Department of Industrial Design Assistant Professor

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

The Department of Industrial Design in the College of Design at Iowa State University (ISU) invites applications for the position of tenure-track Assistant Professor., starting August 16, 2025.We are seeking outstanding candidates who are deeply dedicated to design education and strive for excellence. We are interested in candidates with a keen interest in exploring the practical and academic applications of emerging technologies in the field of industrial design. We are looking for candidates who will enhance and expand upon our current strengths, while fully supporting the university's tripartite mission of education, research/creative exploration, and community engagement. This role requires individuals who are motivated to redefine, establish, and foster a culture of excellence in industrial design education, research, and practical implementations.

Successful candidates will be expected to establish, sustain and grow a world-class externally funded research program that complements or aligns with the department's areas through independent and collaborative efforts. Additionally, the candidate is expected to establish a record of scholarship at the highest levels, contribute to the teaching missions at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and engage in institutional service and service to the profession. Candidates should have strong communication skills, share our commitment to enhancing excellence and exhibit the potential for long-term leadership in supporting the mission of the department, college, and university.

Iowa State University is at the forefront of innovation and entrepreneurship, with the Industrial Design department well-positioned to play a leading role in advancing the university's mission. As a faculty member in industrial design, the selected candidate will have the opportunity to cultivate and nurture interdisciplinary relationships via curriculum-based and extracurricular initiatives. Our commitment to maintaining a collaborative, optimistic, and productive environment benefits each individual and the collective whole. We seek a colleague who brings both substantial design industry experience and teaching expertise to the classroom, thus enhancing the learning experience.

The candidate will maintain a strong record of scholarship, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, and engage in institutional service and service to the industrial design profession. Candidates should have strong communication skills, share our commitment to enhancing excellence and supporting the mission of the department, college, and university. Tenure-track faculty in the department typically teach four courses a year, offering a combination of studios, lecture courses, and seminars. The candidate will be asked to develop state of the art studio and lecture courses, and contribute t state-of-the-art studio and lecture courses o graduate-level seminar courses following their scholarly interests and expertise.

The department encourages interdisciplinary collaborative teaching opportunities like option studios. Teaching assignments may include, but are not limited to:

Industrial design studios (all levels)
Industrial design history and theory
Materials and manufacturing processes
Human factors
Design research methods
Visualization analog and digital (Sketching, CAD, Prototyping)
UX/UI
Sustainability and Circular Economy
Design thinking and creative processes

The Department of Industrial Design is committed to sustaining a collegial, positive, and productive environment for each individual and the collective benefit of all. All faculty members are expected to exhibit and convey good citizenship within department, college, and university activities, interact collegially and maintain the highest standards of integrity and ethical behavior.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Master's Degree in Industrial Design / Product Design, or a closely related design discipline

Preferred Qualifications:

Evidence of professional experience and accomplishments in industrial design
Terminal degree in Industrial Design
Prior experience in teaching industrial design Studio courses at the university level
Demonstrated expertise and publication record in industrial design or a related area.
Experience working in the industry or collaborating with industry partners
Record of active engagement in interdisciplinary collaborations

DEPARTMENT & COLLEGE DESCRIPTION:

The College of Design celebrates and builds on long-standing success as a comprehensive design school that embodies knowledge-sharing and innovation; the Department of Industrial Design exemplifies these qualities through the creativity and entrepreneurship of its community of makers, educators, and scholars. With an integrated and cross-disciplinary approach to teaching and collaborating, we are committed to contributing to the excellence of the academic community.

The Department of Industrial Design was established in 2010 as part of the College's expansion plan and endeavor to create the most comprehensive college of design in the region. The department was formed with a vision to bridge the intersections between design academics, practitioners, and end-users, by exploring new models, tools, and modes of working that strengthen design practice, improve social and personal growth to develop and build a world-class learning environment. The Industrial Design program offers a Bachelor's in Industrial Design (BID) and a Master's in Industrial Design (MID). Both the undergraduate and graduate programs are NASAD accredited. The undergraduate program includes cross-disciplinary integration, minors, industry sponsored projects, and study abroad opportunities. The program has established strategic collaborations with other highly ranked colleges and departments, such as electrical and mechanical engineering, apparel design, business, and human computer interaction. The Industrial Design department also offers an integrated and concurrent program that leads to a BID and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree.

The industrial design faculty and students are active members of the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) with yearly membership provided by the program.

Department Unit/Website: https://www.design.iastate.edu/industrial-design/

Proposed Start Date: August 16, 2025

Time Type: Full time

Application Instructions:

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. However, to receive full consideration, applications should be received by November 1, 2024.

The following documents are required to be submitted in a single PDF:

A letter expressing your interest should encompass your teaching preferences, scholarly pursuits, and creative endeavors.
Research statement.
A current curriculum vitae.
Contact information for at least three references, including name, mailing address, email address, phone number, and other pertinent information.
Teaching philosophy.
Professional portfolio providing work samples of research and/or practice (collated in one PDF or a URL).
If available, teaching portfolio including student work (collated in one PDF or a URL).

Inquiries regarding this position may be directed to search committee chair Bruno Oro at brunooro@iastate.edu.

Why Choose ISU?

Iowa State Faculty enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:

Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
Generous leave plans
Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
Life insurance and long-term disability
Flexible Spending Accounts
Various voluntary benefits and discounts
Employee Assistance Program
Wellbeing program

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Assistant Professor of Industrial Design