Assistant/Associate Professor of Practice in Product Design for Industrial Manufacturing

Description

Start of review process

January 19, 2026. The position will remain open until filled.

 

Starting Date

August 16, 2026

 

The Department of Design at The University of Texas at Austin invites applications for the position of Assistant or Associate Professor of Practice in Product Design for Industrial Manufacturing. We are seeking candidates with a practice in the dynamic field of product design for industrial manufacturing. Candidates should also demonstrate innovative pedagogical approaches and have teaching experience at the university level. Salary and rank commensurate with experience. This position requires residency in or relocation to Austin, TX.

 

Responsibilities

• Teach the equivalent of three courses, each semester in industrial design, including but not limited to: product design, sustainable design, social design, interactive design, design engineering

• Actively participate in and support the functioning of the department through service work in selected committees, workgroups, and special projects
• Maintain professional activities (including creative practice) at a level that ensures connection with the current state of the field
• Participate in departmental, college, and university-wide meetings and events

 

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Graduate degree in design or relevant field
• Teaching experience, evidenced by a selection of student work

• Practice in product design for industrial manufacturing demonstrated through a portfolio of design work

• Working knowledge of Rhinoceros 3D, Keyshot, and Adobe Creative Suite
• Ability to work within a dynamic and complex work environment 
• Ability to collaborate effectively within teams composed of members with different professional experiences and at varying stages of their careers

 

Preferred Qualifications

• A Master of Fine Arts (MFA), Master of Science (MS), Master of Industrial Design (MID) or other terminal degree in Industrial Design or 3D Product Design
• A minimum two years of teaching experience at the undergraduate and/or graduate level
• Excellence in practice in product design for industrial manufacturing, demonstrated through significant professional achievements
• Demonstrated experience in administrative work within a dynamic and complex academic environment
• Prior experience in collaborating effectively within teams composed of members with versatile professional experiences and at varying stages of their academic careers
• Evidence of practice-led or practice-based academic research in Design Studies resulting in journal publications or patents
• Demonstrated ability to successfully adjust teaching and mentoring methods in response to the learning needs of students from varying backgrounds
• Substantial experience developing new coursework and course materials
• Experience mentoring students or professionals, including career coaching, networking, etc.

Application Instructions

The Department of Design is using Interfolio's Faculty Search to conduct this search. Applicants to this position receive a free account and can send all application materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, free of charge. Apply Now.

 

Applications must include the following materials to be considered:

• A letter of interest addressing the required and preferred qualifications for the position
• Curriculum Vitae
• A statement of teaching philosophy addressing an idea for an introductory class in 3D product design
• A portfolio of creative work in graphic design for digital media with 10-15 pages 
• A portfolio with a minimum of 10-15 pieces of student work 
• Contact information for three references (letters will be requested only for finalists)

About The University of Texas at Austin:

The University of Texas at Austin is a flagship, tier-one, research institution situated in Austin, TX, a city known for its vibrancy, quality of life, and active engagement in the