Assistant/Associate/Full Professor, Historic Preservation - Conservation

Assistant/Associate/Full Professor, Historic Preservation - Conservation

Location:
Philadelphia, PA
Open Date:
Jun 26, 2026
Description:
The Department of Historic Preservation at the Stuart Weitzman School of Design, University of Pennsylvania, welcomes applications for an Assistant, Associate, or full Professor to conduct graduate-level instruction, advising, and research in architectural conservation.

We especially seek scholars with experience and demonstrated leadership in: 1) research, teaching, and practice related to architectural conservation and heritage materials science; 2) lab-based pedagogy; and 3) field-based professional practice.  

The Department of Historic Preservation provides an integrated approach to training architects, landscape architects, planners, historians, archaeologists, conservators, managers, and other professionals to understand, sustain, and transform the existing built environment. Through two master’s degree programs, we offer concentrated study of architectural conservation, public history of the built environment, preservation planning, and preservation design. 

The successful candidate will be expected to teach courses at the graduate level, including the introduction to architectural conservation principles and practices (including laboratory-based analysis), specialized seminars focused on particular material types and conservation issues, applied courses (studios or workshops) using field-based learning, and/or other courses that suit the candidate’s research. The position also includes leadership of the architectural conservation lab for teaching and research, advising of master’s students, and the possibility of supporting doctoral students in allied departments.

The new faculty member will also participate in and cultivate their own funded research projects, supported through the Department’s research center, the Preservation Research Collaborative, and other centers at the School and University. Future opportunities may exist to take on leadership responsibilities in the Department and/or Preservation Research Collaborative.

This position is a tenure-track or tenured appointment at the Assistant, Associate, or full Professor level, with responsibilities for teaching, research, practice, and service. Rank determined based on review of experience.

Research-based practice will be suited to the candidate’s own research agenda, but may include such activities as: partnerships with public or private heritage-managing agencies and organizations; documentation, conservation management planning, and other field projects; academic research on materials or treatments; and exhibitions and publishing. 

In addition to the Department of Historic Preservation, the Weitzman School includes the departments of City & Regional Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Fine Arts. The Weitzman School prepares students to address complex sociocultural and environmental issues through thoughtful inquiry, creative expression, and innovation. As a diverse community of scholars and practitioners, we are committed to advancing the public good—both locally and globally—through art, design, planning, and preservation.

Qualifications:
Minimum qualifications:
1) Experience in the practice of architectural conservation and/or heritage materials science, 2) teaching experience, and 3) a PhD or other terminal degree in historic preservation, architecture, physical sciences, heritage science, archaeology, or another related field. 

Application Instructions:
Applicants should submit a cover letter that succinctly describes their agenda for research, scholarship, and practice; a curriculum vitae; two recent publications or writing samples; a teaching statement that addresses the above teaching expectations; and the names and contact information for three references who may be contacted at a later date. 

Applications should be addressed to Chair, Search Committee.

Review of applications will begin on November 1, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. The position will begin on July 1, 2027, and the selected candidate will be expected to begin teaching in fall 2027.

Questions should be directed to Micah Dornfeld, Department Coordinator, Historic Preservation, at: micahdor@design.upenn.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.