College | Management Unit: UCD College of Engineering and Architecture
School | Unit: UCD School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy
Post Title & Subject Area (if relevant): Lecturer/Assistant Professor in Regional and Urban Planning
Post Duration: Three-years (expected to begin on September 1, 2026 or a soon as possible thereafter)
Salary Scale: €66,055 - €104,600 per annum
Grade: Lecturer/Assistant Professor (Above the Bar)
Line Manager: Head of Subject or nominee
Competition Ref. N⁰ 019774
HR Administrator: Emer Keogh
For Applications and Closing Date: https://www.ucd.ie/workatucd/jobs/
Eligible for Work Permit: Yes
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Position Summary:
The School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy is a dynamic, research-driven school with a clear focus on delivering excellent teaching programmes including professionally accredited undergraduate and graduate programmes in planning. It is ranked in the global top 150 for ‘Built Environment’ (QS Global Rankings), ranking number 1 in Ireland while the University is ranked number 1 in the QS Global Sustainability rankings. The UCD Planning School is an internationally renowned centre of excellence and a key contributor to European and global planning education and its wider research agenda.
Applications are invited for a three-year Assistant Professor position in Regional and Urban Planning. We welcome candidates with a wide range of research and teaching interests that engage with contemporary planning challenges. Areas may include, but are not limited to, sustainability and climate transitions, housing and social equity, economics and planning, infrastructure and mobility, spatial governance and policy, environmental planning and impact assessment. The successful candidate will contribute to teaching across our planning programmes and develop an internationally recognised research profile. Applicants must have a PhD in urban and regional planning or a closely related area, a high-quality publication record commensurate with stage of career, a demonstrable commitment to high-quality university-level teaching, an ability to contribute research in an area that strengthens or strategically complements the research profile of the School, and a capacity for research project management and graduate student supervision. Candidates must have the capacity to raise peer-reviewed research funding, and a capacity and enthusiasm for working collaboratively in an interdisciplinary context in the School and the wider academic community. Applicants must also have excellent communication and presentation skills and demonstrate how they can positively contribute to fostering an inclusive environment and a level of awareness of equality, diversity and inclusion. The School also runs a successful undergraduate programme in Transportation, City Planning & Environmental Policy at Chang’an Dublin International College (CDIC).
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the successful candidate will include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following:
- Undertake and publish high-quality research in international journals and books;
- Actively contribute to teaching programmes as directed by the Head of Planning. Inter alia, this will involve module design and delivery, examination and assessment, supervision of undergraduate and graduate dissertations (minor theses), quality assurance and enhancement, and associated administration, including on the UCD and CDIC campus (where necessary);
- Supervise Master and Doctoral research students;
- Generate research funding to facilitate an active research programme and support graduate students;
- Develop multidisciplinary and multi-institutional research, creating links across and beyond UCD;
- Have impact through research, innovation, and policy transfer;
- Connect to the policy process as appropriate and/or with professional planning bodies;
- Contribute to the academic life of the School, College, the University and its research institutes;
- Contribute to the wider educational community;
- Participate in School/College/University committees and boards, and undertake associated administrative activities;
- Develop international links and attend research meetings, conferences and workshops;
- Undertake such other appropriate duties as directed by the Head of School in line with the contract of employment.
Particular to this position:
As part of their application, applicants are requested to submit:
- a 2-page teaching statement, outlining their teaching experience, teaching and learning philosophy, and planned approach to teaching and module development (this does not have to relate to specific subjects or modules, but should be a broad statement on their teaching and learning approach).
- a 2-page research statement, outlining their research plans;
Please merge these statements with your Cover letter.
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Salary: 95 Lecturer / Assistant Professor (above the bar)_2010 Salary Scale: €66,055 - €104,600 per annum
Appointment will be made on scale and in accordance with the Department of Finance guidelines.
About University College Dublin
University College Dublin (UCD) is one of Europe’s leading research-intensive universities and Ireland’s largest university, with a vibrant community of over 39,000 students and 4,000 staff from more than 152 countries. UCD combines a rich academic heritage with a global outlook, fostering innovation, creativity, and excellence across teaching, research, and public engagement.
Situated on a beautiful, parkland campus at Belfield, UCD offers a dynamic and inclusive environment where ideas flourish and collaboration thrives. As a world top-1% university, UCD is recognised for its impact on society - from groundbreaking research and sustainable innovation to nurturing future leaders across all disciplines.
Joining UCD means becoming part of a community that values excellence, integrity, diversity, and collaboration. Staff enjoy exceptional professional development opportunities, a supportive and flexible working culture, and the chance to contribute to meaningful work that shapes the future locally and globally.
UCD is committed to creating an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated and everyone is afforded equality of opportunity. We welcome applications from applicants from all backgrounds, including those who identify with any of the protected characteristics that are set out in our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy. Learn more about Diversity at https://www.ucd.ie/workatucd/diversity/
Reasonable accommodations will be provided to any applicant during the interview process who discloses they have a disability or are neurodiverse.
Benefits of Working at University College Dublin
Working at University College Dublin offers a wide range of benefits designed to support staff wellbeing, professional growth, and work–life balance. Employees enjoy flexible and family-friendly working arrangements, including hybrid work options, job sharing, and generous leave policies. UCD provides a strong pension scheme, income protection, and travel-related savings such as tax-efficient commuter and cycle-to-work plans. Staff have access to professional development opportunities through LinkedIn Learning, study leave, and structured career progression frameworks. The university fosters an inclusive and supportive community, offering wellbeing programs and employee assistance services, while the Belfield campus provides excellent facilities, discounts, and sports amenities. Overall, UCD promotes a positive, balanced, and development-focused working environment.
More details can be found here: Benefits - Work at UCD
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Selection Criteria
Selection criteria outline the qualifications, skills, knowledge and/or experience that the successful candidate would need to demonstrate for successful discharge of the responsibilities of the post. Applications will be assessed on the basis of how well candidates satisfy these criteria.
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Mandatory:
Experience and Qualifications
• A PhD in Planning or in an area related to Planning;
• An excellent track record of publishing in high-quality international, peer-reviewed journals, commensurate with career stage;
• Demonstrable commitment to and experience of high-quality university-level teaching, learning and student support;
• An ability to contribute to teaching in an area that strengthens or strategically complements the School‘s teaching areas;
• An ability to contribute research in an area that strengthens or strategically complements the research profile of the School;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication (both verbal and written) skills;
• A capacity and enthusiasm for working in an interdisciplinary context to promote policy impact;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Candidates must demonstrate how they can positively contribute to fostering an inclusive environment, and demonstrate a level of awareness of equality, diversity and inclusion.
Desirable:
• Teaching experience in the planning discipline;
• Quantitative research skills and experience of teaching such skills
• Administrative experience commensurate with managing a portfolio of teaching and research;
• A track record of winning research funding, commensurate with experience;
• Experience of linking with planning practice;
• Membership or eligible membership of IPI/RTPI or equivalent professional body;
• Experience of fostering international partnerships.
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Supplementary information:
The University: https://www.ucd.ie/
UCD Strategy 2020-2024: Rising to the Future: https://strategy.ucd.ie/
The College/Management Unit: http://www.ucd.ie/eacollege/
The School/Programme Office/Unit: http://www.ucd.ie/apep/
Equality Diversity and Inclusion at UCD: https://www.ucd.ie/workatucd/diversity/
UCD Planning: https://www.ucd.ie/apep/disciplines/regionalandurbanplanning/
Location and Culture at UCD: https://www.ucd.ie/workatucd/locationculture/
UCD Earth Institute: http://www.ucd.ie/earth/
Moving to Ireland Guidelines: https://www.ucd.ie/workatucd/locationculture/movingtoireland/
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Informal Enquiries ONLY to:
Name: Declan Redmond
Title: Head of Subject
Email address:
