Assistant / Associate Professor of Design History

North Carolina State University • Raleigh, NC

71d

About The Position

The Department of Graphic Design and Industrial Design and the Department of Media, Art, Design and Technology (MADTech) in the College of Design at North Carolina State University seek a qualified individual for a joint appointment at the rank of assistant or associate professor of design history and theory. The individual in this position will be expected to build a significant teaching and scholarly agenda that examines design through multiple cultural lenses and global perspectives; that bridges critical thinking and creative practice; and that interrogates how artifacts, systems, and design practices shape and are shaped by varied social, cultural, and political contexts across different communities and geographies. We welcome candidates whose research and teaching approaches broaden conventional design narratives, incorporate voices and design traditions from around the world, and foster thoughtful dialogue about the role and impact of design in society. The ideal candidate will demonstrate commitment to innovative pedagogy that prepares students to engage meaningfully with design's historical and contemporary global dimensions and challenges. While this position is primarily focused on design history and theory, we are open to candidates who can also contribute to studio-based learning and making practices. Candidates with experience in bridging theoretical knowledge with hands-on design work, or who can integrate critical frameworks into practice-based courses, are particularly encouraged to apply. The ability to teach across both theoretical and applied domains would strengthen our interdisciplinary approach to design education. Rank will be awarded based on qualifications and experience of the candidate.

Requirements

• Terminal Degree in Design History, Art History, Cultural Studies, or related field
• Expertise in contemporary design history is required
• Demonstrated expertise in design history and theory with ability to examine design through multiple cultural lenses and global perspectives
• Strong research background capable of establishing scholarly agenda
• Experience teaching design history courses at the university level
• Ability to advise graduate students at both master's and doctoral levels
• Commitment to publishing scholarly work and pursuing external funding
• Knowledge of how artifacts, systems, and design practices shape and are shaped by varied social, cultural, and political contexts
• Understanding of design's role across different communities and geographies

Nice To Haves

• PhD in Design History, Art History, Cultural Studies, or related field
• Research and teaching approaches that broaden conventional design narratives, incorporating voices and design traditions from around the world
• Demonstrated commitment to innovative pedagogy that engages students with design's global dimensions
• Ability to foster thoughtful dialogue about design's societal role and impact
• Experience bridging theoretical knowledge with hands-on design work
• Capability to contribute to studio-based learning and making practices
• Ability to teach across both theoretical and applied domains and prepare students to engage with contemporary design challenges and historical contexts
• Experience with interdisciplinary approaches to design education
• Background that supports teaching across multiple design disciplines (graphic design, industrial design, media arts)

Responsibilities

• Teach History of Industrial Design, History of Graphic Design, Design History for Design Study students, Design History for Engineering and Scientists, and other design thinking and theory courses as needed.
• Establish a scholarly research agenda with national, international prominence in design history and theory.
• Pursue external funding and publication of scholarship.
• Work with students in the interdisciplinary PhD in Design Program, History and Criticism research area.
• Advise masters students who have history content in their thesis/project work.
• Work with students in the interdisciplinary PhD in Design program.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• Childcare benefits
• Wellness & Recreation Membership
• Wellness Programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree