Assistant Professor - Landscape Architecture and Planning - (2 Positions)

University of Rhode Island•Kingston, RI

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About The Position

The Department of Landscape Architecture and Planning in the College of the Environment and Life Sciences (CELS) at the University of Rhode Island (URI) invites applications for two academic year, tenure-track Assistant Professor positions specializing in Environmental Planning or Urban Design and Transportation Planning. URI is the State's flagship land and sea grant research university located in Kingston, Rhode Island, a beautiful seaside community that is well connected by car, bus, and rail. URI is approximately 40 minutes from Providence, an hour from Boston and 3 hours from New York City. URI is leveraging departments of Planning, Landscape Architecture, and Geosciences, creating a hub where faculty tackle urgent community and environmental challenges through innovative, inclusive, and resilient approaches. The departments consist of 13 full-time faculty members engaged in teaching and research focused on understanding, restoring, and sustainably managing Earth's dynamic systems and landscapes. Our work combines geophysical analysis, hydrologic and water quality modeling, and climate science with sustainable, community-based design to address pressing environmental issues like climate change impacts, coastal hazards, and equitable access to green spaces. Our departments have over 140 undergraduates majoring in either Landscape Architecture or Water and Climate Science, or Geology and Geological Oceanography. Our faculty mentor graduate students enrolled in either the interdisciplinary Biological and Environmental Sciences graduate program at the M.S. and Ph.D. levels, or the professional Master of Environmental Science and Management (MESM) program. We seek individuals with an emerging record of impactful research, as well as demonstrated commitment to teaching, experiential learning, and mentorship at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The successful candidates will develop a recognized program of research excellence and scholarship in either Environmental Planning or Urban Design and Transportation Planning that provides potential for research synergies with existing disciplines and faculty on campus. These areas provide opportunities to develop teaching and research programs that bridge theory and practice. Environmental Planning Position - The Environmental Planning position focuses on the intersection of ecological systems, land use, and community resilience. The successful candidate will advance research and teaching in areas such as climate adaptation, ecological restoration, nature-based solutions, coastal resilience, just transitions and environmental justice. This position will contribute to the department's strengths in sustainable design and environmental management, with opportunities to collaborate across URI's Land and Sea Grant programs, the Coastal Institute, and interdisciplinary initiatives addressing climate change impacts in Rhode Island and beyond. Teaching responsibilities may include core courses in planning and environmental planning, land use, planning law, sustainability, and climate resilience, along with mentorship of student research and applied studio projects. Urban Design and Transportation Planning Position - The Urban Design and Transportation Planning position emphasizes the spatial, social, and technological dimensions of mobility and urban form. The successful candidate will engage in research and teaching that explore sustainable transportation systems, smart growth, complete streets, equitable community development, and design rooted in local engagement. This position offers opportunities to collaborate with faculty in engineering, landscape architecture, and marine affairs to develop innovative approaches to multimodal transportation, transit-oriented development, and resilient urban design. Teaching may include core courses in planning and courses in urban design, transportation planning, and community planning integrating data visualization, spatial analysis, and participatory methods. URI's land- and sea-grant mission enables collaboration across geoscience, engineering, natural resources, marine affairs, and environmental sciences, with direct engagement in Rhode Island's inland and coastal communities. Priority will be given to candidates who show a commitment to an inclusive culture and community through research, pedagogical practices, and public engagement, and who would contribute to URI's goals in these areas.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Community/Urban/Regional Planning or a closely related field completed at the time of application.
A record of scholarly achievement as evidenced by (a) publications in peer-reviewed journals, book chapters, or books, and (b) presentations at scientific meetings.
Ability to teach courses at the undergraduate and/or graduate level.
Ability to work with members that support an inclusive culture and community.
Proficiency in oral communication skills in English.
Proficiency in written communication skills in English.
Commitment to participate in professional service and outreach as shown by participation in committees, organizations, or other activities.
Ability to work with diverse groups/populations.

Nice To Haves

Degree from a PAB-/LAAB-/NAAB- accredited program.
Professional experience in planning and/or landscape architecture; eligibility or progress toward professional licensure (AICP, RLA) or other certifications.
Experience actively participating in collaborative research.
Experience obtaining funding through competitive grant programs (including graduate or postdoctoral fellowships and grants).
Evidence of mentoring undergraduate and/or graduate students.
Record of scholarly achievement as shown by publications, honors, and/or awards.
Expertise making research findings accessible to a broad audience through outreach, social media, and other mixed media outlets.
Knowledge of and/or experience with community-based organizations or Cooperative Extension programs.

Responsibilities

Establish a vibrant research program supported by extramural funding in advancing smart growth, climate resilience, coastal adaptation, sustainable transportation, green infrastructure and equitable community development.
Develop a sustained record of publication in peer-reviewed journals.
Implement inclusive, evidence-based teaching and learning approaches to ensure the academic success of a diverse student population. Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in planning, environmental planning, land use, community design, transportation, core courses in the future master's program; and related areas aligned with expertise.
Provide advising, training, and research mentorship to undergraduate and graduate students.
Engage in outreach and service activities and governance within the Department, College, University, and broader scholarly community.

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