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Postdoc In Urban Studies Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Urban Designer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$135K - $189K/yr

... studies, and community engagement. We are looking for someone with a collaborative attitude, the ... In a typical week, you might: * Drive the design vision - Lead specific plans, master plans, and ...

Lead Urban Designer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$135K - $189K/yr

... studies, and community engagement. We are looking for someone with a collaborative attitude, the ... In a typical week, you might: * Drive the design vision - Lead specific plans, master plans, and ...

Post Doctoral Associate

New York, NY · On-site

$62K - $65K/yr

... POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE New York University Tandon School of Engineering The Center for Urban ... in NYC to arrange knowledge sharing with Vietnamese project partners; * conducting case study ...

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Zoning/ Plan Official

Elgin, IL · On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

A bachelor's degree in urban planning, public administration, or a related field is required. A ... and studies; make verbal presentations and persuade individuals and groups to follow certain ...

Preferred Qualifications: * 6+ years of relevant experience in urban planning studies ... environmental analysis and document preparation pursuant to CEQA/NEPA. * Experience with, and ...

Preferred Qualifications: * 6+ years of relevant experience in urban planning studies ... environmental analysis and document preparation pursuant to CEQA/NEPA. * Experience with, and ...

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Postdoc In Urban Studies information

What are some typical challenges faced by postdocs in urban studies when working on interdisciplinary research projects?

Postdocs in urban studies often collaborate with professionals from diverse fields such as sociology, geography, public policy, and environmental science. A common challenge is bridging methodological and terminological gaps between disciplines, which can make communication and project integration complex. Additionally, balancing independent research with collaborative responsibilities requires strong organizational skills and adaptability. However, overcoming these challenges can lead to innovative research outcomes and expanded professional networks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Postdoc in Urban Studies, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Postdoc in Urban Studies, you need a PhD in urban studies or a related field, strong research skills, and experience with data analysis and urban theory. Familiarity with GIS software, statistical analysis tools (like R or SPSS), and qualitative research platforms is often required. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration skills help you stand out in this role. These competencies enable the production of impactful research, effective dissemination of findings, and meaningful contributions to urban policy and planning.

What is a Postdoc in Urban Studies?

A Postdoc in Urban Studies is a researcher who has completed a doctoral degree and is engaged in advanced research in the field of urban studies. This position typically involves working on academic projects, publishing research, collaborating with faculty, and sometimes teaching or mentoring students. Postdocs in Urban Studies explore topics such as urban planning, social dynamics, public policy, and sustainable development within cities. The goal is to deepen expertise, contribute new knowledge to the field, and prepare for future academic or professional roles.

What is the difference between Postdoc In Urban Studies vs Postdoc In Geography?

AspectPostdoc In Urban StudiesPostdoc In Geography
Required CredentialsPhD in Urban Studies, Urban Planning, or related fieldsPhD in Geography or related disciplines
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, universities, urban policy centersResearch institutions, universities, environmental agencies
Employer & Industry UsageUrban development, city planning, policy researchEnvironmental research, spatial analysis, geographic information systems

Postdoc In Urban Studies typically focuses on urban development, policy, and planning within city contexts, while Postdoc In Geography emphasizes spatial analysis, environmental issues, and physical geography. Both roles involve research at academic or policy institutions but differ in their specific focus areas and applications.

Infographic showing various Postdoc In Urban Studies job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 77% Full Time, and 18% Part Time. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution.
Postdoctoral Fellowship in Cities and Communities

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Cities and Communities

Johns Hopkins University

Washington, DC • On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Johns Hopkins Medicine rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 200 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

221st of 869 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Description
The Johns Hopkins University (JHU) School of Government and Policy (SGP) invites applications from highly qualified, recent PhD graduates who possess a demonstrated interest in studying the topics, issues and challenges faced by cities and communities in the United States and globally.
SGP intentionally sits at the intersection of scholarly knowledge and practical expertise, and through its multi-disciplinary faculty and academic centers that work directly with cities and communities to adopt advanced practices in data use, AI, innovation and civic engagement and to address the problem of insufficient and inaccessible data on the topic of wealth and wealth creation, the school offers unmatched technical expertise, practitioner networks, and opportunities to bridge research and practice.
SGP seeks applicants who are interested in spending 1 to 2 years within our growing school community, receiving mentorship from school faculty, engaging with, and contributing to the work of the centers, our city partners and with students from SGP and across JHU.
  • This is full-time research position.
  • The position is a one-year appointment, with the potential for a one-year extension.
  • The position offers competitive compensation and benefits.
  • The appointment will begin Fall 2026, or as soon thereafter as a successful candidate is identified.

Core Responsibilities
  • Explore, assess, and research specific issues relevant to cities and communities through deep engagement with faculty, other academic collaborators across JHU, the school centers, and municipalities.
  • Develop a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of the mission and programs of work implemented by the centers and the key research questions underpinning their work.
  • Undertake field visits to cities and communities facilitated through and performed in collaboration with staff from the centers.
  • Advance thought leadership by generating published research, position papers, and case studies and participate in and lead school and university seminars, symposia, and other events.
  • Assist in development of teaching materials and presentations and engage with students from SGP and across JHU by participating in the delivery of instruction.

Qualifications
Qualified candidates for the postdoctoral fellowship position must meet the following minimum qualifications:
  • A PhD degree in political science, public administration, public policy, economics, sociology, urban planning, urban studies, or a related discipline is required and must be conferred by employment start date.
  • A demonstrated strong commitment to academic research with particular interest and expertise in AI and its impact on cities and communities or factors that influence successful models for public sector innovation, including civic engagement and participatory governance.
  • A strong record of high-quality scholarly output or evidence of a promising publication trajectory (peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, case studies, policy reports, or equivalent).
  • Experience conducting or participating in empirical or theoretical research using appropriate methods (qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods, ethnography, policy analysis, etc.).
  • Experience writing policy briefs, position papers or case studies and capacity to translate research findings for academic and non-academic audiences.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, experience in student instruction, and the ability to present research to scholarly, policy, and community stakeholders.
  • Ability and willingness to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, community partners, municipal practitioners, and/or policymakers on projects of mutual interest.

Application Instructions
Applications must be submitted via Interfolio and include:
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Three (3) professional references
  • A maximum of three (3) relevant research papers or other types of scholarly publications
  • A letter of interest summarizing qualifications, areas of expertise, research interests, and career goals

Johns Hopkins University conducts pre-employment background checks and degree verification on all candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer.
Applications will be reviewed by a school search committee and will be accepted until the position is filled. Interviews may be conducted on a rolling basis.
The search committee is dedicated to hiring candidates who, through their research, teaching, and service will contribute to the growth and excellence of the School of Government and Policy, to JHU, our students, and the broader academic community.

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