Research Assistant Professor of Real Estate Development

Sol Price School of Public Policy 

Position Description

The USC Sol Price School of Public Policy is seeking a dedicated and innovative Research Assistant Professor of Real Estate Development who will enhance our scholarly mission and advance research in urban economics or sociology. The candidate will have the opportunity to work with an affiliation with the dynamic team at the USC Lusk Center for Real Estate and the Neighborhood Data for Social Change project.

The position is primarily funded through contracts and grants, with partial research support provided by core funds from the Lusk Center. The successful candidate will hold an appointment as a Research Assistant Professor within the Wilbur H. Smith III Department of Real Estate Development.

Key Responsibilities

Conduct collaborative, leading-edge research in urban economics or sociology

Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences

Communicate research findings to policy and academic audiences

Secure grants and funding for research projects

Mentor students and junior researchers and contribute to the academic community

Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time. 

Qualifications

PhD in a relevant field such as sociology, economics, or public policy

At least three years of experience conducting research in urban or real estate studies

Proven track record of successful grant funding and publication in leading journals

Demonstrated leadership capabilities in research project management and grant solicitation

Ability to communicate research findings effectively to both policy and research audiences

About the USC Lusk Center

Mission

The USC Lusk Center for Real Estate seeks to advance real estate knowledge, inform business practice, and address timely issues that affect the real estate industry, the urban economy, and public policy.

The Lusk Center produces relevant real estate research, supports educational programs, and convenes professional forums that bring together academics, students, business executives, and community leaders.

The USC Lusk Center for Real Estate:

Advances real estate knowledge through innovative and pertinent multidisciplinary research on real estate and urban economics.

Addresses critical and timely issues of markets, institutions, and policy.

Convenes industry leaders, students, and faculty in seminars, workshops, symposia, and forums to examine the current state of the industry and to anticipate future industry opportunities and challenges.

Supports the highest quality real estate degree and executive education programs that prepare both students and industry professionals alike for tomorrow's real estate environment.

Marshall School of Business degrees include the Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in real estate and the undergraduate Program in Real Estate.

Price School of Public Policy degrees include the Master of Real Estate Development (MRED) and the Bachelor of Real Estate Development.

Executive education programs include the Ross Minority Program in Real Estate (RMPIRE).

About the Sol Price School of Public Policy

Ranked among the foremost schools of public policy in the nation, the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy generates uncommon knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1929, the Price School is anchored by four departments: Public Policy and Management, Health Policy and Management, Wilbur H. Smith III Department of Estate Development; and Urban Planning and Spatial Analysis. Rigorous academic programs provide students with the knowledge and distinctive opportunities to make meaningful contributions to their professions. Integrating classroom instruction with real-world experience and led by some of the world’s most renowned faculty in their fields, our students establish a clear pathway to successful careers.

The academic programs are augmented by several highly visible research centers and institutes that provide additional research expertise and experiences. Notable among them are: The Judith and John Bedrosian Center on Governance and the Public; The Center for Philanthropy and Public Policy; The USC Lusk Center for Real Estate; The METRANS Transportation Consortium; The Leonard D. Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics; and The Schwarzenegger Institute for State and Global Policy.

Together, these departments and research enterprises provide unmatched breadth and depth to tackle an enormous range of challenges facing our country and the world. Price graduates hold leadership positions across diverse sectors – public, private, and nonprofit – championing the advancement of the common good. They come from around the world and from a variety of cultures and socio-economic backgrounds to create a rich intellectual environment that celebrates, supports and benefits from diverse people and opinions.

About the Smith Department of Real Estate Development

The Smith Department of Real Estate Development is one of the nation’s leading granters of academic degrees in real estate. Between the Bachelor of Real Estate Development, the Dollinger Master of Real Estate Development, and the Bachelor of Science in Real Estate Finance and Development (joint with the Marshall School of Business), minors, and certificates, more than 500 students enroll in Price School real estate programs.

The department is also a research leader in real estate, with nine full-time faculty who publish in top academic journals, serve as editors or on editorial boards of journals, are frequently quoted in the national media, and generate substantial grant funding. Department members also generally have experience in business and government and perform substantial service to Los Angeles, the state, the nation, and governments across the world.

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.

The annual base salary range for this position is $115,000-$190,000. This is a 100% FTE, 12-month appointment.

When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Note: The base salary for this position will be determined by rank and commensurate with experience, skills, education, and training.

To Apply for This Position

To be considered for this position, all applicants should submit a letter of interest, curriculum vitae and list of three references. Consideration of applications will continue until the position is filled.

Consideration of applications and nominations will continue until the position is filled.