Assistant Professor - Urban Geography

About the Job

The University of Minnesota Department of Geography, Environment and Society invites applications for a full‑time, tenure‑track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in the area of Urban Environments. Candidates should have a strong publication record appropriate for the rank, demonstrated success in community‑engaged research, and a research focus on North American cities. Faculty are expected to maintain an active scholarly program, develop and teach undergraduate and graduate courses, mentor and advise students, and contribute service to the department, college, and profession.

Tenure‑track assistant professors teach four semester‑length courses per academic year across undergraduate and graduate levels.

The department’s Standards for Promotion and Tenure (see (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).%20

Environment%2C%20and%20

Society%
Statement%) and the College of Liberal Arts’ Workload Principles and Guidelines ( Workload Principles Guidelines ) apply to this appointment.

• A PhD in Geography, Urban Planning, or a closely related discipline by August 2026.
• Scholarly expertise in the environmental and social effects of urban public policy.
• A competitive academic record appropriate for the career stage, including peer‑reviewed publications in high‑quality journals and a clear vision for a successful research program.
• Potential for securing research grants as appropriate to the research program.
• Capacity to mentor undergraduate and graduate students in Geography and Urban Studies and contribute to the curriculum of the Urban Studies major.

• A track record of interdisciplinary research in environmental studies.
• Demonstrated success designing, implementing, and publishing community‑engaged research.
• Regional expertise in U.S. Midwestern cities.
• Capacity to apply and teach quantitative and qualitative methods, including Geographical Information Systems, to graduate and undergraduate students.

Pay Range: $85,000 to $125,000, depending on education, qualifications, and experience. Appointment is 100% full‑time. Position Type:
Tenure‑Truck. Faculty at the rank of Assistant Professor.

Benefits include competitive wages, paid holidays, generous time off, professional development opportunities, low‑cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans, flexible spending accounts, HSA contributions, disability and employer‑paid life insurance, employee wellbeing program, retirement plans with employer contribution, Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity, financial counseling services, Employee Assistance Program, and an employee transit pass.

Faculty positions also include significant start‑up funds, retirement, health, and other benefits per state law.

Applications must be submitted online prior to March 1, 2026. The position will remain open until filled.

• Curriculum vitae that includes brief statements of the applicant’s contributions to publications that include multiple authors.
• An expanded cover letter (max two pages) addressed to the chair of the search committee, Dr. Adam Bledsoe, articulating the applicant’s fit with the job description and research agenda.
• Contact information for three references (letters to follow).

The University of Minnesota recognizes and values diversity and inclusion. Equal access is provided regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. For more information, visit .

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists.

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities is one of the largest public research universities in the United States, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Located in Minneapolis and St. Paul, the campus partners with health centers, corporations, government agencies, arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations. The university has been recognized as a top workplace and an employer of choice.