"Assistant or Associate Professor of Graphic Design"

Job Description Summary

As a land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant university with "R1" Carnegie classification, Auburn University maintains high standards for externally funded innovative, transformational research. Auburn, AL is a historic college town and one of Alabama's fastest-growing metropolitan areas with increasingly diverse cultural and recreational opportunities. With close proximity to Birmingham, AL, Atlanta, GA, and the Gulf Coast, Auburn is an attractive place to live.

The Graphic Design Program, housed within the School of Industrial and Graphic Design (SIGD) in the College of Architecture, Design and Construction (CADC), prepares students to practice visual communication in a competitive global environment. Auburn's nationally regarded B.F.A. in Graphic Design is NASAD-accredited, emphasizing a systemic approach to design. Students receive hands-on instruction in a professional studio environment, covering drawing, 2D/3D design, typography, interactive design, user experience design (UI/UX), motion graphics, brand identity systems, publication design, packaging, illustration, and image-making.

The program introduces students to the professional design community through exhibitions, symposia, guest lectures, and internships for real-world experience.

The School of Industrial and Graphic Design at Auburn University invites candidates for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor in the Graphic Design Program, commencing August 2026. We seek a dynamic designer and educator whose research and teaching explore design innovation, emerging technologies, and curriculum evolution.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate courses in graphic design, including advanced and emerging-topic courses at an R1 University.
• The typical teaching load is 9 credit hours per semester, consisting of two design studios plus participation on a senior thesis committee.
• Contribute to curriculum revision and innovation for future-facing design practices, interdisciplinary collaboration, and technological integration.
• Conduct scholarly, creative, or professional research in design innovation, future-focused design education, or adaptive/experimental design methodologies.
• Engage in school, college, and university service, including committees, student reviews, and outreach initiatives.
• Foster a collaborative and creatively adaptive learning environment.
• Engage in Auburn University's land-grant mission.

Program Highlights

Opportunity to join a nationally recognized program with collaboration in interaction design, product design, service design, or design research methods. Cross-disciplinary collaboration within CADC and integration of community-based projects.

Minimum Qualifications

• MFA, MDes, or equivalent terminal degree in Graphic Design or closely related field at the time employment begins.
• A record of, or strong potential for, creative research or scholarly activity in design innovation or related areas.
• Demonstrated teaching effectiveness at the university level.
• Strong communication and collaborative skills.
• A forward-thinking and adaptive approach to design education and practice.

The Ideal Candidate Will

• Envision the future of graphic design education and embrace experimentation in pedagogy and practice.
• Demonstrate a creative and innovative mindset that bridges traditional and emerging forms of design.
• Be comfortable navigating evolving design tools, platforms, and cultural shifts in communication.
• Inspire students to think critically and ethically about the role of design in society.
• Contribute to a collaborative academic culture that values mentorship, experimentation, and adaptability.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience integrating emerging technologies (e.g., AR/VR/XR, AI, data visualization, interaction design, speculative design, design futures, biodesign, and systems design) into design curriculum.
• Experience with the design of digital worlds and 3D environments.
• Experience with curriculum development or program revision.
• Interest in transdisciplinary teaching or collaboration across academic units.
• Industry experience or applied design practice.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Required submission materials include: a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy, names and contact information of three references, a PDF with 20 examples of professional/creative work, a PDF with examples of prior teaching experience, and student evaluations. Apply online at: https://www.auemployment.com/postings/56272. Any communication should be sent to Graphic Design Faculty Search or email Robert Finkel at rjf0010@auburn.edu. Review of applications begins 15 January 2026 and continues until the position is filled.