Footwear Innovation Lab Instructor

University of Oregon•Portland, OR

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lundquist College of Business is accredited by AACSB International, the highest standard for business schools globally. The Sports Product Management (SPM) Program delivers an 18-month Master of Science degree in Portland, Oregon, combining industry expertise with experiential learning grounded in innovation, sustainability, and global business. The Footwear Innovation Lab Instructor plays a critical role in delivering this experience by guiding students through the full footwear product creation lifecycle—from concept to sales sample—while integrating traditional craftsmanship with advanced digital tools. This position reports to the Innovation Lab Manager and works collaboratively with the Apparel Instructor, Lab Manager, and broader SPM team to deliver a best-in-class, industry-relevant learning environment. This is a 1.0 FTE, 9-month instructor position, with potential for summer appointments. Renewal is performance-based.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in Footwear Design, Industrial Design, or related field, and 7 years of relevant experience OR a Master’s degree in Footwear Design, Industrial Design, or related field, and 5 years of relevant experience.
Strong collaboration and teamwork across faculty, staff, and students
Ability to translate industry practice into effective teaching
High level of technical proficiency in footwear creation and lab equipment
Commitment to safety and operational excellence
Excellent communication (written, verbal, presentation)
Strong organizational and multitasking skills in a dynamic environment
Professionalism and customer-service orientation when engaging students, partners, and visitors
Ability to model ethical behavior and support the mission of the university

Nice To Haves

PhD in a relevant field (Business or Design preferred)
Experience teaching in higher education or professional training environments
Knowledge of the global sports product industry
Strong knowledge of: Footwear construction and manufacturing processes, Materials (leathers, synthetics, meshes, foams, rubbers, etc.), Prototyping techniques and lab equipment
Proficiency in digital tools (CAD software, Adobe Suite; familiarity with AI tools preferred)

Responsibilities

Delivering hands-on instruction in footwear design, development, and construction
Leading student teams through the end-to-end product development process
Supporting and maintaining a safe, innovative, and fully operational lab environment
Integrating digital tools (CAD, Adobe Suite, AI) into modern product creation workflows