Auburn University

Location: Auburn, Alabama — USA
Type: Full-Time
Category: Teaching

Description

The School of Industrial and Graphic Design (SIGD) at Auburn University invites applications for a tenure-track position in Graphic Design at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor (rank/title commensurate with credentials and experience) commencing August 2027. This is a nine-month teaching- and research-focused appointment with a typical teaching load of 9 credit hours per semester, consisting of two design studios plus participation on a senior thesis committee. We seek designers and scholars whose research, creative practice, and teaching explore contemporary conditions of design, with an emphasis on innovation, emerging technologies, inventive pedagogy, and critical engagement – and who are interested in contributing to a collaborative, studio-centered culture. Tenure-track faculty are expected to pursue a clear research agenda or maintain an active program of creative or scholarly work.

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Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate courses in graphic design, including advanced and emerging-topics
• Contribute to the revision and innovation of curriculum to address future-facing design practices, interdisciplinary collaboration, technological integration
• Conduct scholarly, creative, or professional research in design innovation, future-focused design education, or adaptive/experimental design methodologies
• Engage in school, college, and university service, including participation in committees, student reviews, and outreach initiatives
• Foster a collaborative and creatively adaptive learning environment
• Engage in Auburn University’s land-grant mission

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The Ideal Candidate Will

• Envision the future of graphic design education and embrace experimentation in pedagogy and practice
• Demonstrate a creative and innovative mindset that bridges traditional and emerging forms of design
• Be comfortable navigating evolving design tools, platforms, and cultural shifts in communication
• Inspire students to think critically and ethically about the role of design in society
• Contribute to a collaborative academic culture that values mentorship, experimentation, and adaptability

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Minimum Qualifications

• MFA, MDes, or equivalent terminal degree in Graphic Design or closely related field at the time employment begins
• A record of, or strong potential for, creative research or scholarly activity in design innovation or related areas
• Demonstrated teaching effectiveness at the university level
• A forward-thinking and adaptive approach to design education and practice

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Desired Qualifications

• Experience integrating emerging technologies (e.g., AR/VR/XR, AI, data visualization, interaction design, speculative design, design futures, biodesign, and systems design) into design curriculum
• Experience with the design of digital worlds and 3D environments
• Experience with curriculum development or program revision
• Interest in transdisciplinary teaching or collaboration across academic units
• Strong communication and collaborative skills
• Industry experience or applied design practice is a plus

How To Apply:

Required Submission Materials
Combine into one document and upload your Letter of Interest and current Curriculum Vitae under the “Resume Upload” section (maximum files size: 5MB). All other documents should be uploaded under “Additional Documents.”

1. Letter of interest that identifies a clear research/scholarly plan and areas of teaching specialization
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Statement of Teaching Philosophy
4. Outline of Research or Creative Scholarship
5. References: Name, title, address, telephone number, and email address (3 total)
6. PDF Portfolio of professional work, creative practice, and/or research (may include a link to online digital reel for animation or motion graphics)
7. PDF Portfolio of teaching experience, if possible: syllabi and student work (may include a link to an online digital reel for animation or motion graphics)
8. Three to five Student/Teacher/Course Evaluations per course selected from up to three courses if possible

Review of applications shall begin 15 January 2027 and continue until the position is filled. The candidate selected for this position must meet eligibility requirements for work in the United States at the time this position is scheduled to begin and continue working legally for the proposed term of employment.

Apply: https://jobs.auburn.edu/auburn/jobs/9873
Questions: Courtney Windham, Search Committee Chair, at ceh0051@auburn.edu