Faculty Jobs
Research Assistant / Associate Professor
The School of Policy, Planning and Development and the Keston Institute for Public Finance and Infrastructure Policy are seeking applicants for the position of non-tenure track research processor to conduct research in infrastructure finance and policy. The appointment will be made at the associate or assistant level.
Position Description
The Keston Institute and the School of Policy, Planning and Development are seeking a junior level research scholar to conduct research on any aspect of infrastructure finance and policy consistent with the mission and purpose of the Keston Institute. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, innovative finance, asset management, infrastructure systems, or analysis and history of mega-projects. He or she will actively seek funding for this research, and should aim to secure grants sufficient to cover at least half of his or her salary by the second year of the contract. However, his or her salary will be guaranteed by the Keston Institute for the duration of the contract term.
Qualifications
Prospective candidates should have a PhD and record of publication on subjects related to infrastructure finance and policy sufficient to merit appointment at the assistant or associate research professor level in the School of Policy, Planning and Development. He or she should have a demonstrable interest in and knowledge of California politics and policy. Administrative and leadership experience is highly desirable, as is experience working on collaborative, interdisciplinary research. The successful candidate will have excellent communication and writing skills, and will be able to work effectively across sectors and in cooperation with diverse constituencies and associates in the political, academic, non-profit and business sectors.
The School of Policy, Planning and Development
The mission of the USC School of Policy, Planning, and Development is to educate leaders and produce knowledge that improves problem solving on the most critical issues facing society. Our ultimate goal is to contribute to the betterment of communities here and abroad. To that end, SPPD provides interdisciplinary solutions for the challenging and complex issues of governance, public policy, planning, management, and development. In addition, the school offers industry-oriented programs with a significant public-private interface in health policy and management and real estate development. SPPD offers professional master’s degrees, executive master’s degrees, doctoral programs, and an undergraduate degree.
USC is one of the nation’s premiere research universities, and SPPD is a major contributor to the university’s reputation. SPPD supports an array of thematic research centers with $24 million in active sponsored research, ranking third overall in funded research at USC on a per faculty basis. Much of the school’s research is conducted through its centers, institutes, and research groups. Among them are the Bedrosian Center on Governance and the Public Enterprise, the Center for Economic Development, the Lusk Center for Real Estate, the Keston Institute for Public Finance and Infrastructure Policy, the Metropolitan Transportation Center (METRANS), and the Center for Risk and Economic Analysis of Terrorism Events (CREATE), the country’s first Homeland Security Center of Excellence.
For additional information, see our website: www.usc.edu/schools/sppd.
The Keston Institute for Public Finance and Infrastructure Policy
The Keston Institute for Public Finance and Infrastructure Policy, a first for a major research university in California, examines one of the state's and our country's most pressing challenges: providing infrastructure to support a population projected to grow substantially by 2020. The institute focuses on issues of open space, power, other utilities, transportation and waste treatment and disposal, providing accurate and insightful information that will aid in the development of public policy and spur innovative approaches to addressing the daunting realities of continued, explosive population growth in California and the nation.
Compensation and Benefits:
The University of Southern California offers a competitive salary within an academic environment based on the candidate’s experience and accomplishments. The university also offers excellent benefits to employees, which include: health, dental and life insurance; tuition assistance; disability and retirement plans; credit union membership; and participation in cultural and social events, as well as access to athletic and recreational facilities.
An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer:
USC is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer that actively seeks diversity in its workplace.
Where to Apply:
For consideration, an application begins with a letter of interest and curriculum vitae. The committee may then request letters of reference and a writing sample. Materials may be submitted electronically (sppdhr@usc.edu) or mailed to:
Ms. Kattie Johnson
Director of Academic Affairs
School of Policy, Planning, and Development
Lewis Hall 312
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0626
Consideration of applications and nominations will continue until the position is filled.