Rural Housing Research Assistant

Prof. Fernando Burga is searching for a part-time research assistant with an interest in rural planning, housing policy and design. This work will involve the planning of a charrette process in the City of Battle Lake MN, in the Spring 2026 through a collaboration with UMN Extension's RSDP (Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships).

The candidate is expected to work 8 to 10 hours per week. The location is hybrid, with at least 4 hrs/wk to be completed onsite at the Humphrey School (typically on Fridays). The hourly rate is $27.50/hour. The capacity to travel to rural MN once a month may also be required.

Responsibilities
Developing policy analysis of housing policies in Rural MN;
Identifying precedents for Rural housing typologies;
Developing surveys and focus group materials;
Developing participatory engagement tools;
Coordinating project management tasks with City of Battle Lake and Extension staff.

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Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree;
Relevant research experience.

Preferred Qualifications
Experience with rural housing policy analysis and research;
Experience with community development community engagement practices;
Experience with graphic design (e.g., Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop);
Experience with archival research;
Experience with Excel, GIS, and Adobe suite.

Urban and regional planning is one of Humphrey School's strongest areas of expertise. Humphrey students build a strong foundation in public action, political context, and the social and economic implications of urban planning. They understand the role of place in creating policy and recognize the diverse systems that form and impact urban and regional environments.

Pay Range: $27.50 per hour.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given 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.

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

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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.

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