Capstone Research Project Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Center for Learning Innovation (CLI), an interdisciplinary department focused on health sciences at the University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR), invites applications for a full-time tenure-line faculty position (assistant professor) for Capstone Scholar beginning fall semester 2026
This role is expected to work in-person in Rochester, Minnesota. This role is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship.
We seek an individual to work in a team based, collaborative environment who is focused on Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) and/or Discipline-Based Education Research (DBER)as their primary research area. The particular focus for this faculty member will be UMRs senior year Capstone program, a unique opportunity for students to personalize their learning during their final semester or year of their undergraduate curriculum. This faculty member will conduct research directly related to the Capstone program and will take a leading role in coordinating the program. The ideal candidate will facilitate and enhance the meaningful reflective learning of junior and senior rank students as they reach the culmination of their undergraduate education and transition to their future careers. 

This role will lead, manage, and oversee the creative and flexible nature of the Capstone program as a whole and support the courses that guide students in designing a capstone aligned with their future goals, as well as reflecting on and presenting their learning outcomes at the end of the experience. This faculty member will be invited to learn about UMRs current Capstone program and culturecollaboratively shaped by faculty, administration, academic advisors, and the student engagement team over the yearsand to help reimagine the pedagogy and structure of this highly collaborative practice, considering feasibility as well as the current needs of students, faculty, and the institution as a whole.  This faculty member will primarily teach Capstone courses, but may also teach in appropriate disciplinary and interdisciplinary areas, including other courses under the CAP designator (CAP = Career, Academic, and Personal Success). The ideal candidate will have experience collaborating effectively with faculty and administrative staff, coordinating efforts in pursuit of student success.

Expected teaching workload is equivalent to 15 credits per academic year. The appointment will be 100% time over the nine-month academic year at a rank and tenure status depending on qualifications and experience, and consistent with campus and University policy.

Required Qualifications
Candidates must have the following minimum qualifications:

• Earned a Ph.D. or equivalent in a related field with a research focus on areas like higher education student development, Signature Work, transformative learning, high impact practices, and/or retention and student success. 
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in designing, teaching, coordinating and/or assessing one or more of the following: student success courses, capstone courses, or high-impact curricular-related programs at the undergraduate level.
• Demonstrated experience or certification and commitment to the scholarship of teaching and student learning or discipline-based education research.
• Teaching experience and scholarly work appropriate for rank and tenure-track status as required by Section 7.12 of the Regents Policy on Faculty Tenure found online here: https://faculty.umn.edu/promotion-tenure/approved-712-statements.

Preferred Qualifications
Successful candidates will also demonstrate: 

• A strong commitment to teaching and learning as evidenced by use of current effective practices for teaching, including active learning and evidence-based pedagogy, and a desire to support student learning inside and outside of the classroom.
• A successful ability to work in interdisciplinary teams, including team teaching.
• Experience collaborating effectively and building bridges with both academic and student affairs.
• Interest in or familiarity with undergraduate health care education and/or expertise in a related discipline.
• Interest in designing and facilitating events/platforms for 400+ students annually to showcase their Capstone projects to public audiences.
• A willingness to take an active role in building and expanding the Capstone program as a form of institutional storytelling.
• Have knowledge, experience, and ongoing commitment to working with underrepresented and diverse students, including: People of color; new immigrant populations; Native Americans; people with both visible and invisible disabilities; women; people of various gender and sexual identities and expressions; first-generation students; and/or students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR), located in downtown Rochester, serves nearly 1,200 students and recently welcomed its largest class ever in fall 2025. Faculty and staff are dedicated to innovative education, student development and applying research to enhance learning every day. With a strong focus on health sciences and student-centered learning, UMR partners closely with Mayo Clinic and emphasizes research-driven teaching to meet the evolving demands of the health care industry.
 

Pay Range: $74,000 - $95,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff 

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services 
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. 

For a complete application, please include the following:

1. Cover Letter
2. CV
3. Teaching Philosophy

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR)

At the University of Minnesota Rochester, our vision is to transform higher education through innovations that empower graduates to solve the grand health challenges of the twenty-first century. UMR prepares students for a broad spectrum of career pathways including pre-med and patient care; psychology and mental health; business and leadership; health technology; public policy and global health; and research, discovery, and cures.

The campus community serves almost 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students in the heart of downtown Rochester and continues to grow in size and influence through creative partnerships. At UMR, relationships and research drive student success. Learn more about UMR.

The University of Minnesota is proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of Americas Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 202224).