Open Rank Faculty Position of Architecture - Architectural History and Theory

### Description

The University of Oklahoma’s Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture (GCA) is expanding to match the scale of its ambitions. Based in Norman, a lively college town within the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, which was recently ranked the “No. 1 Best Big City to Live In” by U.S. News & World Report, the Division of Architecture (DivA) seeks new faculty members to help shape the future of architectural education and practice. These positions reinforce OU’s university-wide commitment as an R-1 public research institution, fueled by growth in faculty excellence, research innovation, and cross-sector partnerships.

We invite applications for a 9-month, full-time, open-rank (Assistant, Associate, and/or Full Professor) tenure-track or tenured position beginning in August 2027. Review of applications will begin on October 12, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.

**Who We’re Looking For**

We seek an educator and historian whose teaching and research drives architectural ideas forward. Applicants should demonstrate a clear research trajectory that contributes to contemporary architectural discourse within and through a historical context. Candidates will join a faculty known for its experimental spirit and its legacy of the [American School of Architecture](https://architecture.ou.edu/the-american-school/). They will play an active role in seminars, lecture courses, and curriculum discussions across our Ph.D. and NAAB-accredited B.Arch and M.Arch programs.

Possible areas of investigation may include but are not limited to history of 20th Century architecture; architectural and urban design history since 1880, or similar. The successful applicant shall have access to wide-ranging resources including the incredible body of work produced by the architects of the American School now housed in the [OU Libraries American School Archive](https://libraries.ou.edu/find-expert-services/special-research-collections/our-collecting-areas/american-school-architecture-archive).

**Our Community**

Faculty in the Division of Architecture foster a culture that connects design education with discovery and impact. They create new knowledge in the areas of placemaking and belonging, health and well-being, entrepreneurship and applied practice, and resilience and sustainability (https://ou.edu/gibbs/explore/research). The Institute for Quality Communities, host of the biennial national Placemaking Conference, connects faculty and students with communities across Oklahoma to shape civic life through design. Annual travel study in Rome, complemented with domestic travel programs, broaden students’ perspectives and deepen their design education through experiential learning. An award-winning Design+Build program and strong results in national student competitions, often in partnership with OU Construction Science, underscore our commitment to hands-on learning. The nationally recognized student journal *Telesis* reflects a tradition of intellectual creativity and rigor that extends beyond the classroom.

**How Faculty Contribute**

Faculty in the Division of Architecture play an active role in shaping a culture of creativity and impact. This includes:

* Infusing energy and innovation through studio, seminar and lecture course teaching
* Advancing scholarly and creative work through recognized venues
* Contributing to the life of the division, college, and university through shared governance
* Engaging with the profession and the public through meaningful service and outreach

**What We Offer**

The Division of Architecture and Gibbs College provide robust faculty support through:

* Mentorship programs,
* Research and travel funds, and
* Teaching and research assistants, supported by the Gibbs Endowment and other resources.

**About the Division of Architecture and the Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture**

The Division of Architecture (DivA), which first began accepting students in 1926, and has a legacy of experimentation that began with Bruce Goff’s leadership in the mid-20th century, continues today in a culture of creativity and purposeful impact. The Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture brings together through in-person and online programs more than 1,300 students across seven disciplines: Architecture, Construction Science, Environmental Design, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, Regional and City Planning, and Urban Design. The College serves as a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement. Learn more at architecture.ou.edu/architecture.

**About the University of Oklahoma**

Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma (OU) is a Carnegie R1 Institution with over $500M in annual research expenditures and more than 34,000 students across online and three in-person campuses in Norman, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa. OU is advancing an ambitious vision to shape the future through discovery, creativity, and innovation as outlined in the Lead On, University Strategic Plan (<https://ou.edu/leadon/strategic-plan>).

Norman offers the atmosphere of a vibrant college town within the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. The region combines affordability with cultural vitality, strong K–12 schools, and nationally recognized works of architecture and landscape architecture. Home to the 2025 NBA champions and a host site for events during the 2028 Olympics, Oklahoma City reflects a growing international profile. Oklahoma’s 39 Native Nations shape a context where faculty and students engage in collaborative work that links design to place, culture, and community.

Visit <https://ou.edu/facultyrecruitment> for more information about what OU and the local communities have to offer.

**Salary Range**

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

**Search Committee Chairperson**

Inquiries shall be directed to Dr. Wanda Liebermann RA, at [email protected]

### Qualifications

* A PhD (or equivalent) in architectural history and theory, or similar field
* Evidence of ability to successfully teach architectural history and theory seminars or lecture courses
* Evidence or emerging research record of peer-reviewed scholarly productivity
* Demonstrated ability to contribute to a collegial and collaborative working environment, in addition to possessing effective communication and interpersonal skills

### Application Instructions

Applicants shall submit the following materials as PDF documents via [Interfolio](https://apply.interfolio.com/192969):

* Cover letter
* Statement of interest outlining in two to three pages the applicant’s experience and research agenda
* Current Curriculum Vitae
* Full contact information for minimum three academic/professional references
* Digital portfolio that provides evidence of 1) scholarly activity and 2) efficacy in teaching with examples of student work if applicable. Digital submission size should not exceed 100MB.

### Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, gender identity/expression (consistent with applicable law), age (40 or older), religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, housing, financial aid, and educational services.

**Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma**

The University of Oklahoma values our community's unique talents, perspectives, and experiences. At OU, we aspire to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere. You Belong Here!

**Mission of the University of Oklahoma**

The Mission of the University of Oklahoma is to provide the best possible educational experience for our students through excellence in teaching, research and creative activity, and service to the state and society.