Description
Teaching Associate Professor/Teaching Professor in Urban Studies (Geographic Information Science)
The Urban Studies Program at the University of Pittsburgh invites applications for an Appointment Stream colleague at either Teaching Associate Professor or Teaching Professor rank, pending budgetary approval. The position begins in Fall 2026. The successful applicant will teach a 3-3 course load to support the Program’s BA in Urban Studies and BS in Urban Planning & Geographic Analysis.
Applicants should demonstrate sustained excellence and exemplary performance of no fewer than five years in undergraduate teaching in the urban dimensions of geographic information science, a proven affinity for engaging undergraduate students in applied urban research, and evidence of sustained excellence and exemplary performance in university service and/or highly impactful scholarship or creative work related to urban GIS. Teaching expectations will include intermediate and advanced GIS courses, such as urban remote sensing, platforms like Google Earth Engine, GeoAI, and advanced Python programming.
Preference will be given to candidates holding extensive experience in delivering high-impact undergraduate education; familiarity with emerging geographic information science pedagogy including AI in GIS education; interest in curricular design and enrichment; and a proven ability to interact effectively with interdisciplinary undergraduate student audiences. The ideal candidate’s teaching, mentorship and service will contribute novel perspectives and experiences to the program, school, and university initiatives.
Essential criteria are:
A Ph.D. in Geography, Urban Studies, Environmental Studies, or a related field in hand by the time the appointment begins.
Evidence of successful undergraduate teaching over a sustained period of no fewer than five years (for Teaching Associate Professors) or twelve years of combined teaching/industry experience (for Teaching Professors). This will include the ability to teach undergraduate courses in GIS, such as urban remote sensing, platforms like Google Earth Engine, GeoAI, and advanced Python programming.
Strong commitment to geographic information pedagogy at the undergraduate level, and an interest in expanding on the program’s existing strengths in applied geographic information science.
Desired additional criteria are:
Special consideration will be provided to applicants with evidence of pedagogical publications and/or significant research collaboration with undergraduate students.
Evidence of successful communication strategies to reach and inform an interdisciplinary student population.
Applications should include:
1. Cover letter of 2-3 pages, addressed to Michael Glass, Chair. Include a description of your relevant teaching experience, service contributions, and scholarship. Be sure to include evidence of demonstrated excellence related to your teaching, service, and/or scholarship.
2. Current CV, including a list and location of undergraduate courses, and time in professional positions clearly delineated.
3. Teaching Portfolio (20 pages max), which includes a statement of teaching philosophy and/or pedagogical practices, evidence of teaching effectiveness, including at least three peer evaluations of teaching, course enrollment data (if available), and selected course materials.
4. A vision statement outlining an actionable plan to enrich the urban GIS component of the existing undergraduate Urban Studies and Urban Planning degrees (3 pages max).
5. Contact information (full name, title, and email) for four persons able to provide confidential professional letters of recommendation. (We do not need the letters at this time.)
To apply, visit http://join.pitt.edu. Job Requisition Number: 25005912.
Review of applications will begin on January 15th, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Questions may be directed to Michael Glass at glass@pitt.edu.
Ranked among the top 5 percent of 1,000 universities in 65 countries and in the top 100 most innovative universities in the world, Pitt is home to more than 5,300 full- and part-time faculty, more than 7,200 full and part-time staff, and nearly 800 research and post-doctoral associates. Over 25,200 undergraduate, 7,000 graduate, and 2,000 doctoral students study at our 5 campuses.
The Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences provides instruction in natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences for all students studying at the Pittsburgh campus, including more than 10,000 students registered as Dietrich School undergraduates. Our nationally and internationally recognized faculty members excel at translating their research and scholarly expertise into top-quality graduate programs and a superb, highly selective liberal arts undergraduate program that integrates traditional disciplines with interdisciplinary and international perspectives and takes advantage of the breadth of the University and its urban environment. Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in support of a diverse community are required.
The Urban Studies Program is a vibrant hub for undergraduate education in urbanization and urbanism in the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences. The Program prides itself on delivering high-impact, high-quality courses to a growing interdisciplinary cohort of students. The Program underwent an external review and strategic planning process in 2024 and is poised for future growth via its degrees in Urban Studies and Urban Planning, and due to the strength and depth of its teaching faculty.
