Job Title: Assistant Professor Design
Department: School of Design
Specializations:
- Integrated Product Design
- Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
- Communication Design
Position Overview:
A leading research-driven university invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor in Design. We seek outstanding candidates with a strong commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and innovation in the domains of Integrated Product Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), and Communication Design.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to build a high-impact research portfolio, contribute to interdisciplinary initiatives, and engage with global academic and industry ecosystems.
Key Responsibilities:
Teaching & Academic Excellence:
- Deliver undergraduate, postgraduate, and studio-based courses using contemporary pedagogical approaches.
- Develop cutting-edge curriculum aligned with global design education standards.
- Mentor students in research-led design projects, thesis work, and portfolio development.
Research & Innovation (Core Focus):
- Establish and sustain a strong, independent research agenda in areas such as UX/UI, interaction design, product systems, digital experiences, or communication strategy.
- Publish in high-impact journals, indexed conferences, and design forums.
- Secure extramural research funding, consultancy projects, and industry-sponsored initiatives.
- Lead interdisciplinary research across domains such as AI, IoT, cognitive science, and digital media.
Industry & Global Engagement:
- Build collaborations with leading design firms, technology companies, and research institutions.
- Facilitate live industry projects, internships, and innovation labs.
- Contribute to international partnerships, exchange programs, and global rankings.
Institutional Contribution:
- Participate in academic governance, accreditation, and quality assurance processes.
- Contribute to the development of design labs, research centers, and incubation initiatives.
- Organize conferences, workshops, exhibitions, and knowledge-sharing platforms.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Master's degree (M.Des./MFA/M.Tech or equivalent) in Design or a closely related discipline from a reputed institution.
- Ph.D. in Design or allied field (mandatory for research-track positions / preferred for exceptional candidates).
- Strong academic credentials with evidence of design innovation and research potential.
Experience:
- Early-career candidates with exceptional research potential and a strong portfolio are encouraged to apply.
- Prior teaching, research, or relevant industry experience in premier institutions/organizations will be an advantage.
Research & Scholarly Expectations:
- Demonstrated ability (or strong potential) to publish in Scopus/SCI/SSCI indexed journals and top-tier conferences.
- Engagement in practice-based and theoretical design research.
- Proven or potential ability to attract research grants, patents, and funded projects.
Desired Skills & Competencies:
- Expertise in user-centered design, usability engineering, and interaction design frameworks.
- Proficiency in tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, CAD, prototyping tools, and emerging design technologies.
- Strong understanding of design systems, branding, storytelling, and digital communication.
- Exposure to emerging areas like AI in design, AR/VR, immersive experiences, and human-centered innovation.
- Excellent academic writing, communication, and collaborative skills.
Application Requirements:
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae
- Comprehensive Portfolio (mandatory) showcasing academic, professional, and research work
- List of publications (if applicable)
- Research Statement (highlighting future research agenda)
- Teaching Statement (optional but preferred)
Why Join Us:
- Opportunity to work in a research-intensive, interdisciplinary academic environment
- Access to state-of-the-art design labs and innovation ecosystems
- Support for funded research, international collaborations, and academic growth
- Platform to contribute to global design education and thought leadership