Description

Position Description

The School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences at The University of Texas at Dallas invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Spatial Planning for Sustainability, to begin in August 2026.  We seek a scholar whose research focuses on urban planning, sustainable development, transportation, land use, and/or environmental sustainability, with a strong emphasis on the use of emerging technologies, such as geospatial artificial intelligence (AI), smart city and/or digital twins, to address pressing challenges in cities, regions, human-environment interactions, and related policy and organizational issues.

The successful candidate will have an active research agenda that advances knowledge in one or more areas such as:

• Urban planning, urban growth, and development dynamics.
• Geospatial AI, smart cities, digital twins, and other computational methods in urban analytics.
• Sustainability, resilience, and social innovation.

Responsibilities include:

• Conducting innovative, policy-relevant research on sustainability and planning.
• Teaching undergraduate and graduate courses related to spatial planning in cities, regions, human dynamics, sustainability, resilience, or related global issues (such as United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals).  
• Advising and mentoring students on research projects that engage with real-world geospatial and policy challenges.
• Contributing to the collaborations among faculty across the departments, schools, and university.

Evidence of ability to secure external research funding is required.

The appointment commences for the fall 2026 semester.

The School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences

The School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences (EPPS) at UT Dallas is a national leader in research addressing critical social, political and economic issues.  

Our graduates work in government, nonprofits and the private sector, with many pursuing advanced degrees that prepare them for leadership roles in advancing positive changes on the local, national and global levels. 

The University and Community 

UT Dallas is a top public research university located in one of the nation’s fastest-growing metropolitan regions. Our seven schools offer more than 140 undergraduate and graduate programs, plus professional certificates and fast-track programs. Our student body is approximately 30,000 strong, reflecting students from over 100 countries and a multiplicity of perspectives and experiences. Over 65% of our undergraduate students receive some form of need- or merit-based financial aid; and 66% of graduating seniors have no student debt compared to 48% in Texas and 32% in the nation (2021 TICAS report). 

UT Dallas is committed to graduating well-rounded members of the community whose education has prepared them for rewarding lives and productive careers in a constantly changing world. Our mission centers on providing Texas and the nation with excellent and innovative education and research. The University’s rapid growth is fueled by our creative and enterprising spirit, bright students, innovative programs, renowned faculty, dedicated staff, engaged alumni, and research that matters.

The University promotes a welcoming environment through programs and initiatives designed to support engagement and success for members of the campus community. Employee benefits include a range of physical and mental wellness resources, competitive insurance and retirement plan options, lactation facilities located throughout the campus, and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) comprised of individuals who share common interests to help build community among UT Dallas faculty and staff (e.g., Universal Access ERG, Military and Veteran ERG, UT Dallas Young Professionals). Additionally, the University’s modern campus, 400+ campus organizations, and prime location foster collaboration and community.     

Situated in Richardson, Texas, the University’s location offers abundant professional development and entertainment options. The Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex is rich in visual and performing arts venues, museum districts, professional and semi-professional athletics teams, botanical gardens, accessible trails, and much more, ensuring there’s something for everyone. The University’s partnerships with regional higher education institutions, local school districts, numerous companies, and the Richardson Innovation Quarter (Richardson IQ) – a major hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and educational activities – promotes collaboration, professional growth, and educational excellence.  

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. The University prohibits unlawful discrimination against a person because of their race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status.

Requirements

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience: A PhD in urban sciences, geography, GIScience, public policy, sustainability science, urban affairs, urban policy, or a related discipline is required prior to employment; those with ABD status will be considered at the application/interviewing stage.  Candidates are expected to demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative, engaging, and dynamic environment comprised of individuals with a range of backgrounds, skills, and perspectives. We are seeking candidates able to produce research and scholarly or creative achievements that enhance the program and the discipline, and able to deliver high quality teaching using evidence-based practices to effectively engage students from a range of backgrounds and experiences.

Preferred Education and Experience: A PhD in urban sciences, geography, GIScience, public policy, sustainability science, urban affairs, or urban policy.

Application Instructions

Applicants should upload the following via the online application:

• Full curriculum vitae and cover letter summarizing their interests and qualifications for the position.
• Statement of teaching philosophy describing their conceptualizations of teaching and learning, and teaching and assessment methods, and how their teaching practices will engage students from a range of backgrounds and experiences.
• Research statement describing past, present, and future research, including how they mentor (or will mentor) student researchers and foster (or will foster) collaborative research environments.
• A writing/publication sample; and
• Full contact information for at least three academic or professional references.

Priority will be given to completed applications received by November 10, 2025. Reviews will continue until the position is filled or the search is closed on March 1, 2026.