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Posting Details

Position Information

Job Title

Assistant or Associate Professor of Graphic Design

Posting Number

P2225F

Position Summary Information

Job Description Summary

About Auburn University

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.

About the Graphic Design Program

Housed within the School of Industrial and Graphic Design (SIGD ) in the College of Architecture, Design and Construction (CADC ), the Graphic Design (GDES ) Program ( **http://cadc.auburn.edu/graphicdesign** ) at Auburn University prepares students to practice visual communication in a competitive global environment. Auburn’s nationally regarded B.F.A. in Graphic Design isNASAD -accredited, and the curriculum emphasizes a systemic approach to design that enables students to become versatile designers, art directors and economically viable professionals.

GDES students receive hands-on instruction in a professional studio environment that fosters a strong sense of community among students and faculty. Students establish a foundation in drawing, 2D/3D design, and typography in lower-level coursework. Foundational skills are then applied and extended in upper-level coursework experiences that include interactive design, user experience design (UI/UX), motion graphics, brand identity systems, publication design, packaging, illustration, and image-making.

TheGDES program introduces students to the professional design community by hosting exhibitions, symposia, and guest lectures by industry leaders. An internship program provides students with real-world experience and networking opportunities.

Job Description Summary

The School of Industrial and Graphic Design at Auburn University invites candidates to apply for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor (rank/title commensurate with credentials and experience) in the Graphic Design Program commencing August 2026.

We seek a dynamic, forward-thinking designer and educator whose research/creative scholarship and teaching explore the evolving landscape of design, with an emphasis on design innovation, emerging technologies, and curriculum evolution. This position plays a key role in shaping the future of our design program through strategic curriculum development and creative leadership.

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 the revision and innovation of curriculum to address 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 participation in committees, student reviews, and outreach initiatives

+ Foster a collaborative and creatively adaptive learning environment

+ Engage in Auburn University’s land-grant mission

Program Highlights: Distinctively Auburn

+ Opportunity to join a nationally recognized design program housed within the School of Industrial and Graphic Design (SIGD ) with opportunities for collaboration in interaction design, product design, service design, or design research methods.

+ SIGD is housed within the College of Architecture, Design and Construction (CADC ), which provides which allows for cross-disciplinary collaboration with colleagues in architecture, building science, landscape architecture, and environmental design.

+ Auburn’s land-grant mission allows faculty to apply design in real context. Community-based projects are encouraged to be integrated into the studio environment.

+ Opportunity to shape curriculum development – shaping how future designers engage with tools, ethics, and evolving practices.

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 is a plus

Special Instructions to Applicants

Required submission materials include:

1) A letter of interest that identifies an area of teaching specialization and scholarly plan

2) A curriculum vitae

3) A statement of teaching philosophy

4) Names, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses of three references

5) A pdf with 20 examples of professional work, creative work, and/or research (pdf, which may include a link to an online digital reel for animation or motion graphics)

6) A pdf with examples of prior teaching experience if possible (pdf, which may include a link to an online digital reel for animation or motion graphics)

7) Three to five Student/Teacher/Course Evaluations per course selected from up to three courses if possible

Apply online at: **https://www.auemployment.com/postings/56272**

Any communication about this position should be sent to:

Graphic Design Faculty Search

School of Industrial and Graphic Design

207 Wallace Hall

Auburn University

Auburn, AL 36849

_Or email Robert Finkel, Professor at [email protected]_

Review of applications shall begin **15 January 2026** and continue until the position is filled. The candidate selected for this position must meet eligibility requirements for work in the United States at the time this position is scheduled to begin and continue working legally for the proposed term of employment.

Posting Detail Information

Salary Range

65,000 - 79,000

Open Date

Close Date

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement

It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit theirwebsite (https://auburn.edu/administration/eoc/) to learn more.

Open Until Filled

Yes

References required for this position?

Yes

If yes, minimum number requested

3