Clinical Assistant/Clinical Associate Professor of Industrial Design (Non-Tenure Track)

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign•Urbana, IL

About The Position

The School of Art & Design at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign invites applications for non-tenure-track Clinical Assistant Professor or Clinical Associate Professor positions in Industrial Design. Rank will depend on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and record of achievement. The successful candidate will contribute to undergraduate and graduate education, student mentorship, curriculum development, service, professional practice, teaching excellence, industry engagement, and applied creative work. The program values industrial design as a human-centered, interdisciplinary discipline integrating creativity, technology, making, and innovation to address contemporary human, social, environmental, and technological challenges. Candidates should bring substantial professional experience and creative practice, and be able to translate contemporary industry knowledge into teaching, mentorship, curriculum development, and professional engagement. Faculty will help prepare students for professional careers and strengthen connections between education, industry, and emerging areas of design practice. The Industrial Design Program emphasizes human-centered design, design visualization, prototyping, materials and manufacturing, systems thinking, critical inquiry, sustainability, emerging technologies, and responsible innovation. Faculty may collaborate across the research university, including with engineering, computer science, business, healthcare, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and emerging technology initiatives. This is a 100% full-time, nine-month appointment paid over 12 months. The initial appointment is for one year and may be renewed subject to programmatic needs and available resources. The expected start date is August 16, 2027. The position is not eligible for work-authorization sponsorship.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in industrial design, product design, or a closely related field.
Experience developing and launching products.
Knowledge of manufacturing.
Experience with 3D CAD, specifically SolidWorks.
Experience with 3D visualization, specifically KeyShot.
Ability to visualize through both digital and hand sketching.
Significant industry experience and ability to connect professional practice with innovative teaching and mentorship.
Demonstrated professional impact through products, patents, consulting work, entrepreneurial ventures, design leadership, or other notable professional achievements.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree, terminal degree, or equivalent professional credentials in Industrial Design or a closely related field.
Experience teaching in higher education.
Expertise in emerging technologies, sustainability, or innovation-driven design practice.
For consideration at Clinical Associate Professor rank: international professional recognition.
For consideration at Clinical Associate Professor rank: leadership experience in industry, consultancy, or professional organizations.
For consideration at Clinical Associate Professor rank: experience developing partnerships with industry, community, or research organizations.

Responsibilities

Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in Industrial Design.
Mentor and advise students.
Contribute to curriculum development and program advancement.
Participate in service activities within the program, School, College, University, and profession.
Foster interdisciplinary collaborations across campus and beyond.
Maintain active engagement with contemporary professional practice.
Strengthen industry partnerships and experiential learning opportunities.
Advance professional practice education and career preparation initiatives.