Faculty Position in Urban Planning, Urban Design and Landscape Architecture

Job Summary:

The Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering at the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) is seeking to fill a full-time faculty position at the assistant/associate professor level. The successful candidate for this position must have a PhD degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design and/or Landscape Architecture. The primary responsibility of this faculty position is to teach higher-level Urban Design, Planning and Landscape Design studios with a strong emphasis on creative studio-based teaching and cutting-edge digital design engaging smart city frameworks, urban analytics, parametric urbanism, and data-driven planning using AI and spatial technologies. The candidate will contribute to a dynamic curriculum, mentor students, engage in research, and participate in academic and community service. Applicants are requested to submit a cover letter, a detailed curriculum vitae, a statement of teaching and research interests, transcripts, and the names, addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses of at least three references at the following link: https://employment.aurak.ac.ae/AccountExt/Login

Job Description:

Faculty Position in Urban Planning, Urban Design and Landscape Architecture

American University of Ras Al Khaimah

The Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering at the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) is seeking to fill a full-time faculty position at the assistant/associate professor level. The successful candidate for this position must have a PhD degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design and/or Landscape Architecture. The primary responsibility of this faculty position is to teach higher-level Urban Design, Planning and Landscape Design studios with a strong emphasis on creative studio-based teaching and cutting-edge digital design engaging smart city frameworks, urban analytics, parametric urbanism, and data-driven planning using AI and spatial technologies. The candidate will contribute to a dynamic curriculum, mentor students, engage in research, and participate in academic and community service. Applicants are requested to submit a cover letter, a detailed curriculum vitae, a statement of teaching and research interests, transcripts, and the names, addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses of at least three references at the following link: https://employment.aurak.ac.ae/AccountExt/Login

Primary responsibilities include:

• Teach undergraduate courses in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, and core Architectural Design Studios.
• Integrate digital and AI tools into studio workflows: GIS analysis, generative urban design, real-time simulation (e.g., Autodesk’s Spacemaker, UrbanForm Labs, CityEngine platforms), and text-to-design or predictive modeling engines.
• Foster critical and creative thinking by guiding students through scenario planning, computational urban morphologies, and interactive visualization techniques.
• Supervise and mentor students across design and theoretical courses
• Develop curriculum and contribute to course innovation aligned with NAAB standards
• Conduct meaningful research and maintain a strong portfolio of published, peer reviewed work
• Exhibit professional practice experience through creative, built, or competition work
• Participate in departmental, school, university, and outreach/community service
• Contribute to accreditation and continuous improvement activities

Required qualifications:

• PhD in Urban Planning, Urban Design or Landscape Architecture from a reputable university.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating professional practice and creative work
• Track record of teaching studio and theoretical courses in architecture and related fields
• Familiarity with NAAB accreditation processes and standards
• Advanced skills in design software (AutoCAD, Revit, GIS, Adobe Suite, etc.)
• Strong research profile, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications
• Excellent English communication skills—written and spoken
• Evidence of service contribution at departmental, university, and community levels

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional licensure or equivalent is preferred
• Experience with international/cross-cultural student populations
• Prior teaching or academic experience in the GCC/MENA region
• Demonstrable history of interdisciplinary teamwork and collaboration

Description of AURAK:

The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) is a public non-profit, independent, coeducation institution of higher education which delivers an integrated American-style, undergraduate and graduate education with a strong focus on the local indigenous culture. All programs are accredited by the Ministry of Education of the UAE. In addition, AURAK has recently achieved accreditation with the U.S. regional accreditation association, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and all AURAK’s Engineering programs are now ABET accredited. The American model of higher education employed at AURAK ensures not only the acquisition of knowledge and skills in specific academic fields, but also a general education curriculum that exposes students to new ideas and ways of thinking critically about local and global issues. The multicultural student body at AURAK offers candidates the opportunity to teach and conduct research in one of the most diverse countries in the world. AURAK is located in Ras Al Khaimah, one of the Northern Emirates and a rapidly growing region. The beauty of Ras Al Khaimah is reflected in its rich traditions and diverse landscapes, from its white sandy beaches and majestic Hajar Mountains to its vast desert dunes and many historical sites. Beyond its natural charm, the emirate offers a safe, welcoming, and family-friendly environment with a high quality of life, modern infrastructure, and easy access to both Dubai and the wider region. Please visit: http://www.aurak.ac.ae.