Teaching Assistant Professor

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The Department of City and Regional Planning at UNC-Chapel Hill is seeking a new Teaching Assistant Professor to expand the Department's intellectual reach and visibility to UNC's undergraduate student population. This position will also facilitate recruitment of undergraduates into the Master's of City and Regional Planning ( MCRP) program through the Department's "4+1" undergraduate-to-graduate pathway, creating a structured "on-ramp" for students to discover planning earlier in their academic trajectory. This position will strengthen the Department's instructional capacity by introducing undergraduates to the practice of planning. The selected faculty member will accomplish this through three primary pathways: leading (and creating new) large introductory courses, expanding the capacity of the Department's undergraduate Minor in Urban Studies and Planning, and creating new, innovative undergraduate courses (including both large lecture courses and small, first-year seminars). By leading introductory (100- and 200-level) urban planning courses, this faculty member will serve as a key gateway into the discipline, introducing undergraduates majoring in a variety of fields to planning's role in housing and community development, environmental protection, economic development and infrastructure provision. As these courses will be students' first exposure to planning, a strong, engaging instructor in this role will significantly shape perceptions of the field and broaden its appeal beyond traditional self-selected majors.

The Department of City and Regional Planning is an academic unit within the College of Arts and Sciences. The Department engages in teaching, primarily at the graduate level; conducts applied research on urban and regional issues; and serves the state, nation, and planning profession. The department offers a Masters in City and Regional Planning, a PhD, and an undergraduate minor. In any given year there are about 85 Masters students enrolled, 35 doctoral students and a growing cadre of undergraduates and students enrolled in dual degree programs. The faculty consists of 22 core faculty consisting of tenure-track faculty members and full-time teaching faculty along with part-time practitioners and researchers all of whom are active in the teaching and research programs of the department. The faculty usually generates over $3.0 million annually through research and training grants.

This full-time Teaching Assistant Professor will be expected to allocate effort approximately as follows: 80% teaching and 20% service. This service includes, but is not limited to, search committees, review committees, and administrative roles within the department and/or College. The position carries a three-course teaching load each semester during the fall and spring terms. Teaching assignments will be based on the candidate's expertise and departmental needs. The six courses taught by this Teaching Assistant Professor will be at the undergraduate level and include a mix of existing and new courses. This position will be hired with a 3-year initial contract with the possibility of renewal and promotion, in accordance with university and departmental personnel policies.

A master's degree in urban planning or a related discipline, should be received by the start date of the appointment (July 1, 2027). Demonstrated teaching experience at the undergraduate level, or experience delivering professional training or educational programming to large groups is expected. Must demonstrate strong evidence of competency and expertise in urban planning.

A PhD in urban planning or a related discipline is preferred. Candidates should have a record of, or demonstrated potential for, outstanding teaching at the undergraduate level. Alternatively, candidates with experience as practicing planners should demonstrate extensive experience in leading professional training or other activities that promote planning education for large groups. Professional credentials, such as AICP certification, and active engagement with professional organizations, such as the American Planning Association ( APA), are desirable.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to teaching, mentoring, and training undergraduate students and to working with a diverse student body.

The application should include a cover letter, curriculum vitae (CV) that explicitly states fields of specialization, teaching philosophy statement, student teaching evaluations, and a list of references that includes the names, titles and email addresses of three professional references. Application materials should address the applicant's experience, commitment to, and approach to teaching at the undergraduate level and/or the applicant's experience training large groups in professional contexts. Reference letters should speak to the applicant's teaching effectiveness and instructional abilities, as well as relevant experience such as professional training delivery, AICP or APA involvement/certification, and/or experience as a practicing planner where applicable. Additional optional materials may be included in the application packet, such as evidence of teaching effectiveness, a writing sample or publication related to pedagogical practice, and/or other document containing examples of public engagement, leading professional or community-based training sessions. At the time of application, candidates will be required to identify the names, titles, and email addresses of three professional references. Recommenders identified by the applicant will be contacted via the application portal with instructions for uploading their letters of support. We will begin considering candidates on October 1. For questions related to the application process, please contact the department at DCRP_HR@unc.edu; the department address is Department of City and Regional Planning, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB# 3140, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3140 and the web address is https://planning.unc.edu/

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University's Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost office at (919)-962-1091 or send an email to facultyrecruitment@unc.edu.

Please note: The Executive Vice Chancellor & Provost office will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

If you have any questions about the job requirements or the hiring department notify the Department Contact.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.