Careers

THREE POSITIONS, THE  UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST

Position #1: Director of Design-Build Program (Lecturer Calendar Year)

Position Description

The Building and Construction Technology Program (Department of Environmental Conservation) and the Department of Architecture at the University of Massachusetts Amherst invite applications for a full-time Director and Primary Instructor for the UMass DesignBuild program. This is a joint hire between the Department of Environmental Conservation (Primary) and the Department of Architecture (Secondary).

Teaching Responsibilities:
  • Spring: Teach a 6-credit undergraduate/graduate DesignBuild studio focused on design and construction documents.
  • Summer: Instruct two 6-credit DesignBuild courses focused on the physical construction of the project.
  • Fall: Teach BCT 313 (Light-frame residential construction) and finalize the design/build project.

Administrative & Construction Management Responsibilities:

  • Manage all aspects of the DesignBuild program, including soliciting projects, fundraising, student recruitment, and negotiating agreements with partners and legal counsel.
  • Oversee construction management, including site preparation, material procurement, safety instruction (OSHA), code compliance, and site supervision.
Required Qualifications
  • Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., architecture, building science, construction technology, construction management, civil engineering, or similar).
  • Construction Supervisor License (CSL) in Massachusetts or equivalent (by the time of hire).
  • OSHA 10 Safety License (by the time of hire).
  • Previous onsite experience in light-frame construction.
  • Previous teaching experience in construction and/or design programs.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Architect license in Massachusetts (by the time of hire).
  • OSHA 30 Safety License.
Application Process

Applicants must submit the following:

  1. Cover letter (max 1,000 words) describing interest in the position, qualifications, and teaching philosophy.
  2. Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
  3. Documentation of required licenses, as applicable.
  4. Portfolio of design work or construction project listing (Max 25MB).
  5. Contact information for three professional references.
Application Deadline

Review of applications will begin on January 15, 2026.

Contact Information

Position #2: Design and Structures Assistant Professor

Position Description

The Department of Architecture at UMass Amherst invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Design and Structures starting September 1, 2026.

Ensconced in the award-winning mass timber John Olver Design Building, the department seeks highly motivated, collaborative, and innovative candidates with strong backgrounds in both architecture and structural engineering. The department is particularly interested in candidates with an interest in building structures, building technologies, adaptive reuse/historic preservation, and experience in professional practice.

Teaching Responsibilities:

  • Instruct undergraduate and graduate students in introductory and advanced topics in structural building design (statics, strength of materials, structural analysis and design).
  • Actively participate in and teach design studios.
  • Teaching Load: Initial responsibilities per academic year include a minimum of two studios plus two structural design courses.
  • Additional teaching duties may include lectures, seminars, thesis advising, honors colloquia, practicums, and independent studies.

Research & Service:

  • Develop and pursue a dynamic and timely research agenda.
  • Participate in significant service activities, including career preparation-related events, recruitment outreach, and department/university-level committees.
Required Qualifications
  • A terminal degree in Architecture, Engineering, or Construction from an accredited institution (or international equivalent).
  • Significant study of, and/or professional experience in both architectural design and structural engineering, with a terminal degree or an equivalent international degree in one discipline (Master of Architecture or PhD).
  • Evidence of ability to engage in the teaching and practice of architecture.
  • Commitment to and understanding of teaching diverse populations.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Professional licensure in either architecture or engineering.
  • Record of excellence in teaching structures and design.
  • Record of publishing and seeking funding in relevant topics.
  • Demonstrated interest in service to the university and the profession.
Application Process

Applicants must submit the following materials:

  1. Curriculum Vitae (CV).
  2. Letter of Interest (2-3 pages) outlining the applicant’s experience and approach to practice, creative work, research, and teaching, and its relevance to the department.
  3. Portfolio of representative professional, creative, research, and teaching experience (Maximum 50 MB).
  4. References: Contact information for three professional references who would be willing to submit letters of reference upon request.
Application Deadline

Review of applications will begin on January 15, 2026, and continue until a suitable candidate has been identified. Applications received after this date may not be reviewed.

Contact Information

Position #3: Foundations Lecturer

Position Description

The Department of Architecture at UMass Amherst invites applications for a full-time Non-Tenure Track (NTT) Benefited Lecturer position starting September 1, 2026.

This is a pivotal role that will initiate the launch of the department’s first-year foundations sequence (previously taught by the Department of Art). The department encourages creative approaches to tackle complex interdisciplinary problems of varying scales.

Teaching Responsibilities:
  • Instruct core undergraduate foundations studios, lecture classes, seminars, and other courses in the undergraduate and graduate programs.
  • Teaching Load: The expected teaching load is 3-3.

Service Responsibilities:

  • Participation in outreach, recruitment, career preparation, and programming.
  • Academic support roles including mentorship, thesis advising, honors colloquia, practicums, and independent studies.
  • Participation in departmental committees.
Required Qualifications
  • Terminal degree in architecture or an adjacent field.
  • Record of academic, professional, and/or service accomplishments.
  • Record of experience in teaching.
  • Commitment to teaching diverse populations.
  • Commitment to collegiality and collaboration.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Professional degree in architecture (M.Arch or equivalent international degree) OR a B.Arch (or equivalent) with an additional graduate degree (such as M.Arch, M.Des, MFA, MA, MS, or Ph.D.).
  • Architecture license.
  • Experience and knowledge of beginning design education.
  • Demonstrated interest and experience in one or more of the service areas listed.
Application Process

Applicants must submit the following materials:

  1. Letter of Interest: Including qualifications and teaching philosophy (no more than 1000 words).
  2. Curriculum Vitae (CV).
  3. Teaching Portfolio: A PDF file up to 10 pages.
  4. References: Contact information for three professional references.

Note: Finalists will be invited to interview and present their work on campus in a public lecture.

Application Deadline

To be given full consideration, please apply by January 15, 2026. Application reviews will begin on this date and will continue until a suitable candidate is found.

Contact Information