Assistant Professor: Technology - Urban Analytics and Planning

About the role

Position Title: Assistant Professor: Technology - Urban Analytics and Planning Appointment Type: Faculty

Responsibilities

The Department of Urban Planning and Development (UPD) in the College of Design at Iowa State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in technology, urban analytics and planning. We seek a scholar and educator whose research and teaching connect data and emerging technologies to contemporary urban and regional issues.

The successful candidate will strengthen the department's capacity in planning methods while developing a forward-looking research agenda that explores how emerging technologies can enhance the ways planners understand, analyze, visualize, and shape places. This work should demonstrate careful attention to the ethical and responsible use of data and technology in planning research and practice.

Areas of Interest This position provides an opportunity to strengthen and modernize core departmental capacity in planning methods while building new strength in AI, urban analytics, visualization, and using technology in planning.

Areas of research and teaching interest may include: urban analytics and data-driven planning, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in planning, PlanTech and digital planning tools, quantitative planning methods, data visualization and geovisualization, emerging issues in technology and planning, and ethical and responsible applications of AI and data in planning.

The position is intended to connect analytical and technological innovation with planning practice. Position Responsibilities The successful candidate will be expected to: Develop and maintain a nationally recognized program of research and scholarship, including pursuing external funding appropriate to the defined research agenda.

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in planning methods, urban analytics, technology in planning, and/or related areas.
• Contribute to other planning courses, studios, and other departmental curricular needs.
• Integrate emerging technologies and contemporary analytical methods into planning education.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students and serve on graduate thesis committees.

• Collaborate with faculty across the College of Design, ISU Extension and other units at Iowa State University.
• Contribute to departmental, college, university, and professional service.
• In addition, faculty in UPD have an opportunity to work with ISU Extension and Outreach, Community and Economic Development, during the summer.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position. Required

Minimum Qualifications

Ph.D. degree in urban and regional planning, community and regional planning, geography, urban studies, or a closely related field by the time of appointment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Evidence of potential for effective undergraduate and graduate teaching.
• Research and teaching expertise in two or more of the following: urban analytics, AI and emerging planning technologies, quantitative methods, and data visualization.
• Evidence of potential to develop a strong program of research and scholarship and secure external research funding.
• Experience with interdisciplinary, applied, or community-engaged research.

Experience integrating emerging technologies into teaching and/or professional planning practice. Department/Program & College Description: About Department of Urban Planning and Development The Department of Urban Planning and Development (UPD) at Iowa State University prepares students to address the complex challenges facing cities, towns, and regions.

Through teaching, research, and community engagement, UPD faculty focus on areas such as land-use planning, housing, transportation, community and economic development, environmental resilience, local governance and planning technologies, with a strong emphasis on applying planning knowledge to real-world community needs. The anticipated start date is August 16, 2027.

• Candidates should submit: 1) Letter of application describing their interest in the position and alignment with research and teaching responsibilities.
• 2) Curriculum vitae.
• 3) Research statement describing current scholarships, future research and funding agenda.
• 4) Teaching statement describing teaching philosophy.
• 5) Contact information for three professional references.

• Questions about the position may be directed to Dr. Carlton Basmajian, Search Committee Chair, at.
• Questions about the application process may be directed to or.
• Why Choose ISU?
• General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website.
• Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.