"Assistant Professor, Graphic and Experience Design"

Job Description

The School of Visual Arts (SOVA) at Virginia Tech (https://www.sova.vt.edu) invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track faculty position in Graphic Design, with a start date of August 2026. The ideal hire will help guide the program's continued evolution, collaborating with current faculty to expand its focus and prepare students for the rapidly changing field of graphic design. We are especially interested in candidates whose expertise in user experience and digital technologies-such as AR, VR, AI, motion, web, and interaction-reflects the future trajectory of the profession. SOVA is housed within the College of Architecture, Arts, and Design (AAD) (https://aad.vt.edu) at Virginia Tech (https://www.vt.edu), a comprehensive land grant research university in Blacksburg, Virginia.

SOVA has approximately 300 undergraduate majors within four areas (Graphic Design, Creative Technologies, Studio Art, and Art History). The Graphic Design program currently has approximately 120 majors and has been included in GDUSA's list of "Top 30 Graphic Design Schools'' for the past seven years. Virginia Tech offers unique opportunities for faculty to collaborate across disciplines, expand the impact of their research, and engage in innovative projects that address real-world challenges. For example, the Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology (ICAT) (https://icat.vt.edu)-a university investment institute where arts, design, science, and engineering converge-SOVA faculty and students can explore unconventional solutions to complex problems through the lens of art, design, and technology.

Key responsibilities:

• Teach undergraduate courses, from introductory to advanced levels of Graphic Design and User Experience Design (and possibly occasional non-majors, foundations, and graduate courses).
• Sustain a program of creative research/scholarship in UX/UI (e.g., peer-reviewed publications, juried exhibitions, funded projects, public-facing work, or industry collaborations).
• Integrate contemporary tools and methods (Figma, Adobe CC, Framer, ProtoPie, Miro) and teach evidence-based processes (user research, accessibility, prototyping, evaluation).
• Advance inclusive, ethical, and accessible design practices (e.g., WCAG-aligned teaching, responsible/transparent AI use, privacy-aware UX).
• Contribute to curriculum development in our evolving UX/UI and Graphic Design pathways (course design, assessment, alignment with program outcomes).
• Mentor students (advising, portfolio/case-study development, internships, career readiness) and support a collaborative studio culture.
• Contribute to the growth of our program and school through active participation in a collaborative, cross-disciplinary work environment.
• Participate in service at school/college/university levels and in community/industry partnerships aligned with Virginia Tech's Ut Prosim mission.
• Travel occasionally for conferences and meetings.

Required Qualifications

• Terminal degree in Graphic Design or User Experience/Interaction Design (i.e., MFA, MGXD, MDes, PhD) or in a closely related discipline by appointment start date.
• Evidence of or potential for effective teaching in User Experience Design and Graphic Design at the university level, including introductory, intermediate, and advanced courses.
• Demonstrated record of creative research/activity in User Experience Design.
• Commitment to inclusive pedagogy, accessibility, and ethical practice, including responsible integration of emerging technologies (e.g., AI).
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills suited to a cross-disciplinary environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Record of excellence in one or more of the following areas: design systems, interaction/motion; immersive media (e.g., AR/VR/XR, immersive experiences); data visualization; web/product design; experimental/kinetic typography; service or speculative design; and emerging digital practices.
• Preparedness to work with industry or community partnerships (client projects, sponsored studios) and/or applied research that bridges academia and practice.
• Ability to teach additional courses depending on area of specialization (e.g., electives, graduate courses).
• Evidence of interdisciplinary teaching and/or research across design, technology, and related fields, or potential to contribute in this area.
• Ability to teach graphic design courses to non-majors.
• Commitment to academic leadership, with the ability to contribute to a growing and dynamic graphic design program.

Materials Submission

For full consideration, interested applicants are asked to submit the following:

• Letter of intent that includes the candidate's proven experience, the potential capacity to fulfill duties and responsibilities, including both the required and preferred qualifications above.
• Curriculum Vitae.
• A one-page personal statement of teaching philosophy including the candidate's ideas for supporting an educational environment consistent with the Virginia Tech Principles of Community.
• Up to 20 examples of professional work (consider including process artifacts and evaluation).
• Up to 20 examples of student work (optional).
• The professional references (names, emails, and phone numbers).
• Summarized teaching evaluations in a table (optional, but preferred).

Overtime Status: Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type: Regular

Salary Information: Salary range is $80,000-90,000 per year

Hours per week: 40 +; as needed

Review Date: Friday, January 9, 2026 - Review of submissions will begin on this date and continue until the position is filled.

Additional Information: For additional questions about the position, contact the Graphic and Experience Design Search Committee Chair, Meaghan Dee (meaghand@vt.edu). The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.