Assistant Professor in Urban and Regional Planning

Texas State University

San Marcos (TX)

On-site

USD 75,000 - 120,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Job summary

Texas State University invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor position in Urban and Regional Planning to begin Fall 2027. The department seeks an urban geographer or planner whose research will expand strengths in urban planning, GIScience, and related areas.

The candidate will establish an externally visible research program, seek funding, publish widely, teach at undergrad and grad levels, mentor students, and contribute to service to the department and university.

Qualifications

Ph.D. in geography, urban and regional planning, or urban studies by time of appointment.
Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed scholarship.
Demonstrated or potential ability to develop a strong research agenda.
Demonstrated or potential ability to teach urban geography courses at undergraduate and graduate levels.

Responsibilities

Establish an active, externally visible research program.
Seek external research funding.
Publish in high-quality scholarly outlets.
Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in urban geography and related areas.
Mentor undergraduate and graduate students and contribute service to the department and university.

Skills

Peer-reviewed scholarship

Research agenda development

Teaching urban geography

Education

Ph.D. in geography/urban studies

Job description

Job Opportunities at Texas State University

Assistant Professor in Urban and Regional Planning

Position Title Assistant Professor in Urban and Regional Planning

Job Posting Number

Job Posting Number 2027021TTL

Job Location

Job Location San Marcos

Department

Department Department of Geography and Environmental Studies

Position Description

The Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at Texas State University invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor position in Urban and Regional Planning to begin Fall 2027. We seek an urban geographer or planner whose research will expand and complement the department’s existing strengths in urban and regional planning, applied environmental geography, and GIScience. Areas of specialization are open, but may include urban infrastructure systems, planning and public policy, comparative urbanization, housing and finance, or related areas.

The successful candidate will be expected to establish an active, externally visible research program; seek external research support; publish in high-quality scholarly outlets; teach undergraduate and graduate courses in urban geography and related areas; mentor undergraduate and graduate students; and contribute service to the department, university, discipline, and broader community.

Required Qualifications

A Ph.D. degree in geography, urban and regional planning, or urban studies by time of appointment.
A demonstrated record of peer-reviewed scholarship.
Demonstrated or potential ability to develop a strong research agenda.
Demonstrated or potential ability to teach urban geography courses at undergraduate and graduate levels.

Preferred Qualifications

Applied research interests in urban planning, urban infrastructure management, comparative urbanization, or housing and finance.
Demonstrated record of securing external research funding.
Demonstrated ability to advise graduate students in urban geography or urban planning.

Application Procedures

To be considered in the initial pool of candidates, complete applications must be received no later than November 22, 2026. Complete applications received after this date will only be considered if no viable candidates are identified and hired from the initial pool. This position will remain open until filled. All positions are subject to availability of funds.

Only applications submitted through the Texas State University website will be accepted and considered: https://jobs.hr.txstate.edu/postings/58560 . A complete application must include the materials listed below:

A letter of application outlining the applicant’s research credentials, plan for extramural funding, teaching experience, and career goals that meets the required and preferred qualifications as stated above.
Unofficial transcripts (all in one document).
One sample of published scholarship.
Reports of teaching evaluations (if available).
Names and contact information for three reference letters. References will be contacted for applicants that advance past the initial application review.

For inquiries, please email Dr. Eric Sarmiento, chair of the Search Committee, at sarmiento@txstate.edu. Please indicate “Urban and Regional Planning Position” in the subject line of all correspondence.

The Department of Geography at Texas State University ( https://www.geo.txstate.edu/ ) has 36 full-time faculty members, around 500 undergraduate majors in BA and BS programs and over 130 graduate students in our Master of Science (MS), Master of Applied Geography ( MAG ), and PhD programs in geography, geographic education, and geographic information science. The Department of Geography is part of the College of Liberal Arts. To learn more about the department, please visit: https://www.geo.txstate.edu .

Texas State University is located in San Marcos, a city of about 75,000 residents situated in the beautiful Central Texas Hill Country, 30 miles south of Austin and 48 miles north of San Antonio. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching classifies Texas State University as a “Doctoral University: Higher Research Activity,” the second-highest designation for research institutions in the United States. Texas State University is located in the burgeoning Austin-San Antonio corridor, and with ~44,000 students, is among the largest universities in the state. With a diverse campus community including 50% of the student body from ethnic minorities, Texas State University is one of the top 13 producers of Hispanic baccalaureate graduates in the nation. Additional information about Texas State University and its nationally recognized academic programs is available at www.txstate.edu .

Proposed Start Date

Proposed Start Date 08/16/2027

Posting Date

Posting Date 09/29/2026

Review Date

Review Date 11/23/2026

Close Date

Open Until Filled? Yes

Legal Notices

Texas State University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all persons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal or state law in employment, educational programs, and activities and admissions. Employment with Texas State University is contingent upon the outcome of record checks and verifications including, but not limited to, criminal history, driving records, education records, employment verifications, reference checks, drug screening (if applicable), and employment eligibility verifications. Certain positions, including those with clinical responsibilities, require compliance with health, immunization, and other requirements mandated by affiliated clinical agencies. Employment and continued assignment in such roles are contingent upon meeting and maintaining these requirements. This position may conduct research on critical infrastructure depending on the research focus of a hire. Consistent with the requirements of the State of Texas, individuals conducting research on critical infrastructure will be subject to pre-employment, and then subsequent routine background checks/cybersecurity screenings. Employment will at all times be contingent upon the successful completion of these screenings in accordance with State and University requirements.

Reasonable Accommodation

If you experience accessibility issues or require alternative formatting during the application process due to a disability or underlying condition, we request that you contact Talent Acquisition for assistance. A representative from Talent Acquisition will respond to you as soon as possible.

Record Checks and Verifications

Employment with Texas State University is contingent upon the outcome of record checks and verifications including, but not limited to, criminal history, driving records, education records, employment verifications, reference checks, and employment eligibility verifications.

Eligibility for Employment

In accordance with federal law, all new employees must complete the Form I-9 and provide acceptable documentation verifying their identity and authorization to work in the United States. Texas State University participates in E-Verify, and employment is contingent upon the successful verification of work authorization. Employees are required to maintain valid work authorization to satisfy the conditions of Form I9 at all times during their employment and the university makes no implicit or explicit promises to financially support visa or permanent residency applications.

Why Work at Texas State?

Texas State University is a large, student-centered public research institution serving more than 40,000 students across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in San Marcos and Round Rock. Classified as a Carnegie Doctoral University with High Research Activity (R2), TXST is actively advancing its ambitious Run to R1 strategy, demonstrating sustained growth in research activity, doctoral education, and scholarly impact.

Faculty at TXST join a vibrant academic community of over 5,000 faculty and staff committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service. The university offers a collaborative, supportive environment, and interdisciplinary scholarship. Outstanding faculty are drawn to TXST for the opportunity to make a meaningful impact—advancing research, mentoring a growing student body, and helping shape the future of a rapidly growing research university.