Assistant or Associate Professor Product Design / Industrial Design

at  College for Creative Studies CCS

POSITION DESCRIPTION

We are seeking a dedicated and passionate educator to join our esteemed Product/Industrial Design department at CCS.

• The ideal candidate should possess a strong background in design, with a proven track record of teaching, a deep passion for design innovation, exceptional technical skills, and a commitment to fostering the next generation of creative thinkers.
• As a member of our tight-knit team, the educator will play a pivotal role in shaping the educational experience of our students and contributing to the ongoing growth of our program.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• A Master Degree (MFA) or tested equivalent experience in the Industrial Design field (minimum of 5 years of experience in industry.)
• A minimum of 2-3 years of teaching experience in higher education, preferably in the field of industrial design.
• A deep passion for design innovation, education, and a commitment to nurturing students’ creative growth.
• Strong proficiency in design software such as Solidworks, Rhino, Blender, Keyshot and the Adobe Creative Suite.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to convey complex design concepts effectively.
• A broad depth of knowledge in design theory, methodologies, and technical skills.
• Demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience with prototyping and hands-on fabrication techniques.
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively within a team.
• Patience, empathy, and a genuine interest in guiding students through their educational journey.

• Teaching: Conduct engaging and insightful lectures, workshops, and seminars in various aspects of industrial design. Create a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that encourages critical thinking, problem- solving and creative exploration. Integrate diversity, equity, and inclusive content into the classroom to ensure students understand the importance of design that respects the needs and perspectives of all individuals, regardless of background, abilities, or culture.
• Curriculum Development: Collaborate with colleagues to develop and refine the curriculum, incorporating the latest industry trends, technologies, and methodologies. Continuously update course content to ensure its relevance and alignment with industry standards.
• Technical Expertise: Possess a comprehensive understanding of design principles and an extensive skill set in areas such as sketching, rendering, digital modeling (using software such as Solidworks, Rhino, Blender etc.), and digital rendering (using Keyshot). Demonstrate proficiency in AI design workflows and applications.
• Mentorship: Provide guidance and mentorship to students, nurturing their individual talents and helping them develop a strong foundation in design techniques and methodologies. Encourage experimentation and risk-taking in design projects. Provide professional career support with mentoring on soft skills and portfolio preparation.
• Team Collaboration: Collaborate closely with fellow faculty members to contribute to a collaborative and innovative departmental environment. Participate in team meetings, contribute to program development, and engage in interdisciplinary projects.
• Prototyping: Exhibit proficiency in prototyping techniques and hands-on fabrication skills. Support students in turning their conceptual designs into tangible prototypes.
• Research and Scholarship: Stay abreast of the latest advancements in industrial design, design theory, and pedagogical practices. Contribute to research and scholarship in the field through publications, presentations, and participation in relevant conferences.
• Community Engagement: Cultivate connections with industry professionals, design organizations, and local businesses to foster networking opportunities, internships, and collaborations for students.