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Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), located in Henrietta near Rochester, New York, stands as a premier private research university renowned for its emphasis on career preparation through hands-on learning and innovation. Jobs at Rochester Institute of Technology span faculty, research, administrative, and support roles, attracting professionals passionate about technology, design, and applied sciences. With over 19,000 students and a strong focus on co-operative education—where students alternate academic study with paid work experience—RIT creates a dynamic environment for employees to contribute to cutting-edge education and research.
The university's commitment to practical, industry-aligned training means jobs here often involve collaboration with global companies like Xerox, Kodak, and Bausch + Lomb, rooted in Rochester's historic imaging and optics hub. Whether seeking higher ed faculty jobs or research jobs, RIT offers opportunities in fields like computing and information sciences, engineering, and the College of Art and Design. Its quarter system accelerates learning, mirroring the fast-paced tech world and appealing to forward-thinking academics.
Founded in 1829 as the Rochester Athenaeum, RIT evolved into a technical institute by merging with the Mechanics Institute in 1891, emphasizing vocational training amid the Industrial Revolution. Today, as Rochester Institute of Technology, it boasts a $1.2 billion endowment and global campuses, including sites in Dubai, Croatia, and Kosovo. This evolution shapes jobs at RIT, prioritizing experiential learning that prepares graduates—and employees—for real-world challenges.
Historically, RIT pioneered programs like the first BS in Photographic Science (1936) and remains a leader in microelectronics and game design. Employment history reflects this: faculty jobs surged with expansions in STEM, while staff roles grew to support co-ops placing 5,000+ students annually at 2,000+ employers. Understanding this background helps job seekers appreciate RIT's culture of innovation, where employees drive breakthroughs in sustainability and accessibility.
RIT organizes into nine colleges and schools, including the Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences, Kate Gleason College of Engineering, and Saunders College of Business. Each hosts specialized jobs, from lecturers in digital media to researchers in advanced manufacturing. The National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID), one of RIT's colleges, uniquely focuses on deaf and hard-of-hearing education, offering roles blending linguistics, technology, and accessibility.
Prospective employees can target departments like Imaging Science, home to the Center for Imaging Science, or the Simone Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, fostering startup ecosystems. These structures influence job availability: engineering sees high demand for PhD holders in mechanical or electrical fields, while art and design attract MFAs with portfolios in animation or industrial design.
Jobs at Rochester Institute of Technology include tenure-track professors, adjunct instructors, postdoctoral researchers, research assistants, and administrative positions like department chairs or HR specialists. Faculty roles emphasize teaching, research, and service, often with co-op oversight. For a deeper dive into university job types, common positions range from assistant professors to executive deans.
RIT posts openings on its careers site, with peaks in summer for fall hires. Explore professor jobs or lecturer jobs for academic tracks.
Most tenure-track faculty jobs at RIT demand a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in the relevant field, such as computer science or mechanical engineering. Research focus should align with RIT priorities: sustainable future, digital transformation, and health sciences. Preferred experience includes peer-reviewed publications (e.g., 5+ in top journals), grant funding (NSF or industry), and teaching portfolios with student evaluations above 4.0/5.0.
Key skills and competencies encompass:
Staff roles may require master's degrees or certifications like SHRM for HR jobs.
To aid understanding, here are key terms related to jobs at Rochester Institute of Technology:
The application process for jobs at RIT starts with online submission via rit.edu/careers, including a CV, cover letter, transcripts, and three references. Faculty applicants submit research statements and teaching philosophies. Interviews involve campus visits with seminars and meetings.
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RIT champions diversity through NTID, educating 1,300+ deaf students with interpreters and tech aids. The Center for Women and Gender-Related Studies supports female STEM faculty, while the Multicultural Greek Council fosters inclusion. Hiring prioritizes underrepresented minorities via affinity groups and bias training. Examples: RIT's 2023 diversity report shows 25% underrepresented faculty hires, with initiatives like the Advancing Women in STEM Scholars program offering mentorship and funding.
RIT supports work-life balance with flexible hours, parental leave (12 weeks paid), and wellness centers offering yoga and counseling. The 1,300-acre campus features The College Store, climbing walls, and proximity to Rochester's Finger Lakes for hiking. Employee perks include tuition remission (75% for dependents), gym access, and events like Brick City Festival. Rochester's affordable living (median home $250K) and cultural gems like the Strong Museum enhance life, with low commute times fostering community. Faculty report high satisfaction via co-op flexibility and sabbaticals every 7 years.
RIT's research ecosystem, with $80M+ annual funding, fuels jobs in labs like the Center for Sustainable Mobility and the Microelectronics Manufacturing Center. Faculty engage in applied projects, such as AI for accessibility or additive manufacturing, partnering with NASA and DOE. Postdocs thrive here, transitioning to roles via mentorship.
Jobs at Rochester Institute of Technology offer a blend of innovation, impact, and support in a vibrant Rochester, NY setting. From faculty guiding co-op students to researchers pioneering tech, opportunities abound. Explore more on higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job if recruiting. RIT's legacy positions it as a top destination for academic professionals.
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