Assistant/Associate Professor (Lecturer), Physical Product Design

About This Role

This is a full-time, 9-month faculty position for an Assistant or Associate Professor specializing in physical product design within the Division of Multi-Disciplinary Design (MDD) at the University of Utah. The role involves teaching and guiding students in creating innovative physical products, leveraging a deep understanding of human-centered design, materials, and manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Teach courses with a specific focus on physical product design
• Guide students in creating innovative and meaningful physical products
• Engage in design research, technology, material studies, and community engagement
• Contribute to scholarly outputs such as peer-reviewed articles, patents, design exhibitions, and funded research projects

Requirements

• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work with a range of design tools and processes, including digital tools and physical modeling and visualization
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Rhino)
• Demonstrated record of design experience
• Experience practicing design management and strategy, including leadership of multi-disciplinary project teams
• Knowledge of design thinking methodologies and user-centered design principles
• Understanding of manufacturing processes and materials selection for product development
• Demonstrated record of teaching courses related to product design and innovation to university level students (for Associate Professor rank)

Qualifications

• Terminal degree or its equivalent in Industrial Design, Product Design, or a related field
• Demonstrated record of design experience with a strong portfolio showcasing creativity, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail

Nice to Have

• Ability to span across disciplinary boundaries to see the relationship between making, theory, history, sustainability, and the non-human world
• Ability to explore and integrate innovative technologies and alternative ways of making and crafting, including familiarity with rapid prototyping techniques and tools using digital fabrication
• An advanced degree (doctorate)
• Evidence of recognition of teaching and design achievements (e.g., awards)
• Familiarity with relevant industry standards and regulations, such as ISO, ASTM, or UL
• Demonstrated record of research/creative activities in peer-reviewed exhibits, showcases, publications, etc.
• Experience with curriculum design, assessment, and review

Skills

* Required skills