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Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Community and Economic Development (CED)in partnership with the Department of Urban Planning and Development (UPD) in the College of Design, invites applications for a 12-month tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Land-Use & Resilience Planning.

We seek a scholar and educator whose research and teaching focus on how communities can use land-use planning to address changing conditions in Iowa, manage natural resources, and build long-term community resilience. The successful candidate will contribute to UPD's teaching and research mission while developing an applied extension and outreach program through CED that responds to the needs of Iowa communities.

With a joint appointment in UPD and CED, the candidate will work with local governments, regional organizations, state agencies, community organizations, and other partners. The successful candidate will translate research and planning knowledge into practical tools, programs, technical assistance, and educational resources. A start-up package will be available to initiate research and statewide engagement.

About ISU Extension and Outreach, Community and Economic Development

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Community and Economic Development (CED) works with communities across Iowa to strengthen local economies, leadership, and quality of life. CED connects university expertise with community needs through applied research, education, technical assistance, and partnerships in areas such as community planning, economic development, housing, and local governance.

Website: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/communities/programs-and-services

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/.

Areas of Interest

We welcome candidates whose scholarship and practice address one or more of the following areas: land-use planning; land-use law and regulation; planning for rural, regional and community resilience; natural-resource and watershed planning; or economic development.

Candidates whose work connects multiple areas and demonstrates the application of planning knowledge to community challenges are particularly encouraged to apply. The position provides an opportunity to integrate research, teaching, and community engagement around some of the most consequential challenges facing urban and rural communities in Iowa.  

Position Responsibilities

The successful candidate will contribute to Iowa State University’s land grant mission and the teaching, research, extension, and service imperatives of the Department of Urban Planning and Development, the College of Design, and ISU Extension and Outreach.  

The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate courses in areas such as land-use planning, planning law, community resilience, and natural resources and watershed planning, as well as contribute to innovative planning courses and studios consistent with departmental needs and aligned with the work program of ISU Extension and Outreach.

A major component of this position will be developing an applied research and extension program focused on land-use planning and resilience in Iowa communities. The future faculty member will be expected to pursue external funding; disseminate scholarship through appropriate academic, extension, and professional venues; translate research to community needs and for public audiences; develop interdisciplinary collaborations within and beyond Iowa State University; establish a leadership role in statewide land use matters; and engage communities throughout Iowa.

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, environmental planning, geography, law, policy, public administration, or a closely related field by the start date.
 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Evidence of research or scholarly potential related to land-use planning and resilience.
• Evidence of the ability to contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching in planning.
• Experience with community-engaged research or applied planning practice.
• Ability to translate research into practical tools, programs, or decision-support resources for communities and practitioners.
• Experience working with local governments, residents, regional organizations, extension systems, public agencies, or community-based organizations.
• Evidence of or potential for developing an externally funded research program.

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Application Instructions:

Candidates should submit:

1. Letter of application describing their interest in the position and alignment with its teaching, research and extension responsibilities.
2. Curriculum vitae.
3. Community engagement philosophy statement.
4. Teaching statement describing teaching philosophy and experience.

5. Contact information for three professional references.

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.

Questions about the position may be directed to Dr. Carlton Basmajian, Search Committee Chair, at carlton@iastate.edu. Questions about the application process may be directed to employment@iastate.edu 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

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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 eooffice@iastate.edu.

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.