Collegiate Assistant Professor, Industrial Design

Job Description

The School of Design at Virginia Tech (https://www.design.vt.edu) invites applications for a Collegiate Faculty position at the Assistant Professor rank in the Industrial Design program. The position is effective August 2024 with an initial three-year appointment. Collegiate Faculty positions at Virginia Tech are nine-month, renewable, non-tenure-track lines with opportunity for promotion that contribute to the tripartite mission of the institution: teaching, research and service, with an emphasis on teaching and service.

The specific area of specialization for the Collegiate Faculty in Industrial Design is open, a successful candidate will teach a range of classes from undergraduate entry-level courses to upper-level courses covering the breadth of the program’s curriculum, depending on programmatic needs. Current topics of interest are history of design, visual communication, UX/UI; most courses can be categorized into theory, design competencies, professional practice, and studio based courses. Programmatic goals include a focus on environmental stewardship, health and wellness, technology and advanced manufacturing, equity, and community service. In this search we seek a colleague to help diversify perspectives on the design of products, systems, and services that will define our global future.

According to the Virginia Tech 2022-2023 Faculty Handbook, Collegiate Faculty members are expected to remain active in their disciplines/professions in ways that contribute to their assignment—teaching, research, consulting, or outreach, serving in professional societies and associations, and similar activities. Collegiate Professor faculty members may conduct research related to their field and/or on disciplinary topics in their field and present their findings in professional venues, but there are no expectations for an extensive research program as is typical of tenure-track faculty appointments. They will be expected to serve on departmental, college, or university committees as contributing members of their departments and the broader university community. For more information on the Collegiate Professor ranks, see Chapter 5: Employment Policies and Procedures for Non-Tenure-Track Instructional Faculty.in the university’s faculty handbook.

Duties and Responsibilities include:

• Teach a 3/3 course load of undergraduate design courses: introductory to advanced levels for in major courses; introductory courses in the Industrial Design Minor; and design courses offered to the general university population.
• Teach face-to-face courses with some possible opportunity for online instruction, when needed, to be determined by the program chair/ school director; candidate must be physically present in the local area for the position
• Contribute to Industrial Design’s growth and success through active participation in collaborative, cross-disciplinary, and diverse teaching and outreach initiatives
• Contribute to curriculum development in areas of teaching and administration
• Contribute to school, college, and university-level service and outreach at a level appropriate for Collegiate Faculty
• Travel occasionally to attend conferences and meetings

The College of Architecture, Arts, and Design at Virginia Tech affirms our collective responsibility to encourage, build, and embrace the polyculturalism of our world. We do this by acknowledging and addressing our past, recognizing our current responsibility, and acting in the interests of building and sustaining communities that are truly safe, supportive, and inclusive for all. Our commitment is to continually and proactively engage in these processes for the benefit of our students, staff, and faculty across the college, and the communities around the world we aim to serve.

Required Qualifications

• A terminal or professional degree (MS, MA, MFA, MDes) in Design or related area completed by August 2024 or appointment start date
• Demonstrated ability to teach design and/or related fields at the university level
• Broad understanding of design methods and theories through professional experience
• Demonstrated commitment to issues of inclusion and diversity, both within the classroom and in the discipline of Industrial Design overall
• Ability to travel occasionally to attend conferences and meetings

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching at the university level
• Demonstrated commitment to experiential teaching and learning pedagogies
• Knowledge/experience in industrial design or product design, such as prototyping, sustainable materials, design ethics, UX/UI, or healthcare design
• The ability to develop online courses or flexible learning course formats on an as-needed-basis by the program

Application Materials

For full consideration, candidates should submit the following:

Cover letter addressing candidate’s proven experience and potential capacity to fulfill the duties and responsibilities, as well as required and preferred qualifications as listed above.
Current CV
A one page personal statement of teaching philosophy including the candidate's ideas for supporting an equitable and inclusive educational environment consistent with the Virginia Tech Principles of Community. Specific examples of experiences, activities, and plans will help us identify candidates who can support our college’s aim to sustain an equitable climate and extend our University's commitment to inclusive excellence.
Portfolio including 10-20 samples of professional work
Optional: Student portfolio including 10-20 samples of completed coursework
Names and contact information of three references
Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

Salary range is $70,000 - $80,000 per year

Review Date

January 15, 2024 - review of candidate materials will commence on this date and continue until the position is filled

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.