Assistant Professor - Industrial Design (Design Studies) (Tenure Track)

Competition 1677

Position Summary

The Department of Art & Design, Design Studies unit invites applications for a full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor position with a specialization in Industrial Design, and interest in product design, service and experiential design, design theory, design for health and medicine, practice-based research methods, design futuring, creative leadership, and community engagement. Ideal candidates would augment or complement these areas of expertise and work across disciplines, using collaborative methods, to further enrich Design Studies. This position is to commence on July 1, 2025.

Design Studies consists of Industrial Design, Visual Communication Design, and includes Canada’s first Canada Research Chair in Design. We are seeking a collegial, enthusiastic and forward-thinking individual. The successful candidate will have an aptitude for teaching, working in team situations and an interest in innovative modes of teaching and interdisciplinary teaching, as well as the desire to foster creative, critical and innovative thinking in our students. They will share our values and objectives in areas of collaboration, sustainability, interdisciplinarity, technological engagement, diversity and inclusion, practice-based research methods, approaches to design and creating innovative work. Experience and interest in experiential learning opportunities (e.g., community service learning, practicums, internships) is highly desirable.

Candidates must be fluent in design discourse and studio practice and in balancing the conceptual, aesthetic, and technical demands of the discipline and are expected to participate actively in departmental activities. Applicants will have a growing record of scholarship and/or an established professional practice in their field, be able to establish/continue a successful research program and integrate their research into teaching and learning opportunities for their students. Applicants must have the capacity to effectively teach studios, lectures, and seminars at both undergraduate and graduate levels, and to engage in the collective life of the University through service and administrative roles. A proven ability to collaborate effectively with industry, professional communities, and other community groups is essential to this position.

Applicants should show a willingness to incorporate or reflect Indigenous perspectives or ways of teaching and learning into their curriculum where appropriate. An awareness and willingness to engage in other forms of inclusion (e.g., in training or inclusive pedagogy) is also desired.

We are known for our strong and rigorous Master of Design program (the first in Canada) and for our innovative Bachelor of Design (BDes) with pathways program that allows students to focus on specific areas of interest to them.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have:

• a terminal degree in the field (Master’s degree, or PhD in Design or a related/relevant academic discipline);
• evidence of meaningful work within their area(s) of design and research;
• a minimum of three years of professional experience along with post-secondary teaching experience. Design and research experience (a combination of instructional and professional equivalencies may be considered); and,
• active engagement in research and scholarship in the field.

About the Department

The Department of Art & Design is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce. We particularly welcome applications from women; First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons; members of visible minority groups; persons with disabilities; persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression; and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

The Department of Art & Design offers degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Fine Arts, Design Studies (Industrial Design and Visual Communication Design), and the History of Art, Design, and Visual Culture, and encompasses the FAB Gallery and a University Centre of Research Excellence in Printmaking. For more information about the department, please consult the departmental website at https://www.ualberta.ca/art-design/

Working at the University of Alberta and Living in Edmonton

Edmonton and the University of Alberta are situated on Treaty 6 territory, the homeland of the Métis, and the traditional meeting ground and home for many Indigenous Peoples, including Cree, Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Dene, and Nakota Sioux. Founded in 1908, the University of Alberta is one of Canada's largest and most respected research universities. It serves over 41,000 students in more than 200 undergraduate and 500 graduate and professional programs. In 2022, the University’s Indigenous Strategic Plan was implemented, reflecting an important step in our institution’s commitment to reconciliation in post-secondary education and research, addressing the historical legacy of the residential school system and Canada’s colonial history. The University’s principles and actions and its EDI Strategic Plan are underpinned by respect for the dignity, rights, and full participation of all those who live, work, and learn within the university.

The Faculty of Arts is the oldest and most diverse faculty on campus and is one of the largest research and teaching centres in Western Canada.

With a metropolitan area population of approximately 1.5 million people, Edmonton has a thriving cultural scene including music, visual arts, theatre, festivals, and dining, and boasts the largest system of urban parkland in North America. It has the second-largest Indigenous population and the fourth-largest Black population of any Canadian city. It has a large population of people of South Asian background. The Edmonton public school system offers bilingual education for children in Hebrew, French, German, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Ukrainian, and American Sign Language.

For more information about the University of Alberta and Edmonton, please visit http://www.ualberta.ca and http://www.infoedmonton.com

Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications in accordance with the Faculty Agreement as per the negotiated salary scales:

https://www.ualberta.ca/en/human-resources-health-safety-environment/media-library/faculty-salary-steps-dec-1-2023-to-june-30-2024.pdf

How to Apply

To have your application considered, please select the Apply Online icon below and submit the following

• Cover Letter (include the names of three referees, letters of reference will only be requested for selected candidates. Referees should be prepared to send their letters by January 2025)
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Teaching Dossier that includes evidence of, or potential for teaching effectiveness. This can include a brief description of your approach to teaching or brief descriptions of a few courses you have taught or would be interested in teaching. Full syllabi are not required.  (Attach under "Interests")
• Portfolio  (e.g., artifacts, projects, articles, etc.), in electronic format, of recent pieces of work (practice and research) (Attach as one document under “Publications”)
• Proposed Program of Research (Attach under "Research Plan")

All applications and letters of reference can be addressed to the attention of Aidan Rowe, Chair, Department of Art & Design. Specific questions about the position can be addressed to aidan.rowe@ualberta.ca

Review of applications will start on December 16, 2024.

Business Address:
Department of Art & Design

University of Alberta

3-98 Fine Arts Building, Edmonton

Alberta, Canada T6G 2C