Assistant Professor in Urban and Regional Planning

Texas State University; San Marcos (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Urban and Regional Planning in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies. The successful candidate will contribute to undergraduate and graduate courses, mentor students, and build an externally visible research program aligned with strengths in urban planning, GIScience, and related areas.

The position begins Fall 2027. Requirements include a Ph.D.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required 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.
• Contribute service to the department, university, discipline, and broader community.

Skills

Peer-reviewed scholarship

Research agenda

Teaching urban geography

Education

Ph.D. in geography, urban and regional planning, or urban studies

Job description

Position Title

Assistant Professor in Urban and Regional Planning

Job Posting Number

2027021TTL

Job Location

San Marcos

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.

Proposed Start Date

08/16/2027

Posting Date

09/29/2026

Review Date

11/23/2026

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

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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.