Assistant Professor of Architecture and Design in Industrial Design

The School of Architecture and Design at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track, 9-month appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor. This position requires a probationary period before tenure consideration, based on performance and potential. Candidates must have a strong academic record and an appropriate terminal degree. The typical teaching load per semester includes 6 credit hours of studio instruction and 3 credit hours of support course instruction. with final workload percentages for research, teaching, and service determined in the first semester of hire. This position may include online teaching responsibilities.

As the largest school in the College of the Arts, the School of Architecture and Design offers nationally accredited programs in Architecture, Interior Design, and Industrial Design. The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is an R1 Carnegie Classification Institution of Higher Education with a vibrant scholarly community, world-class faculty, and an enduring commitment to providing high-quality, accessible education. The UL Lafayette Faculty Handbook lists the characteristics, activities, and values that the University considers important in its faculty [https://academicaffairs.louisiana.edu/about-us/forms-policies-procedure…].

The successful candidate will provide expertise in digital design and visualization techniques throughout all levels of the program. There is an expectation this position will contribute to the development of digital and physical fabrication methods. Additionally, a foundational knowledge of electronic and mechanical applications would align with program needs. They will also play a vital role in the Industrial Design Program’s curriculum development, delivery, and evaluation. The ideal candidate will be deeply committed to promoting student resilience and retention. A key aspect of this position is mentoring students to explore various career paths while fostering a respectful and fair learning environment.

Responsibilities Include:
· Teach Industrial Design studio and support courses from a foundational-level to fourth-year capstone. This may include hybrid or online coursework which requires the completion of the University’s online instructor certification program.
· Lead the program on digital design and visualization techniques.
· Contribute to the development of digital foundations as they apply to Industrial Design, Interior Design, and Architecture
· Demonstrate physical and digital fabrication methods.
· Collaborate with colleagues to assess and improve curricula.
· Actively support and mentor student organizations
· Establish a rigorous research agenda.
· Provide guidance and leadership in fostering a welcoming and supportive learning environment for all students.
· Contribute to committee tasks, advise students, and engage in service activities that advance the mission of the Program, School, College, and the University.

Salary Range: The salary will be commensurate with experience.

Start-up Funds: Start-up funds may be available. These are to be used in alignment with the Program's vision for the next 5 years as it relates to this job description and the successful candidates research agenda.

Start Date: The anticipated starting date for the position is August 1, 2025.

The School of Architecture and Design: The University of Louisiana at Lafayette's School of Architecture and Design is committed to ethical and innovative design practices. Programs in architecture, interior design, and industrial design are accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), respectively. The School offers Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies, Bachelor of Interior Design, Bachelor of Industrial Design, and a Master of Architecture degrees. The School emphasizes the balance between aesthetic needs, technical functionality, environmental responsibility, and human-centered design.

Minimum Qualifications:
· A terminal degree (i.e. Ph.D., M.F.A., D.Des, or Master in Industrial Design, or a related field). For a detailed description of terminal degrees, reference the Teaching Qualification Tables [https://academicaffairs.louisiana.edu/sites/academicaffairs/files/ARTS%…].
· Candidates who show clear evidence of planned receipt of the degree by the beginning of employment will be considered.
· Expertise in digital design and visualization techniques
· Knowledge of and proficiency in digital and physical fabrication methods
· Potential for contributions to peer-reviewed scholarly and/or creative endeavor, with a clear direction in research and/or creative undertakings
· Knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes
· Aptitude for electronic and mechanical applications as applied to the development of product testing, usability studies, and prototyping for proposed designs.
· Commitment to maintain currency with emerging technologies and methods of practice through attentiveness to professional development.
· Aptitude for interdisciplinary collaboration.
· Aptitude for supporting student persistence toward program completion, personal well-being, and professional success.

Application Instructions: Review of submissions will begin January 15, 2025. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please submit the following through the university link:
1. Cover letter
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Teaching Statement – Describe your teaching philosophy, methods, and practices, emphasizing the role of supporting students’ resilience and determination in your pedagogical approach. Share experiences where you've encountered challenges in the classroom, how you've overcome them, or how you've helped students navigate their own adversities. Highlight specific strategies you've employed to engage with and uplift students who have confronted systemic or unique challenges.
4. Research Statement – At the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, we're committed to research for a reason [https://louisiana.edu/research-impact]. Provide an outline of your research objectives, methodologies, and key contributions. Highlight significant projects and
collaborations that have influenced your academic trajectory. As you consider the wider impact of your work, discuss its broader societal implications.
5. Names and contact information of 3 references.
6. Ten-page portfolio of professional, personal, and scholarly work highlighting both research and teaching.

Contact Information: School of Architecture and Design: SOAD@louisiana.edu

Job Ad# (req3964)