Assistant Professor: Technology - Urban Analytics and Planning

Assistant Professor: Technology - Urban Analytics and Planning

Job Description

Summary of Duties and 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. Please visit the departmental website for more information: https://www.design.iastate.edu/academics/departments/upd/

Proposed Start Date: August 16, 2027

Number of Months Employed Per Year: 09 Month Work Period

Time Type: Full time

Application Instructions:

The guaranteed consideration date is December 15, 2026 and application reviews will continue until the position is filled. 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. Questions about the application process may be directed to [email protected] or 515-294-4800.

Why Choose ISU?

Iowa State Faculty enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:

• Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

Original Posting Date: October 9, 2026

Posting Close Date:

Job Requisition Number: R20075

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email [email protected].

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.

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About Us

By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.

Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community. Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.

All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email [email protected].