The University of Oregon (UO) Historic Preservation Program (HP) invites applications for a full-time tenure track position at the rank of assistant professor, to begin in fall 2016. This faculty member will be based in Portland and will provide instruction and student mentoring in the Historic Preservation Program.
The Historic Preservation Program seeks an active scholar and educator for its nationally recognized professional master’s degree program. The successful candidate for this position will have begun a record of relevant and innovative research and professional practice. The candidate will be expected to make significant contributions to an academic program that is responsive to the historic preservation needs of the West and, in particular, the Pacific Northwest. The successful candidate will have the ability to work effectively with faculty, staff and students from a variety of diverse backgrounds.
University Context:
The University of Oregon is an AAU research university with roughly 25,000 students. The UO Historic Preservation Program resides within the School of Architecture & Allied Arts (A&AA). The school consists of five departments and four programs: the Departments of Architecture; Art (which includes digital arts); History of Art and Architecture; Landscape Architecture; and Planning Public Policy and Management; and the Programs in Arts and Administration, Historic Preservation, Interior Architecture, and Product Design.
The UO Historic Preservation Program, which works collaboratively within the interdisciplinary context of A&AA, stresses building technology, cultural resource management, building documentation, and sociocultural analysis as part of a rigorous research agenda. The Historic Preservation Program emphasizes (a) experiential learning – the hands-on experience of doing preservation in the field, and (b) research in the field of preservation theory and practice, concentrating on the cultural, historical, technological and environmental factors that shape the world. Courses are augmented by fieldwork in the urban, suburban, and rural areas of the region, with frequent involvement with the area’s professionals, officials, and agencies concerned with historic resources.
For more information about the Program, please refer to http://hp.uoregon.edu
Position:
The search committee will review candidates with specialized strengths and teaching experience in either of two areas:
1. Cultural Resource Management: Includes instruction of Introduction to Historic Preservation, Survey & Inventory, and National Register Nomination courses. The ability to offer courses in American architectural history and skills in public advocacy are also beneficial.
2. Building Sciences: Includes instruction in Condition Assessment, Building Recordation (i.e., HABS/HAER), Building Pathology (i.e., Woods, Metals, Masonry) and/or adaptive use studio.
The committee would also consider an architectural historian qualified to teach the American architectural history sequence for this position. A faculty member in this area would also be called upon to teach the National Register and Introduction to Historic Preservation courses.
The University of Oregon is organized into three terms during the academic year in addition to summer programs. As a result, the expected annual teaching load for this position is 5 courses. In addition to providing instruction and student mentoring in the graduate program in Portland, the ideal candidate for this position would possess the skills and interests necessary to serve as Director of the Pacific Northwest Field School, a summer field experience designed to attract those with no experience in preservation but working in related fields such as cultural resource management, current undergraduate or graduate students, and those with little experience but with a love for heritage and a desire to learn. A successful candidate selected to serve as Director of the Field School would be expected to teach only 4 courses during the academic year. More information on the Field School is available at: https://hp.uoregon.edu/pnwfs
With the support of a major individual gift, the thirty-five year old Program is poised to be among the leading programs nationally in historic preservation. Its new headquarters in the 1883 LEED Gold cast iron front White Stag Building in the Old Town district of Portland represents the University’s and Program’s commitment to sustainable adaptive use and context-based community development. The new facility houses spaces and state-of-the-art facilities – library, classrooms, studios, offices, conference facilities, and woodshop/lab –that will elevate the educational experience for the Historic Preservation Program. In moving to Portland, the program will increase its connection to the urban fabric, utilize the vast resources available for research (including the Architectural Heritage Center’s collection of historic building parts, the second largest in the United States), and strengthen opportunities for applied learning through the network of practitioners in Portland.
Qualifications:
A terminal graduate degree from an accredited institution must be attained before September 15, 2016 (doctoral degree or master’s degree as required by the candidate’s academic field), preferably in historic preservation or in a discipline or field closely related to historic preservation studies. A demonstrated commitment to building a scholarly profile in historic preservation is required. Accordingly, the candidate should demonstrate a deep commitment to intellectual inquiry in teaching activities, in scholarly research and publication, and in professional practice. Applicants should demonstrate evidence of college or university teaching excellence, experience in historic preservation, and professional engagement.
A strong regional interest in the West or Pacific Northwest is desirable, as is significant scholarly interest in vernacular architecture, urban historic buildings, historic building technology, cultural studies in historic preservation, or another specialization closely related to the field.
The successful candidate will possess excellent communication skills, strong collaboration skills, and the ability to establish, maintain, and grow relationships with preservation professionals and stakeholders in the community. Further, the UO is committed to creating a more inclusive and diverse institution and seeks candidates with demonstrated potential to contribute positively to its diverse community.
Responsibilities:
Maintain an active research agenda related to professional practice. Teach graduate and undergraduate courses in the field of historic preservation, direct master’s theses and projects, and provide academic and career advising to students seeking a degree in Historic Preservation. Support the Director and other faculty in enhancing the curriculum of the Historic Preservation Program, plan and participate in activities outside of the classroom, and forge alliances and productive partnerships with units across the University, academic institutions in Portland, and the professional field of historic preservation –- in the Pacific Northwest, nationally, and internationally. Committee service to the program, school, and University is expected.
Salary:
Commensurate with qualifications. The University of Oregon offers an excellent benefits package.
Application Procedures:
Applications are to be submitted via Academic Jobs Online by March 21, 2016
Please submit (upload) only the following: additional items submitted will not be considered in the first review of applications.
1. A letter of application explaining your interest in the position.
2. Your comprehensive curriculum vitae
3. A one-page statement of your scholarly approach to historic preservation
4. A one-page statement of your approach to field training and related activities.
5. A one-page statement of your teaching philosophy and approach toward mentoring students
6. Copies of two article-length peer-reviewed submittals in the historic preservation field or a related professional field addressing historic resources. You may substitute a portfolio item of an applied preservation project (i.e. National Register listing or HABS drawing) for one of these submittals.
7. As the search progresses, applicants who advance in the process should be prepared to provide, at short notice, the names and contact information for three referees.
The position will be open until filled. Review of applications will begin March 22, 2016. Semi-finalists will be interviewed by telephone or Skype. Semi-finalists and finalists may be asked to submit additional information, such as additional publications, course syllabi, and evidence of academic program leadership. Finalists will be interviewed on campus in winter term 2016.
The University of Oregon is an equal opportunity, affirmative-action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply, and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status.
Direct inquiries to:
Dr. Kingston Wm. Heath
HP Search Committee Chair
Historic Preservation Program
School of Architecture & Allied Arts
5230 University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97403-5230
Telephone: 541-346-2115
Email: kwheath@uoregon.edu