USC Price School Seeks Environmental Planning Professor
The Los Angeles-based university is hiring a tenure-track assistant professor to advance research in climate and urban studies.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Environmental
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The University of Southern California Sol Price School of Public Policy has officially opened applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Environmental Planning. Located in Los Angeles, the position sits within the university's Department of Urban Planning and Spatial Analysis.
Why it matters
The department is recruiting new scholars to specifically address pressing urban planning challenges tied to climate change and urbanization. This hiring initiative seeks to expand the academic capacity of a highly ranked department as it explores modern spatial issues.
The Department of Urban Planning and Spatial Analysis currently holds the number 1 national ranking for faculty citations by ScholarMetrics and is ranked number 4 in urban planning and policy by US News and World Report. Applicants must hold a PhD in urban planning or a related field by the start date.
The players
University of Southern California Sol Price School of Public Policy
This academic institution in Los Angeles provides education and research focused on public policy, governance, and urban planning.
The details
Candidates are required to submit a curriculum vitae, a letter of interest, and a statement detailing their intended teaching and research approaches. The search process also requires applicants to provide three letters of reference through the university portal.
Timeline
Application review begins December 1, 2026.
The Big Picture
This recruitment effort reinforces the standing of the Department of Urban Planning and Spatial Analysis faculty citation benchmark within the broader academic discipline. By bringing in new expertise, the school intends to continue its trajectory as a top-ranked center for urban policy research.
The addition of a new faculty member with an environmental planning focus could lead to future research breakthroughs regarding urban climate resilience and sustainable infrastructure. These academic insights often transition into public policy recommendations that impact local zoning and land use in Los Angeles.
The takeaway
Prospective candidates interested in contributing to top-tier urban planning research should ensure their application materials highlight climate change expertise. This search signals a continued commitment to high-impact scholarship within the public policy field.
What happens next
The university will begin the formal review of all submitted faculty applications on December 1, 2026.
Further reading
Explore ongoing research and academic developments at the Environmental section.
More information
For additional details on the application process and department requirements, visit the USC Price School official website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Planetizen - Urban Planning News, Jobs, and Education.
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Do you trust that current urban planning research is effectively addressing pressing climate and environmental challenges?
