Working at NDU, your next career step!

New Design University St Pölten (NDU), located in Sankt Pölten, Niederösterreich, Austria, stands as a beacon for innovative education in design and digital media. This university of applied sciences specializes in blending creativity with technology, offering job seekers a chance to contribute to a dynamic academic environment focused on practical, industry-relevant training. Jobs at New Design University St Pölten range from teaching faculty positions to research roles and administrative support, all centered around fields like interface design, visual communication, and media technology. Whether you're a seasoned professor or an emerging lecturer, NDU provides opportunities to shape the next generation of designers in Europe.

The institution's emphasis on project-based learning means roles often involve hands-on collaboration with students on real-world projects, partnering with companies in Austria's creative sector. This approach not only enhances teaching but also fosters cutting-edge research, making NDU an attractive employer for those passionate about design innovation.

🎨 History of New Design University St Pölten

Founded in 1994 as part of Austria's Fachhochschule (University of Applied Sciences) system, NDU emerged from the need for specialized training in digital design amid the rise of new media technologies. Initially focused on media design, it expanded to include bachelor's and master's programs in areas like Visual & Experience Design and Interface Design by the early 2000s. In 2005, it rebranded to highlight its 'new design' ethos, reflecting a commitment to forward-thinking curricula.

Today, NDU boasts over 1,000 students and a faculty known for industry ties, with milestones like launching Austria's first BA in Interface Design in 2010. Its growth mirrors Lower Austria's push for creative industries, positioning jobs at the university as gateways to influential roles in European design education.

Academic Programs and Key Departments

NDU's programs are structured around creative digital fields. Core departments include Media Design, where students learn game development and animation; Interface Design, focusing on user experience (UX) and user interface (UI); and Visual & Experience Design, emphasizing storytelling through visuals. These offerings drive demand for specialized faculty who can teach software like Adobe Suite, Unity, or Figma alongside conceptual skills.

With small class sizes and studio-based learning, lecturers engage directly in prototyping and critique sessions, making teaching roles highly interactive. The university's location in Sankt Pölten, just 30 minutes from Vienna, enhances collaborations with cultural institutions, enriching job responsibilities.

📚 Types of Jobs at NDU

Jobs at New Design University St Pölten primarily fall into faculty, research, and support categories. Faculty positions like professors and lecturers dominate, requiring expertise in design disciplines. Research roles support funded projects in digital innovation, while admin jobs handle program coordination. For a full overview of university job types, including adjunct and full-time roles, visit our resource page.

• Lecturer in Media Design: Delivers courses on animation and interactive media.
• Professor of Interface Design: Leads advanced UX research and thesis supervision.
• Research Assistant: Assists in lab-based projects on virtual reality design.
• Administrative Coordinator: Manages student projects and industry partnerships.

These roles emphasize practical application, distinguishing NDU from traditional universities.

Definitions

To understand jobs at New Design University St Pölten, key terms include:

• Fachhochschule: A German term for University of Applied Sciences, focusing on practical, profession-oriented higher education rather than pure research.
• Interface Design: The practice of designing digital interfaces for user interaction, combining aesthetics, usability, and technology.
• Media Design: Creating visual and interactive content for digital platforms, including games, apps, and web experiences.
• Portfolio: A curated collection of creative work showcasing skills, essential for design faculty applications.

🔍 Required Academic Qualifications, Research Focus, Preferred Experience, and Skills

Securing jobs at New Design University St Pölten demands specific credentials tailored to its applied focus.

Required Academic Qualifications: A master's degree is minimum for lecturers; PhD preferred for professors in fields like design or media arts. Teaching certification or equivalent experience in higher education is often mandatory.

Research Focus or Expertise Needed: Emphasis on digital transformation, UX/UI, sustainable design, and immersive technologies. Candidates should demonstrate projects aligning with NDU's labs, such as VR/AR applications.

Preferred Experience: 3-5 years in industry (e.g., design agencies in Vienna), publications in journals like Design Issues, or grants from Austrian Science Fund (FWF). Portfolio with award-winning work is crucial.

Skills and Competencies:

• Proficiency in tools like Sketch, Adobe XD, Blender.
• Strong pedagogical skills for project supervision.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration and German/English fluency.
• Adaptability to agile teaching methods.

These ensure contributors advance NDU's reputation in practical design education.

📋 Application Process and Tips

The application process for jobs at New Design University St Pölten begins with monitoring the official career portal at ndu.ac.at/karriere. Submit a CV, cover letter, portfolio (PDF or online link), teaching philosophy, and references online.

1. Research open positions matching your expertise, e.g., 'Lektor für Interface Design'.
2. Customize your portfolio to NDU projects, highlighting student collaboration potential.
3. Prepare for interviews involving teaching demos and portfolio reviews.
4. Follow up post-submission; processes take 4-8 weeks.

Actionable Tips: Use free resume templates optimized for academia. Network via Austrian design conferences. Translate documents to German if needed, as it's the primary language. Leverage tips for academic CVs to stand out.

🌈 Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

NDU actively promotes diversity, aligning with Austria's equality laws. Initiatives include the 'Women in Design' mentoring program launched in 2018, targeting female faculty hires; international exchange partnerships boosting multicultural staff; and accessibility training for all roles. In 2023, 35% of new hires were from underrepresented groups, with scholarships for diverse students influencing faculty diversity. The university's DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) committee audits hiring, ensuring inclusive practices in Sankt Pölten's academic community.

⚖️ Work-Life Balance and Campus Life

NDU prioritizes work-life balance with flexible hours (up to 40% remote for faculty), 30+ vacation days per Austrian standards, and family support like parental leave. Campus life thrives in modern studios with 3D printers, VR labs, and a central cafeteria overlooking the Danube. Staff events include design workshops and Vienna trips, fostering community. Proximity to Sankt Pölten's parks and 30-minute trains to Vienna enable easy escapes. Wellness programs address creative burnout, with sabbaticals every 7 years for professors.

The 20,000 sqm campus integrates green spaces, promoting mental health amid intensive project work.

Summary

Jobs at New Design University St Pölten offer a unique blend of creativity and academia in Austria's heart. From lecturer positions to research innovation, NDU seeks passionate experts. Explore more higher ed jobs, get career advice via higher ed career advice, browse university jobs, or post a job if recruiting. For related insights, read on employer branding in higher education or writing academic CVs.

Ready to advance design education? Check NDU's portal and tailor your application today.