Michigan State University

School of Planning, Design and Construction 

Program Fixed Term Teaching Specialist Position in the Landscape Architecture

The Landscape Architecture Program in the School of Planning, Design & Construction (SPDC) at Michigan State University (MSU) invites applications for a full-time, Fixed Term Teaching Specialist, expected to start on August 16, 2025. This position is an academic year (9-month) appointment, comprising 75% teaching, 15% outreach, and 10% service. Continuation of the appointment is contingent upon positive annual performance reviews.

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. Required proficiency includes teaching four to five core landscape architecture courses per academic year. We are particularly interested in candidates whose teaching portfolio includes, but is not limited to, traditional and digital communication, design studios, site engineering, and history courses. The successful candidate will also contribute to our study abroad program, curriculum development, and actively promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in education. Responsibilities include engaging with students, providing mentorship, advising, and supporting their academic and professional development.

In addition, the new faculty member will coordinate diverse program events, including career fairs and lecture series, in collaboration with our alumni advisory board. They will also engage in impactful and inclusive collaborative opportunities with the Community, Food, and Environment Institute (CFEI) at Michigan State University Extension (MSUE).

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.

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 500 undergraduate and 60 graduate students. The School is administered by the Colleges of Agriculture & Natural Resources (CANR). 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 is the oldest landscape program in the US. The 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 of Environmental Design (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 nearly 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 support can be found at: https://worklife.msu.edu/dual-career. Information about other work-life assistance at MSU can be found at http://worklife.msu.edu/.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: 

CANR and SPDC 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 #988778. 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) recommendation letters from at least three references. 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 December 1st, 2024 and continue until a suitable candidate is selected. Questions regarding this position can be addressed to the Search Committee Chair: Dr. Eunsil Lee, leeeunsi@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.