Visiting Assistant Professor (VAP) – University of Minnesota Law School

Research & Faculty Opportunity: Visiting Assistant Professor (VAP) – University of Minnesota Law School

• Institution: University of Minnesota

• Academic Unit / Department: University of Minnesota Law School

• Programme: Visiting Assistant Professorship (VAP) Program

• Job ID: 376426

• Job Code: 9403V

• Appointment Type: Full-Time, 100% Academic Professional Appointment

• Academic Rank / Level: Visiting Assistant Professor

• Initial Appointment: 1 Year

• Potential Duration: Renewable for up to 2 additional years; typically a 3-year programme

• Salary / Remuneration: Approximately INR 72.28 lakh per year

• Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States

• Work Mode: Onsite

• Application Review Begins: November 1, 2026

• Expected Start Date: Summer 2027 Pasted text Pasted text

Overview of the Opportunity

The University of Minnesota Law School invites applications for its Visiting Assistant Professor (VAP) Program, designed for law graduates and practicing lawyers who aspire to careers in legal academia.

The programme provides participants with mentorship, teaching experience, scholarly support, and an academic community to help them develop an ambitious research agenda and prepare for the law-school teaching market. Pasted text

Teaching Responsibilities

VAPs are expected to teach:

• Year 1: One 2-credit seminar of their own design

• Year 2: Five credits, likely including:

  • The Year 1 seminar

  • One 3-credit doctrinal course

• Year 3: Three credits, ordinarily in the spring semester

The third-year schedule is structured to facilitate participation in the academic job market. Pasted text

Research Expectations

VAPs are expected to:

• Develop a substantial independent research agenda.

• Complete at least one full-length scholarly article suitable for publication.

• Produce work capable of serving as a job-talk paper.

• Participate actively in the intellectual life of Minnesota Law.

• Engage with faculty workshops and colloquia.

• Build interdisciplinary relationships across the wider university.

Mentorship & Academic Development

Each VAP is paired with a faculty mentor who provides guidance on:

• Scholarship

• Teaching

• Professional development

• Academic job market preparation

VAPs may also participate in workshops in:

• Legal History

• Public Law

• Law and Technology

• Junior Faculty Research

Qualifications & Candidate Profile

Required Qualifications:

• J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited law school

• Demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in legal academia Pasted text

The programme is especially suitable for candidates seeking to build a strong scholarly record before entering the law-school faculty market.

Compensation & Research Support

The position offers:

• Annual salary of approximately INR 72.28 lakh

• Research assistant support

• Professional association membership support

• Funding for participation in scholarly conferences

• Professional and scholarly development resources

• Comprehensive university benefits package Pasted text

Application Checklist

A complete application should include:

1. Cover Letter

   • Address interest in Minnesota Law and the VAP programme

2. Curriculum Vitae

3. List of Three References

   • At least one reference should be a legal academic

4. Law School Transcript

5. Transcripts from Any Graduate Programmes

6. One or More Writing Samples

7. Research Agenda – 750 to 2,000 words

Writing samples may include scholarly articles, chapters, policy papers, legal briefs, dissertation chapters, or other substantive academic work. Pasted text

Application Process

• Job ID: 376426

• Application Review Begins: November 1, 2026

• Expected Start Date: Summer 2027

• Applications must be submitted through the University of Minnesota employment system.

• Search for Job Number 376426

• Contact: lawappointments@umn.edu

Only complete applications will be considered.

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