kotval, School of Planning, Design and Construction, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA, kotval@msu.edu

MSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. We actively encourage applications from, and nominations of, women, persons of color, veterans, persons with disabilities and other individuals who can contribute to the intellectual diversity and cultural richness at Michigan State University. MSU is committed to providing a work environment that supports employees’ work and personal life, and offers employment assistance to the spouse or partner of candidates for faculty and academic staff positions.