The College for Creative Studies in Detroit, MI is currently seeking a dedicated and passionate Assistant or Associate Professor in Product/Industrial Design. This esteemed institution is looking for an educator who possesses a strong background in design and teaching, along with exceptional technical skills and a commitment to fostering the next generation of creative thinkers. The ideal candidate will have a comprehensive understanding of design principles, proficiency in design software, and the ability to convey complex design concepts effectively. In addition to teaching, the professor will also collaborate with colleagues on curriculum development, provide mentorship to students, engage in research and scholarship, and cultivate connections with industry professionals.
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Position Description
As an Assistant or Associate Professor in Product / Industrial Design, the individual will have responsibilities in teaching, curriculum development, technical expertise, mentorship, team collaboration, prototyping, research and scholarship, as well as community engagement. This role requires a Master’s Degree in Industrial Design and teaching experience in higher education. The ideal candidate should have a passion for design innovation, proficiency in design software, excellent communication skills, broad knowledge in design theory, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, experience with prototyping and fabrication techniques, and a collaborative mindset.
Teaching
The Assistant or Associate Professor will conduct engaging and insightful lectures, workshops, and seminars in various aspects of industrial design. They will create a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and creative exploration. The educator will also integrate diversity, equity, and inclusive content into the classroom to ensure students understand the importance of design that respects the needs and perspectives of all individuals, regardless of background, abilities, or culture.
Curriculum Development
Collaborating with colleagues, the individual will develop and refine the curriculum, incorporating the latest industry trends, technologies, and methodologies. They will continuously update course content to ensure its relevance and alignment with industry standards.
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Technical Expertise
The Assistant or Associate Professor should possess a comprehensive understanding of design principles and an extensive skill set in areas such as sketching, rendering, digital modeling (using software such as Solidworks, Rhino, Blender, etc.), and digital rendering (using Keyshot). They should also demonstrate proficiency in AI design workflows and applications.
Mentorship
Providing guidance and mentorship to students is an essential aspect of this role. The individual will nurture students’ individual talents and help them develop a strong foundation in design techniques and methodologies. They will encourage experimentation and risk-taking in design projects, and provide professional career support by mentoring on soft skills and portfolio preparation.
Team Collaboration
The Assistant or Associate Professor will collaborate closely with fellow faculty members to contribute to a collaborative and innovative departmental environment. They will participate in team meetings, contribute to program development, and engage in interdisciplinary projects.
Prototyping
Exhibiting proficiency in prototyping techniques and hands-on fabrication skills, the individual will support students in turning their conceptual designs into tangible prototypes.
Research and Scholarship
Staying abreast of the latest advancements in industrial design, design theory, and pedagogical practices is crucial. The Assistant or Associate Professor will contribute to research and scholarship in the field through publications, presentations, and participation in relevant conferences.
Community Engagement
Cultivating connections with industry professionals, design organizations, and local businesses is important to foster networking opportunities, internships, and collaborations for students.
Qualifications and Experience
To qualify for this position, candidates must have a Master’s Degree (MFA) or equivalent experience in the Industrial Design field, with a minimum of 5 years of experience in the industry. They should also have a minimum of 2-3 years of teaching experience in higher education, preferably in the field of industrial design. A deep passion for design innovation, education, and a commitment to nurturing students’ creative growth are essential. Strong proficiency in design software such as Solidworks, Rhino, Blender, Keyshot, and the Adobe Creative Suite is required. Excellent communication skills and the ability to convey complex design concepts effectively are also necessary. The candidates should have a broad depth of knowledge in design theory, methodologies, and technical skills and demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Experience with prototyping and hands-on fabrication techniques is highly desirable, along with a collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively within a team. Patience, empathy, and a genuine interest in guiding students through their educational journey are also valued.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The Assistant or Associate Professor will operate in a professional office and college campus environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, with occasional exposure to outside weather conditions. The physical demands of the job include maintaining a stationary position, using a computer and other office equipment, and effective communication in person, by phone, and virtually. Frequent interaction with others, including staff, faculty, students, and third parties, is required. The ability to move around within the office and between buildings on campus, attend off-site meetings and events, and travel between Ford Campus site to Taubman Center site are also required. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
About CCS
College for Creative Studies (CCS) is a leading nonprofit institution and one of the top art and design colleges in the world. CCS is ranked by LinkedIn as a top three design school in the US and the best in the Midwest, based on alumni success. The college has state-of-the-art facilities to support the complete range of creative production, from traditional art forms to the latest digital imaging technology and extensive rapid prototyping output tools. Currently, CCS enrolls over 1,400 undergraduate and graduate students, with approximately 7% being international students from more than 30 countries. The college offers Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in 13 majors and Master of Arts and Master of Fine Arts degrees in four majors.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply immediately by submitting a resume and letter of application in PDF format to hr@collegeforcreativestudies.edu. The search will close when a suitable candidate is hired.
Equal Opportunity Employer
CCS is committed to diversity and inclusion, promoting equal opportunity in employment and admissions. There is zero tolerance for harassment or discrimination within the organization.
About Coroflot
Coroflot is a platform used by design-driven companies worldwide to recruit exceptional talent. It provides opportunities for designers to showcase their work and connect with prospective employers.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions and answers can be found on the CCS website or by contacting the college directly.
Privacy Policy
CCS has a privacy policy in place to protect the personal information of individuals interacting with the institution. Details regarding the privacy policy can be found on the college’s website.
Contact Us
For any inquiries, please contact the college using the following information:
- Phone: [Phone Number]
- Email: [Email Address]
