Assistant Professor; Tectonics

Position Announcement

Proposed

Start Date:

09/16/2026

Portland State University School of Architecture wishes to hire a full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor to teach structures with building technology and architectural design studio. Candidates will be expected to embrace the culture of making at the heart of our pedagogy through creative teaching strategies, critical perspectives and innovative practices. The appointment includes advising and mentoring congruent with creative and engaged instruction, including graduate design thesis.

The school has designed its pedagogy upon a creative engagement with the prevailing realities of the city as a primary means of cultural transformation, and perceives Portland as an urban laboratory for speculations into contemporary social and environmental issues. Taking place through interaction and collaboration with the communities at large, the school promotes theoretical exploration, critical dialogue and interpretive making with diverse media at multiple scales.

Candidate must be able to teach effectively across all levels and be fully engaged in the innovation of new pedagogic strategies and curricular development.

• Master’s degree in Architecture
• Candidates should demonstrate tangible instructional experience in teaching situations, including structures, building technology classes, and architectural design studio, with at least 3 years of teaching experience (equivalent to 2 years of full-time teaching).
• Candidates must be able to articulate an existing, continuing research and/or creative agenda that expands the scholarly field of architecture and demonstrate how this will contribute to the enrichment of school pedagogy.

• Creates an environment that acknowledges, encourages and celebrates differences.
• Functions and communicates effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities and cultural backgrounds.
• Seeks opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.

At Portland State University, all employees are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner which maintains a safe, respectful, and productive environment for faculty, students, administrators, and staff. It is the responsibility of every member of the Portland State University community to conduct themselves in accordance with our PSU Professional Standards of Conduct
.

Salary is dependent on several factors, and new employees will typically start around the Q1 level to allow for later growth within the salary band. PSU has a structured process for determining starting compensation, taking into account years of related experience, applicable skills, knowledge and abilities, market parity, and internal equity. The starting annual salary for this position will be $76,239 but may be negotiated above this rate dependent upon the factors above, the budget of the hiring department, and approval from HR.

An excellent benefits package includes 95% premium paid healthcare ; a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon University System schools.

Applications will be reviewed beginning December 1 2025 and continue until finalists are identified. All applications, including portfolio submission, should be submitted electronically through the PSU application system. All files should be 9 MB or less.

Required submission materials:

• CV
• statement of teaching philosophy
• statement of teaching interests
• evidence of teaching effectiveness
• A focused portfolio of no more than 20 pages representing:
  • a) examples of research and/or creative activities;
  • b) examples of student work completed under the direction of the applicant;
  • (Please upload portfolio under “Link to Website or Design Portfolio” and keep at 9 MB or less)
• Names, emails and phone numbers of three references, who will be contacted if you are a finalist for the position.

Minimum Number of References: 3

If you have questions, please email the Search Committee Chair Professor Travis Bell at btravis

Does this position require the employee to drive a motor vehicle? No

Background Check

Required:

Yes

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled