Visiting Assistant Professor

Position Overview

The Department of Design at The Ohio State University invites applications for a Visiting Assistant Professor of Design Research, to begin August 15, 2026. This is a full-time, non-tenure-track appointment.

The successful candidate will possess expertise in participatory design (also referred to as co-design), generative design research, and social innovation and equity-centered design. We seek a colleague with a participatory mindset who can contribute to advancing design research practices that center people, communities, and complex systems. This faculty member will teach at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and contribute to the Design Research and Development graduate program while supporting broader departmental teaching needs. Experience leading or co-leading design research teams in both industry and academic contexts will be greatly appreciated.

Applicants should demonstrate a record of scholarly or creative activity grounded in both academic and professional practice, along with a commitment to student-centered pedagogy and mentorship across diverse student populations. The ideal candidate will also show potential for collaboration across disciplines and engagement with industry, professional communities, and public-facing design initiatives.

The Department of Design includes Experiential Media Design, Industrial Design, Interior Design, and Visual Communication Design, offering rich opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. The successful candidate may also contribute to collaborative research and creative activity through centers such as the Social Innovation and Sustainability Lab (DESIS Lab), the Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence (CDME), and the Advanced Computing Center for the Arts and Design (ACCAD).

Performance Objectives

Teaching and Mentorship

• Teach six courses per academic year (studios and/or seminars) at the undergraduate and graduate levels in design research methods, participatory design, and related areas of specialization.
• Mentor and advise students across undergraduate and graduate programs, supporting their academic, professional, and creative development.
• Contribute to the departments commitment to inclusive, student-centered teaching practices.

Research and Scholarship

• Maintain an active program of scholarly and/or creative research in design research and related areas.
• Pursue external funding opportunities at national and international levels.
• Engage in collaborative and transdisciplinary research initiatives within and beyond the university.

Service and Engagement

• Participate in departmental service, including committee work and program support.
• Contribute to graduate student recruitment and retention efforts.
• Engage with professional organizations, industry partners, and broader design communities.
• Support and contribute to the departments design culture through teaching, scholarship, and service.

Education and Experience Requirements

Required:

• Graduate degree in Design, Systems Design, Cognitive Science, Psychology, Anthropology, or a related field; PhD strongly preferred.
• Minimum of three years of professional experience as a design researcher.
• Minimum of three years of teaching experience at the post-secondary level (may overlap with professional experience).
• Demonstrated expertise in participatory design (co-design), generative design research, and equity-centered design practices.
• Evidence of effectiveness in teaching and mentoring across diverse student populations.
• Demonstrated record of scholarly or creative research activity in both academic and applied contexts.

Desired:

• Expertise in one or more of the following areas: speculative design, service design, strategic design, systems design, community-engaged design, emerging technologies, critical design, transition design, and/or design futures.
• Experience leading or co-leading design research teams in academic and/or industry settings.
• Established network within industry, professional organizations, and design research communities.

How to Apply

To be considered, please submit your application electronically via Workday. Application period closes on May 1, 2026.

A competitive application consists of the following required elements:

• Attachment 1: Cover Letter: 1-2 page letter, which should include a brief summary of your academic background and why you are interested in this opportunity.
• Attachment 2: CV (Curriculum Vitae): Detailed overview of your scholarly experience, including your research experience, teaching and mentoring experience, service, funding, and publications. Please include three names and contact information for three references.
• Attachment 3: Portfolio of professional and/or student work (PDF or link to website).

The College

With more than 80 majors and 100 minors, the College of Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of the university. The Arts and Sciences provides extraordinary opportunities to collaborate across disciplines, blending creativity and analysis to truly be at the forefront of thought. The breadth and depth of knowledge in the college gives students and researchers the critical thinking and adaptability essential for a lifetime of success.

Department Information

The Department of Design offers collaborative learning opportunities in four undergraduate majors (Experiential Media Design, Industrial Design, Interior Design, and Visual Communication Design) and two masters degree tracks (Digital Animation and Interactive Media and Design Research and Development). The successful applicant can anticipate an opportunity to teach in more than one program. The ability to teach from a student-centered perspective at the undergraduate and graduate levels and support the departments long-standing commitment to increasing the diversity of the design professions is expected.

The University

Ohio State is a top-20 public university, and its Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is one of Americas leading academic health centers. Eligible Ohio State employees receive comprehensive benefits packages, including medical, dental and vision insurance, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, and state or alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.

Grounded in Ohio State Universitys Shared Values, our university community welcomes differences, encourages open-minded exploration and courageous thinking, and upholds freedom of expression.

The Ohio State University is committed to enhancing academic excellence. Recruiting, supporting, and retaining faculty of the highest caliber is a core component of this commitment. The Office of Academic Affairs (OAA) has established central resources to focus on offering support to new and prospective faculty and their loved ones. Service offerings include dual career partner consultation, potential employer and/or employment opportunity identification, consultation and resources related to relocation, as well as identifying opportunities to engage on campus and in the surrounding community. While employment opportunities are not guaranteed, resources and consultation are available. More information about dual career and faculty recruitment can be found here.

In addition to being responsive to dual-career opportunities, we strongly promote work-life balance to support our community members through a suite of institutionalized policies. Ohio State is a member of the Michigan, Ohio, Western Pennsylvania & West Virginia HERC.

Located in Ohios capital city, Ohio States Columbus campus is near the center of a rapidly growing and vibrant metropolitan area with a population of over 1.5 million. The area offers a wide range of affordable housing, many cultural and recreational opportunities, excellent schools, and a strong economy based on government as well as service, transportation, and technology industries. Additional information about the Columbus area is available here. Beyond its Columbus campus, Ohio State has four regional campuses including Ohio State Lima, Ohio State Mansfield, Ohio State Marion, and Ohio State Newark, in addition to the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) Wooster Campus, which houses Ohio State ATI.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.