Research Associate Jobs in Chaska, MN (NOW HIRING)

The Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA) is hiring a full-time Postdoctoral Associate in Urban and Regional Affairs. The postdoctoral position is a temporary scholarly appointment. The Associate will carry out advanced independent and/or directed research on housing, community development, environmental justice, land use, racial equity, and other topics of interest to the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area or the Upper Midwest region. The duration of the postdoctoral appointment will one or two years as negotiated with the successful candidate. The maximum appointment is two years.

Research projects for the Postdoctoral Associate will be generated in any of the following ways: 1) an issue of importance in the region decided upon by the leadership of CURA in consultation with program staff, 2) Requests for Proposals that local organizations and agencies offer, and 3) the Associates own interests as they relate to the mission of CURA.

CURA is an all-University applied research and technical assistance center that helps the University of Minnesota fulfill its land grant and urban missions by connecting faculty
and student resources with nonprofit organizations, businesses, neighborhoods, local governments, and state agencies in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area and
throughout Minnesota. CURA supports research and publishes policy-oriented reports on a wide range of urban and regional issues. The Postdoctoral Associate will work with other program leaders to develop and carry out CURAs research agenda.

The Executive Director, as the responsible faculty member, will establish the professional objectives and performance standards for the incumbent and will make annual evaluations. The incumbent will conduct research and ensure that all research is carried out in accordance with the policies and procedures of the University of Minnesota. To be classified at this level, the incumbent must not have been professionally employed in their specialty after receiving the doctoral or other appropriate terminal degree. Prior assignment as a Teaching or Graduate Assistant is permitted. Duties assigned to this title will require an in-depth knowledge of a specialized field, process, or discipline. They may involve organizing and implementing complex research plans, the development of methods of research, testing and data collection, analysis and evaluation, and writing reports containing descriptive, analytical and evaluative content. The duties will require the exercise of independent discretion and judgment in carrying out research activities within the predetermined research scope and methodology.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Conduct community-based and engaged research:
a. Work with the academic research team on projects as identified and assigned by the Director of CURA
b. Work with other programs within CURA
c. Coordinate projects with community-based nonprofits and neighborhood organizations
d. Supervise, as needed, graduate research assistants working on individual research projects
2. Production of research products and funding opportunities
a. Write up findings and present research to community partners, government agencies, funders, and scholarly communities
b. Create reports, dashboards, and story maps, as appropriate, related to research findings
c. Monitor the availability of RFPs from local organizations and agencies to support CURA research projects
d. Create and maintain collaborative relationships with faculty and research staff across the University

Required:
Ph.D. in urban planning, public policy, sociology, political science, or a related social science field
Experience in research related to housing policy, community development, neighborhood planning, and environmental justice movements
Experience working with Twin Cities-based nonprofits and neighborhood organizations
Experience writing up research results for publication
Experience with data visualization software
Knowledge of GIS
Knowledge of qualitative methods

Preferred:
Experience producing research for, or in partnership with a community partner external to the University
Ph.D. in urban planning
Experience presenting research findings in public venues to community organizations, government agencies, funders, and academic communities
Knowledge of Twin Cities neighborhoods and local politics

The mission of the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs is to align University of Minnesota resources to catalyze community-driven change. We collaborate with community and local government to advance smart and equitable decision making, investments, and policies to benefit all of Minnesotas diverse communities. Faculty and students at the University of Minnesota are involved in CURA programs in a variety of ways. CURAs work ranges from community engaged research to leadership development. Our varied programs seek to develop deep partnerships with community
collaborators and acknowledge the expertise and contributions of our partners in all of the work we do.

Pay Range: $63,000 - $70,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

A COMPLETE application must be submitted online via the University of Minnesota system. Please Submit:
A complete resume.
A Cover letter explaining your interest in the position and how your career goals training and experiences support your candidacy.
Names and contact information of three individuals who can comment on your abilities and experience.

Applications will be accepted through close of business 08/26/2026
If you receive a message from the online employment system that the position is no longer available prior to the application deadline, close out of your browser and try again
or try a different browser. If you continue to experience problems, contact Baily Baker, bake1339@umn.edu.

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, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.