Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in Financial Planning & Counseling and Family Economics

About the Department

The Department of Family and Consumer Studies (FCS) is an interdisciplinary unit dedicated to advancing, communicating, and applying knowledge regarding human development and family well-being across the lifespan and within community and societal contexts. Our faculty brings together scholars from sociology, economics, psychology, family studies, human development, and early childhood education. The department offers two undergraduate majors, Human Development and Family Studies, and Financial Planning and Counseling, alongside master's and Ph.D. degrees in Human Development and Social Policy and a recently approved master's in Financial Planning and Counseling. Both Financial Planning and Counseling programs are registered with the CFP® Board.

The department is committed to creating an academic and research environment that reflects the University's foundational pillars: academic freedom, belonging of all people, campus safety, health and well-being, and sustainability.

About the Role

We invite applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor to enhance our research and curricular capacity in Financial Planning & Counseling and Family Economics. The successful candidate will join a vibrant community of scholars focused on family economic behavior and well-being, with a preference for research connecting to family health and public policy. This role involves teaching courses in financial planning and family economics, such as family economic issues, investments, health insurance and policy, behavioral economics, and families and social policy.

Institutional Context

The University of Utah is a Carnegie RU/VH Research University, a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a member of the Big 12, and Utah's flagship university. The university offers notable institutional resources including the Financial Wellness Center, the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, the Marriner S. Eccles Institute for Economics and Quantitative Analysis, the Consortium in Families and Health Research, the Utah Population Database, and the Wasatch Front Federal Statistical Research Data Center. These resources provide a robust foundation for internal research funding and collaboration.

Location and Community

The University is located in Salt Lake City, a metropolitan area of 1.5 million residents nestled in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains. The city offers an outstanding quality of life with easy access to Utah's great outdoors, including skiing, hiking, and mountain biking in the spectacular nearby canyons. Salt Lake City is a cosmopolitan hub featuring a vibrant theater, arts, sports, entertainment, and restaurant scene. The area has received international recognition for its light rail system, downtown, library system, and growing diversity.

Application Process

To apply, please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, research and teaching statements, a list of three references, two writing samples or publications, and other supporting documents at utah.peopleadmin.com. Review of applications will begin October 30, 2025, and continue until the position is filled.

Inquiries regarding the position may be directed to the Faculty Search Committee Co-Chairs, Drs. Lori Kowaleski-Jones (lori.kowaleski-jones@fcs.utah.edu) and Su Shin (su.shin@fcs.utah.edu).

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Utah is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all members of our community.