Assistant Professor of City & Regional Planning
Not Disclosed•Full-TimeOn-site
location_on3972, Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo County, California, 93401, United States
About the Department
The City and Regional Planning Department (CRP) at Cal Poly promotes sustainable and diverse communities within cultural and human systems. We provide an interdisciplinary professional planning education based on a "learn-by-doing" approach, community outreach, and applied research to help communities aspire for better, livable places. CRP is an integral part of the nationally recognized five-department College of Architecture and Environmental Design.
About the Role
We seek a full-time, academic year, tenure-track Assistant Professor with demonstrated expertise in housing policy, planning, and development, with a specific focus on affordability and equity. The successful candidate will join a team dedicated to addressing critical challenges of housing access, affordability, and sustainability across diverse communities.
This role is designed for an interdisciplinary scholar who can connect housing to related issues such as real estate development, transit-oriented development, climate resilience, community development, social justice, and neighborhood design. You will teach undergraduate and graduate courses, mentor students, and engage in community-based and applied research that advances affordable housing solutions at regional and national scales. A key component of the position is contributing to service learning, particularly through partnerships with Central California communities and the broader region.
About the University
Founded in 1901, Cal Poly is one of only five comprehensive polytechnic universities in the nation. Ranked #1 among public master's universities in the western United States for 26 consecutive years by U.S. News and World Report, Cal Poly takes pride in its "Learn by Doing" approach to teaching and learning. Situated on 1,321 acres in historic San Luis Obispo, the university offers a unique blend of academic rigor and outdoor lifestyle, located just twelve miles from the Pacific Ocean and midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Hiring Process
Interested candidates must submit a cover letter, resume/CV, a Universal Student Success Statement, a research plan, and unofficial transcripts. Syllabi examples and documentation of teaching excellence are optional. Applicants should be prepared to provide three professional references with names and email addresses during the online application process. Official transcripts will be required prior to appointment.
Review of applications will begin January 6, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is August 17, 2026, for the 2026–2027 academic year.
Equal Opportunity and Culture
Cal Poly is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment that cultivates open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging. Our commitment to equal opportunity ensures that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive.
We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Cal Poly complies with all applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, including Title VI, Title IX, the ADA, and the California Equity in Higher Education Act. Excellence at Cal Poly is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.
Important Employment Information
The position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act. Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily. Cal Poly is a smoke- and tobacco-free campus. As a state entity, the university prohibits hiring employees to perform work outside of California, and tenure-line faculty are expected to establish an on-campus presence. Please note that Cal Poly does not commit to providing employment-based visa sponsorship for this position.
Work location
Work model: On-site
3972, Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo County, California, 93401, United States
San Luis Obispo, California
Key Responsibilities
- check_circleTeach undergraduate and graduate courses in housing policy, planning, and development
- check_circleConduct community-based and applied research on affordable housing solutions
- check_circleFoster service learning partnerships with Central California communities
- check_circleDesign and deliver studio and lecture courses with a learn-by-doing approach
- check_circleIntegrate interdisciplinary topics such as climate resilience and social justice into curriculum
- check_circleMentor students in academic and professional growth
- check_circleEngage in departmental, college, and university service functions
Requirements
- verifiedPh.D. in planning or closely related discipline
- verifiedProfessional experience in community planning and development
- verifiedExcellent oral and written communication skills
- verifiedAbility to work cooperatively with diverse backgrounds
- verifiedSatisfactory background check
- verifiedCompliance with California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act
- verifiedOn-campus presence in California
Nice to Have
A degree in urban planning and teaching experience in specific areas of program need.
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Skills, education and keywords
Skills: Housing Policy, Planning, Development, Real Estate Development, Feasibility Analysis, Quantitative Research Methods, Qualitative Research Methods, Geospatial Analysis, Data Visualization, Community Engagement.
Education: Ph.D. in planning or closely related discipline required.
Frequently asked questions about Assistant Professor of City & Regional Planning at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly)
What does a Assistant Professor of City & Regional Planning at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) do?expand_more
In this Assistant Professor of City & Regional Planning at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) role, you will teach undergraduate and graduate courses in housing policy, planning, and development; conduct community-based and applied research on affordable housing solutions; foster service learning partnerships with central california communities; and design and deliver studio and lecture courses with a learn-by-doing approach.
What are the requirements for this Assistant Professor of City & Regional Planning role?expand_more
To qualify for the Assistant Professor of City & Regional Planning at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) position, applicants should have: Ph.D. in planning or closely related discipline; Professional experience in community planning and development; Excellent oral and written communication skills; Ability to work cooperatively with diverse backgrounds; Satisfactory background check; and Compliance with California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act.
Where is the Assistant Professor of City & Regional Planning role at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) located?expand_more
Assistant Professor of City & Regional Planning at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) is based in 3972, Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo County, California, 93401, United States. This is a on-site role.
Is this Assistant Professor of City & Regional Planning job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more
California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) has listed this Assistant Professor of City & Regional Planning role as on-site.
How much experience is required for this Assistant Professor of City & Regional Planning role?expand_more
Candidates for Assistant Professor of City & Regional Planning at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) should have mid level.
What skills do you need for the Assistant Professor of City & Regional Planning role at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly)?expand_more
Key skills for Assistant Professor of City & Regional Planning at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) include Housing Policy; Planning; Development; Real Estate Development; Feasibility Analysis; Quantitative Research Methods; Qualitative Research Methods; and Geospatial Analysis.
What education is required for Assistant Professor of City & Regional Planning at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly)?expand_more
Educational requirements for this role: Ph.D. in planning or closely related discipline required.
What category does the Assistant Professor of City & Regional Planning role belong to?expand_more
Assistant Professor of City & Regional Planning at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) is part of the teaching job category on Recrutus.
About California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly)
California Polytechnic State University, commonly known as Cal Poly, operates as a comprehensive public higher education institution headquartered in San Luis Obispo, California. The university enrolls approximately 17,500 undergraduate students alongside 120 post-baccalaureate and 900 graduate students. Cal Poly distinguishes itself through a learn-by-doing pedagogical model that integrates teaching, scholarship, and service. This approach prepares students for the scientific and technical sectors by fostering partnerships between students, staff, and faculty in a hands-on discovery environment. The curriculum delivers a balanced education across the arts, sciences, and technology, encouraging cross-disciplinary and co-curricular engagement.
The institution has established a strong national reputation within the higher education sector. U.S. News and World Report has ranked Cal Poly first among public master's universities in the western United States for 24 consecutive years. The campus culture prioritizes free inquiry, cultural and intellectual diversity, mutual respect, civic engagement, and social and environmental responsibility. By welcoming diverse perspectives and promoting international education, the university aims to equip its community for success in a global workforce. This commitment to diversity among students, faculty, and staff serves to enrich the overall educational experience.
Browse more roles: All California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) jobs, teaching jobs on Recrutus.