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Urban Planning Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... urban and regional areas, planning research, and zoning activities Thorough knowledge of the various codes and regulations pertaining to land use planning and zoning Thorough knowledge of research ...

Urban Planner (Designer)

Washington, DC · On-site

$71K - $100K/yr

Conduct research related to campus and urban planning topics. * Provide technical support to planning projects, including GIS mapping, data collection and analysis, report writing, and preparation of ...

Urban Planner (Designer)

Washington, DC · On-site

$71K - $100K/yr

Conduct research related to campus and urban planning topics. * Provide technical support to planning projects, including GIS mapping, data collection and analysis, report writing, and preparation of ...

Showing results 21-40

Urban Planning Research information

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$37K

$106K

$142.5K

How much do urban planning research jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for urban planning research in the United States is $106,012.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,000.00 and $104,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an urban planning research job involve?

An Urban Planning Research job focuses on studying and analyzing urban development, land use, transportation, and environmental planning to inform policies and decision-making. Professionals in this role collect data, evaluate trends, and provide recommendations to improve city infrastructure, sustainability, and livability. They may work for government agencies, private firms, or research institutions, collaborating with urban planners, architects, and policymakers. Strong analytical skills, knowledge of geographic information systems (GIS), and an understanding of zoning laws are essential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in urban planning research, and why are they important?

To excel in Urban Planning Research, you need a background in urban studies, geography, or a related field, with strong analytical, data interpretation, and research skills. Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), statistical analysis software like SPSS or R, and urban planning tools is highly valued, alongside possible certification from professional planning organizations. Effective communication, attention to detail, and collaborative abilities are essential soft skills for synthesizing information and working with interdisciplinary teams. These competencies are crucial for producing high-quality research that informs policy, supports sustainable development, and addresses complex urban challenges.

What does a typical day look like for someone in urban planning research?

A typical day in Urban Planning Research often involves collecting and analyzing data on land use, zoning, and population trends, as well as preparing reports and visualizations to present findings. Researchers may attend meetings with public officials, urban planners, or community stakeholders to discuss project developments and policy implications. Collaboration is common, so you might work alongside transportation experts, environmental scientists, and economists to ensure a holistic approach. The work is a blend of independent research, teamwork, and communication, providing a dynamic and impactful role.

More about Urban Planning Research jobs
What cities are hiring for Urban Planning Research jobs? Cities with the most Urban Planning Research job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Urban Planning Research jobs? The most popular types of Urban Planning Research jobs are:
What states have the most Urban Planning Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Urban Planning Research jobs include:
Infographic showing various Urban Planning Research job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,012 per year, or $51 per hour.

Assistant Professor of Teaching of Urban Planning

University of California, Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 18 days ago


UCLA rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 76 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

186th of 617 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position description
The Department of Urban Planning in the UCLA Meyer and Renee Luskin School of Public Affairs seeks an Assistant Professor of Teaching who will contribute to the Department's teaching mission, including a new Master of Global Public Affairs.
We seek scholars from urban planning, sociology, geography, political science, public policy, economics, and related fields whose work relates to Global Public Affairs, broadly defined. Relevant topics include, but are not limited to comparative urbanization, land use, public finance and taxation, environment and climate, infrastructure, transportation, social policies, labor, social movements, innovation and technology, human rights, and immigration. Applicants' research should be policy relevant, and applicants should be prepared to teach core and elective courses to master's and undergraduate students. The standard teaching load for this position is six courses across three quarters. The successful applicant's teaching and research should primarily focus on contexts outside of North America, for example in Asia, the Middle East, or Africa.
The Professor of Teaching is a Senate Faculty position series that is used for appointees who are members of the faculty of an academic or professional college, school, division, department, or program of the University whose primary responsibility is teaching and teaching-related tasks and secondary responsibility is professional and/or scholarly achievement and activity, including creative activity, especially as they relate to instruction and pedagogy. The faculty in this series also have responsibility for University and Public Service. "Intellectual attainment, as evidenced particularly in excellent teaching and secondarily in professional and/or scholarly achievement and activity, is an indispensable qualification for appointment or promotion to Associate or Full Professor of Teaching." ( Apm 285 ). Although this is primarily a teaching position where promotion is determined primarily by teaching quality, the department does prefer a candidate who also has an established research agenda, and that research be a secondary aspect of promotion.
UCLA's Urban Planning Department currently hosts 21 tenured/tenure-track planning faculty, 6 affiliated tenured/tenure-track faculty, 3 active professors emeriti, 35 PhD students, and 150 master's students. We are a multidisciplinary department with a tradition of intellectual leadership in urban studies and planning, and our students and alumni have long been known for their passionate commitment to progressive planning ideals. The Department offers a Master of Urban Planning degree, a PhD program, undergraduate courses, a Master of Real Estate Development, and the new position will contribute courses to a new Master of Global Public Affairs (MGPA) to be launched in Fall 2027. The MGPA is a two-year interdepartmental program that emphasizes rigorous training in problem formulation, policy design, and impact evaluation for students planning to work at the intersection of local and global issues across the public, private, and non-profit sectors.
Los Angeles is a global city renowned for its dynamism, robust economy, rich cultural diversity, and spectacular climate. The generously endowed Luskin School of Public Affairs is home to the departments of Public Policy, Social Welfare, and Urban Planning, and undergraduate program in public affairs, and three minors, as well as twelve research centers. UCLA is a leading global university and among the top-ranked public universities in the US.
Qualifications
Basic qualifications
A PhD in a relevant field (e.g., urban planning, sociology, geography, political science, etc, or a related discipline) is required by the time of appointment.
Additional qualifications
Formal training/specialization and demonstrated expertise in a field related to Urban Planning and Global Public Affairs.
Application Requirements
Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
  • Cover Letter - Cover Letter briefly summarizing your teaching experience, research background, and its academic and planning relevance and describe teaching experience and qualifications.
  • Statement of Teaching - Teaching statement describing your teaching philosophy, past teaching experience and evaluations, and courses you are prepared to teach.
  • Syllabus - Syllabus from a course you have taught or would plan to teach.
  • Statement of Research - Research statement that synthesizes completed and ongoing research and its contribution to your field (less than 500 words).
  • Writing Sample
  • Reference check authorization release form - Complete and upload the reference check authorization release form
  • UCLA Mission Statement - As the nation's premier public research university, UC's mission is the creation, dissemination, preservation and application of knowledge for the betterment of our global society. We have a particular responsibility to the people of California which we express in the excellence of the education we provide, the impact of the research we do, the comprehensive, life-saving medical services we provide, and the public service mission we are devoted to. The University of California promotes the social mobility of its students, equips them with the tools and experience that furthers their ambitions, and regards their accomplishments across the life span as evidence of the profoundly positive impact of higher education.
    The UCLA campus has expressed these goals in its strategic plan as follows:
    Deepen our engagement with Los Angeles
    Expand our reach as a global university
    Enhance our research and creative activities
    Elevate how we teach
    Become a more effective institution
    Prompt for candidates for recruitment:
    Reflecting on your personal and professional experiences, highlight your past contributions and future commitments to advancing UCLA's mission as embodied in the 2023-28 strategic plan. These accomplishments and ambitions may be discussed in the context of describing your teaching, scholarship, and service

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)

Applicants must provide the names and contact information of their references. The hiring unit will request confidential letters from the references of those applicants who are under serious consideration.
Apply link: https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF11117
Help contact: robin@luskin.ucla.edu
About UCLA
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
  • "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
  • APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Job location
Los Angeles, CA

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