Assistant or Associate Professor in Industrial Design

About This Role : Job Description

Job Description

The Industrial Design Program in the College of Architecture, Planning, and Design at Kansas State University is seeking applicants for a full-time Tenure-Track Assistant or Associate Professor position, beginning in August 2025.

We are seeking a dedicated professional who will enhance our program by bringing a fresh perspective that aligns with our vision and mission.

The ideal candidate will contribute to the program's growth through innovative teaching, fostering a dynamic learning environment, and shaping the next generation of designers.

This role involves integrating real-world experiences, encouraging creative exploration, and advancing the department's engagement with emerging industry trends.

Teaching

The candidate will be expected to develop courses and teach in one or more of the following areas : foundational design studios, furniture design, visual communication, research methods, and / or materials and manufacturing processes.

This is a full-time position with a 9-month contract. The typical teaching load is 14-18 credit hours per academic year, including 5-credit hour studio courses and 2-4 credit hour lectures or seminars.

Additionally, the candidate will be responsible for creating and keeping course content current and relevant to industry trends and educational advancements.

Research and Service

While the primary focus of this position is teaching, the successful candidate is also expected to engage in research and creative scholarship based on their teaching and professional expertise.

Developing a research agenda that contributes to the advancement of the field of Industrial Design will be integral to the role and will serve as a basis for promotion and advancement within the tenure-track system.

In addition to teaching and research responsibilities, the candidate will participate in service activities that support the department, college, university, and the broader community.

This includes serving on committees, contributing to curriculum development, and engaging in outreach initiatives that enhance the educational experience of our students and strengthen our industry connections.

Key Responsibilities

Teaching : Instruct both undergraduate and graduate design studios across the curriculum, integrating contemporary methods into studio teaching.

Develop and teach lectures and seminars in one or more required areas of our curriculum.

• Curriculum Development : Maintain and update course content to reflect current industry standards and trends.
• Research and Creative Scholarship : Develop a research and creative scholarship agenda based on your teaching and professional expertise.

These interests will form the core of your scholarly work and serve as the basis for promotion and advancement.

Networking : Foster relationships between the program, our alumni, and industry partners to create valuable feedback loops that enhance the educational experience of our students.

Additionally, cultivate professional opportunities such as internships and job placements to support students' career development and industry engagement.

• Collaboration : Actively seek industry collaborations and / or community engagement to enrich the curriculum and provide students with practical insights.
• Service : Contribute to the department, college, university, and community through various service activities.

Why Join Us :

About our Industrial Design program

Our IAID department provides flexible pathways to earn a Master's degree in Industrial Design. For students entering directly from high school, we offer a comprehensive five-year non-baccalaureate Master's program that seamlessly blends undergraduate and graduate studies.

This program begins with a foundational year in environmental studies, followed by four years of immersive Industrial Design coursework, including a summer semester.

For college graduates who have already completed a bachelor's degree in any field, we offer an accelerated Master's program that can be completed in two to three years.

Both programs are augmented by our award-winning Furniture Design sequence as well as study abroad and internship options that further enriches the student's learning experience.

Through a curriculum that integrates innovation, prototyping, and human-centered design, we provide an extraordinary education that prepares students for the future of Industrial Design.

Industrial Design Program's Mission

At the College of Architecture, Planning, and Design (APDesign) at Kansas State University, our Industrial Design program is dedicated to delivering an unmatched design education that prepares students to excel in the competitive field of industrial design.

Embracing our esteemed land-grant heritage, we are committed to driving innovation, critical thinking, and creativity to tackle societal challenges and enhance the well-being of the people of Kansas and beyond.

With a deep appreciation for the cultural, economic, and social dimensions of design, we provide our graduates with the expertise and knowledge to develop products and services that meaningfully improve people's lives.

Our commitment extends to serving our community through providing excellent educational opportunities and upholding the land-grant mission of Kansas State University through exceptional research, engagement, outreach, and service.

Industrial Design Program's Vision

We envision a future where our graduates are at the forefront of the industrial design industry, creating innovative and impactful products and services that benefit society.

As a center of creativity, collaboration, and experimentation, we explore beauty, form, function, interactions, and experiences bringing fresh perspectives to the field.

By inspiring creativity and curiosity in our students, we prepare them to thrive in a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape.

Our commitment to continuous innovation ensures we remain at the vanguard of design education, technology, and research.

We foster a culture of excellence, professionalism, and responsibility, enabling our graduates to excel as skilled designers and future practitioners.

Our College and Department

The College of Architecture, Planning, and Design at Kansas State University is consistently recognized for its excellence.

In 2018, the college ranked as the 7th best Interior Design graduate program in the nation, and the highest-ranked public graduate program, according to DesignIntelligence.

The Interior Architecture and Industrial Design Department (IAID), accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) since 1974 and approved by the National Association for Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), boasts a 50-year tradition of providing students with a unique and nationally recognized education.

Located in the newly renovated Seaton Regnier Hall, the department benefits from a 20,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art fabrication and research facility, fostering innovation, prototyping, and hands-on learning.

Our department thrives within a collaborative environment, working alongside the Architecture, and Landscape Architecture, and Regional Community Planning Departments, offering students rich interdisciplinary opportunities and resources.

To learn more about our unique programs, visit us at apdesign.k-state.edu / IAID and follow us on Instagram at #kstateIAID.

Worksite Options :

This position is required to be performed on-site . Work is performed on employer premises or designated assignment location.

Visit this link for K-State's guidance and policies on remote work and flexible work arrangements. Remote work agreements are required for all flexible work arrangements and are subject to review.

What You'll Need to Succeed :

Minimum Qualifications :

• Master's degree or higher in Industrial Design / Product Design or related field.
• Ability to teach both undergraduate and graduate design studios across the curriculum.
• Capability to develop and teach lectures and seminars in one or more required areas of our curriculum.
• Demonstrated excellence in written and visual communication requisite for the design disciplines.

Preferred Qualifications :

• Six or more years of creative and / or professional practice experience in Industrial Design, Product Design, or a related field.
• Established teaching record.
• Ability to develop a scholarly / creative agenda related to your academic and professional expertise.
• Record of service to the academic and / or professional communities.

How to Apply :

Please submit the following as a single compiled PDF document :

• Letter of Interest addressing your qualifications.
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
• Personal Portfolio showcasing your professional work.
• Teaching Portfolio (if applicable).
• List of three Professional and / or Academic References with full contact information.

For more information or to clarify any questions about the posting, please email : [email protected]

Screening of Applications Begins :

Review of applications will begin on January 15th, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled.

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range :

$68,000 - $78,000