Assistant Professor of Systems Design

Overview

Job title: Assistant Professor of Systems Design. Department: Arts and Sciences Design. The Department of Design invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Systems Design to start August 15, 2026. The successful applicant will possess the promise of or expertise in the theory and principles of design practices as they apply to the research and development of products, services, experiences, and networks that anticipate and envision future needs. This faculty member will teach in the Industrial Design major area and support other areas in Design. We seek a colleague whose research centers design and complexity with an interest in emerging technologies and ethical considerations in technology as they apply to design. Applicants should demonstrate a growing record of scholarship or promise thereof and be able to establish/continue a successful research program and integrate research into teaching and learning opportunities. A collaborative approach with colleagues, industry, professional communities, and community groups is desired.

Responsibilities

Teach studios, lectures, and seminars at the undergraduate and graduate levels and contribute to inclusive excellence in the design professions.

Develop and sustain a nationally recognized research program in systems design with a focus on complexity, emerging technologies, and ethics-oriented design practices.

Publish scholarly work in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals, conferences, and/or design venues relevant to systems design and interdisciplinary design research.

Teach undergraduate (BSD) and graduate courses (MFA) in industrial design and systems design, including studios, seminars, and lectures, with inclusive, student-centered pedagogy.

Mentor and advise students across undergraduate and graduate levels to support academic, professional, and creative development.

Contribute to curriculum development reflecting contemporary and future-oriented design practices, including integration of emerging technologies and ethical frameworks.

Engage in collaborative and transdisciplinary research with faculty across the Department of Design and other units at Ohio State.

Participate in service activities to the department and professional design communities, including committee work, outreach, and public engagement.

Foster community-engaged design practices that connect academic research with societal needs.

Education and Experience Requirements

Required: Terminal degree MFA, MDes, DDes or PhD preferred; ABDs welcome to apply. Terminal degree in hand by August 15, 2026 in Systems Design, Industrial Design, Product Design, Interaction Design, or a related field.

Demonstrated potential for or established scholarly research and creative inquiry in systems design or related areas.

Commitment to wide-ranging pedagogical practices and student-centered learning.

Desired:

Evidence of effective teaching at the undergraduate and/or graduate level.

Research expertise in complexity-centered design practices (e.g., systemic design, transitional design, discursive design, community-engaged design).

Preference for candidates whose work exhibits transdisciplinarity, collaboration, external engagement, and ethics-oriented areas of practice.

Engagement with emerging technologies and innovation in design (e.g., generative AI, hybrid human-AI systems, ethics in technology).

Experience securing or contributing to externally funded research or creative projects.

A portfolio demonstrating excellence in teaching, research, and/or student mentorship.

Experience working across disciplines and with external partners, including industry, community organizations, or research institutes.

How to Apply

To be considered, please submit your application electronically via Workday. Application period closes November 7, 2025.

The competitive application consists of the following required elements:

Attachment 1: Cover Letter (1-2 pages) including a brief summary of academic background and interest in the opportunity.

Attachment 2: CV with three references (names and contact information).

Attachment 3: Research Statement and Portfolio outlining past and current work and future research plan.

Attachment 4: Teaching Statement describing pedagogical approaches and philosophy.

Attachment 5: Portfolio of professional and/or student work (PDF or link).

Please note: Letters of reference are not accepted at the time of application. Include three references in Attachment 2. Candidates advancing in the process will be asked to provide three letters of reference.

Additional Information

The College of Arts and Sciences and the Department of Design offer collaborative opportunities across programs. Ohio State provides comprehensive benefits and resources. The university is an equal opportunity employer and a member of the HERC network. Final candidates are subject to a background check; additional requirements may apply depending on the college or unit.

Location: Hopkins Hall (0149) Shift: Varying Shifts 40 hours per week

The Ohio State University is committed to diversity and inclusion and to supporting dual career partners. Further information about dual career resources is available on the university site. The university also emphasizes freedom of expression and civil inquiry as part of its Shared Values.

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post-offer process.

For status updates, please review the Candidate Home section of this site. The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability. #J-18808-Ljbffr