Assistant Professor, Graphic and Experience Design

Virginia Tech • Blacksburg, VA

78d • $80,000 - $90,000

About The Position

The School of Visual Arts (SOVA) at Virginia Tech invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track faculty position in Graphic Design, with a start date of August 2026. The ideal hire will help guide the program's continued evolution, collaborating with current faculty to expand its focus and prepare students for the rapidly changing field of graphic design. We are especially interested in candidates whose expertise in user experience and digital technologies-such as AR, VR, AI, motion, web, and interaction-reflects the future trajectory of the profession. SOVA is housed within the College of Architecture, Arts, and Design at Virginia Tech, a comprehensive land grant research university in Blacksburg, Virginia. SOVA has approximately 300 undergraduate majors within four areas (Graphic Design, Creative Technologies, Studio Art, and Art History). The Graphic Design program currently has approximately 120 majors and has been included in GDUSA's list of 'Top 30 Graphic Design Schools' for the past seven years. Virginia Tech offers unique opportunities for faculty to collaborate across disciplines, expand the impact of their research, and engage in innovative projects that address real-world challenges.

Requirements

• Terminal degree in Graphic Design or User Experience/Interaction Design or in a closely related discipline by appointment start date.
• Evidence of or potential for effective teaching in User Experience Design and Graphic Design at the university level.
• Demonstrated record of creative research/activity in User Experience Design.
• Commitment to inclusive pedagogy, accessibility, and ethical practice.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills suited to a cross-disciplinary environment.

Nice To Haves

• Record of excellence in design systems, interaction/motion; immersive media; data visualization; web/product design; experimental/kinetic typography; service or speculative design.
• Preparedness to work with industry or community partnerships.
• Ability to teach additional courses depending on area of specialization.
• Evidence of interdisciplinary teaching and/or research across design, technology, and related fields.
• Ability to teach graphic design courses to non-majors.
• Commitment to academic leadership.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate courses, from introductory to advanced levels of Graphic Design and User Experience Design.
• Sustain a program of creative research/scholarship in UX/UI.
• Integrate contemporary tools and methods and teach evidence-based processes.
• Advance inclusive, ethical, and accessible design practices.
• Contribute to curriculum development in UX/UI and Graphic Design pathways.
• Mentor students and support a collaborative studio culture.
• Contribute to the growth of the program and school through active participation.
• Participate in service at school/college/university levels and in community/industry partnerships.
• Travel occasionally for conferences and meetings.

Benefits

• Salary range is $80,000-90,000 per year.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Engagement in innovative projects that address real-world challenges.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Master's degree