Careers at Virginia Tech

The School of Design at Virginia Tech invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor to support the ongoing development and expansion of the Industrial Design program. The School welcomes submissions from individuals who specialize across a broad range of design topics and proficiencies to support the land-grant mission of the university through teaching, research and outreach. The anticipated start date is August, 2025.

In this search we aspire to diversify perspectives on the products, systems, and services that will define our global future and environment. We seek candidates whose research, practice and teaching expand the boundaries of Industrial Design. Areas of current interest to the program include but are not limited to: Design for health, wellness and healthcare; Circular Economy and sustainable modes of production; BioDesign; design for equity and Pluriversal Design; Indigenous Technology; Post-human-centered design frameworks; Design entrepreneurship and new modes of product production and delivery; Emerging technologies influencing design methods and production (AI, AR, Connected devices, Wearable Technology, Advanced manufacturing, Computational design etc.). We especially welcome pioneering researchers with emerging voices about the future of design. In summation, we seek researchers, educators, and practitioners who can teach core knowledge in Industrial Design while expanding the definition and influence of the field to help shape an ever more inclusive, prosperous, and equitable society.

Successful candidates will have clear positions on the evolving nature of design and the way in which designers should be educated. The integration of the candidate's work with the school’s experimental, interdisciplinary and hands-on teaching traditions is essential. This position will require the capacity to work in diverse teaching environments and across domains of design. Faculty on the tenure track will have the opportunity to shape research initiatives that expand the Industrial Design program, influence the profession and university through service, and develop high impact design practices in the classroom that empower the next generation of designers.

The College of Architecture, Arts, and Design at Virginia Tech affirms our collective responsibility to encourage, build, and embrace the polyculturalism of our world. We do this by acknowledging and addressing our past, recognizing our current responsibility, and acting in the interests of building and sustaining communities that are truly safe, supportive, and inclusive for all. Our commitment is to continually and proactively engage in these processes for the benefit of our students, staff, and faculty across the college, and the communities around the world we aim to serve.

• A terminal degree in Industrial Design or a related field (eg: Product Design, Design Engineering, 3D design ), by appointment start date. (Mdes, MFA, MID, MED, D.des, Ph.D etc.). Alternatively, candidates should have an undergraduate degree in Industrial Design (BFA, BID, BS) and a terminal degree in a complimentary field (User Experience Design, Visual Communication, Business etc.)
• An established record of research productivity through publications, production, exhibitions, awards, externally / competitively funded sponsorship and other recognized forms of peer-reviewed scholarship.
• Teaching or professional experience with the ability to teach studio and lecture/ seminar classes core to the fulfillment of the Bachelor of Science, Industrial Design degree.

• A track record of attracting industry sponsorship for teaching and research

For full consideration, candidates should submit the following:

• Cover letter addressing candidate’s proven experience and potential capacity to fulfill the duties and responsibilities, as well as required and preferred qualifications as listed above.  
• Current CV
• A one page personal statement of teaching philosophy including the candidate's ideas for supporting an equitable and inclusive educational environment consistent with the Virginia Tech Principles of Community. Specific examples of experiences, activities, and plans will help us identify candidates who can support our college’s aim to sustain an equitable climate and extend our University's commitment to inclusive excellence.
• Portfolio including 10-20 samples of professional work
• Optional: Student portfolio including 10-20 samples of completed coursework
• Names and contact information of three references

Regular

Salary range is $80,000 - $85,000 per year

January 27, 2025

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.