Biodesign Curriculum Development Partner

Maryland Institute College of Art•Baltimore, MD

43d•$15,000 - $25,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) is seeking an individual to work in partnership with the Endowed Chair of Biodesign to develop MICA's new undergraduate Biodesign Co-Major, launching Fall 2026, and Biodesign Graduate program, launching Fall 2027 (pending approval). This is a contracted position with a preferred start date of January 2026 and an end date of August, 2026 with the possibility of reappointment. Candidates who are interested in teaching Biodesign at MICA are encouraged to note this in their application. About Biodesign at MICA: The Biodesign program at MICA consists of three interrelated elements: Undergraduate Co-Major, a Graduate Degree, and a Research Agenda. The Undergraduate Biodesign Co-Major, is built upon 10+ years of Biodesign teaching at MICA and has been fully approved for launch AY27. It is situated within the Design and Innovation program which also includes Co-Majors in Architectural Design, Product Design, and Graphic Design. The Biodesign Graduate Degree is currently under development, with internal and external approvals targeted for AY26, and planned launch in Fall 2027. The Biodesign Research Agenda supports extra-curricular and co-curricular R&D regarding novel biomaterials, biofabrication technologies, and their applications, supported through millions of dollars in government and private funding. The Biodesign Program explores and teaches methods of working with living organisms from across the more-than-human world to create novel materials, objects, and approaches to living and working together on our shared planet. Courses introduce new approaches to making from, like, with, and for other living beings. In MICA's state-of-the-art Biodesign Lab, students learn tools and techniques of biotechnology that expand the scope and possibilities of a contemporary art and design practice. The curriculum explores a broad range of theoretical perspectives and modes of practice, enabling each student to establish their own approach to Biodesign. Courses centered on Creative Experiential Learning build real-world skills and help students find career paths where they can most meaningfully contribute to this emerging transdisciplinary field. Job Description: The Biodesign Curriculum Development Partner will work with MICA's Endowed Chair of Biodesign (ECB) to develop the curriculum for the Undergraduate Biodesign Co-Major and the proposal for the Biodesign Graduate program. They will serve as a thought partner for imagining the future of Biodesign education, and will contribute to the planning, proposal, course development, and launch of these new programs.

Requirements

Masters degree or higher in art, design, bio-science, or other relevant field (or commensurate experience)
1+ year experience teaching in higher education, beyond graduate assistantships
1+ year experience teaching biodesign (or closely related field)
Demonstrated experience writing courses
Demonstrated experience in curricular development
Demonstrated understanding of the field of biodesign
Demonstrated technical understanding of biodesign laboratory practices
Demonstrated experience working in art and design educational context
Demonstrated strength in written communication skills

Nice To Haves

A terminal degree in art, design, bio-science, or other relevant field (or equivalent professional experience)
Contributions to the field of biodesign and/or biodesign education through publication, presentations, and other modes of public engagement
Experience working in art/design educational context and science/engineering educational context.

Responsibilities

Build an understanding of the existing and thus-far planned Biodesign program at MICA.
Serve as a thought partner for imagining the future of Biodesign education.
Engage with the external Biodesign Advisory Board to gain additional input and perspective regarding program objectives and content, and make recommendations for potential board members.
Work with internal partners from other academic departments and MICA's Centers for Excellence including: the Ratcliffe Center for Entrepreneurship, Career Development, and others at MICA to develop thoughtful curricular integrations
Fully develop up to six courses in the approved Biodesign Undergraduate Co-Major curriculum to be offered in Academic Year 2026 - 2027, creating for each course: a detailed syllabus with weekly course outline, compiled and newly-written learning resources, list of materials and resources required to run the course, and other related content.
Assist the ECB in developing the structure and content of the Biodesign Graduate program.
Contribute materials required for internal and external approval of the Biodesign Graduate program.
Develop information for select Graduate courses as required for creating the course listing and degree plan template, including course title, description, etc.
Advise on Lab facilities and space requirements for the Undergraduate Co-Major and Graduate degree.
Perform other duties as assigned