School of Planning, Design and Construction

Landscape Architecture Program Teaching Specialist Position Announcement

The Landscape Architecture Program in the School of Planning, Design & Construction (SPDC) at Michigan State University (MSU) invites applications for a full-time, 9-month Continuing Academic Specialist-Teaching position for the academic year, starting in August 2024. This role primarily involves a 90% teaching and 10% service assignment.

The Teaching Specialist in MSU Landscape Architecture program will play a key role in advancing the program's educational mission. The successful candidate will address emerging issues in landscape architecture and contribute to a curriculum that emphasizes professional education in the field. Proficiency in teaching core courses is essential. We are especially interested in a candidate whose teaching can emphasize, but not limited to, traditional and digital communication courses, introductory landscape architecture courses, and design studios. In addition, the successful candidate will oversee our study abroad program, contribute to curriculum development, and actively promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in education. Engaging with students, providing mentorship, advising, and supporting their academic and professional growth will be integral components of this role. Collaborating with faculty to help steer the program's direction and ensure its ongoing growth and excellence is another key aspect of this position.

Required qualifications:

Candidate must have a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture (MLA) from an accredited degree program, or an accredited Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) or accredited Bachelor of Science (BS) in Landscape Architecture degree, along with a terminal Master’s degree in a related field at the start of employment. Ability to teach core courses in landscape architecture is essential. Furthermore, the successful candidate should demonstrate a proven or potential track record of teaching activities that may contribute to the interdisciplinary focus of SPDC.

Desired qualifications:

Preference will be given to candidates who have professional landscape architecture licensure and professional experiences in Landscape Architecture or a related design field. Outstanding landscape architectural design and communication skills are desired.

School of Planning, Design, and Construction:

The School of Planning, Design, and Construction (SPDC) 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 485 undergraduate and 55 graduate students. The School is jointly administered by the Colleges of Agriculture & Natural Resources (CANR) and Social Science (CSS). 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, and economic and community development. Please refer to the School’s homepage available at: http://www.spdc.msu.edu/.

Landscape Architecture program:

Established in 1898, the MSU Landscape Architecture program balances ideology, design, technology, art and science toward creating a sustainable and resilient world. The Landscape Architecture program is accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board (LAAB), and consistently ranked among the top landscape architecture programs across the country. Landscape Architecture faculty teach and engage with students at the bachelors (BLA), masters (MED), and doctorate (Ph.D. of the Environmental Design Concentration) levels. Please find more information about the MSU landscape architecture program in http://www.canr.msu.edu/spdc/programs/landscape_architecture/.  

Location:

The position will be based at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI, USA. 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 (CANR) and Social Science (CSS) at MSU 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 from all backgrounds who are committed to the principle that academic excellence is achieved through open access and proactive inclusion. Candidates are invited to view SPDC’s Community Code of Conduct 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 # 921529. Upload the following required documents: 1) letter of interest that includes qualifications for the position and highlights how your experiences align with the position (2-page maximum); 2) current curriculum vitae; 3) design portfolio; 4) a statement (2-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 5) contact information for three references. No letters are requested when you apply. Additional materials may be requested after the initial review of applications. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Review of Applications:

The search committee will begin reviewing applications on March 1, 2024, and continue until a suitable candidate is selected. Questions regarding this position can be addressed to the Search Committee Chair: Dr. Jun-Hyun Kim, Landscape Architecture Program Director, School of Planning, Design and Construction, Michigan State University, junhkim@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.