Assistant/Associate Professor (Lecturer), Physical Product Design

The Division of Multi-Disciplinary Design (MDD) in the College of Architecture + Planning seeks a full-time assistant or associate professor specializing in physical product design. This 9-month faculty position begins July 2026.

About the Division

MDD promotes design education across disciplines through an innovative curriculum and broad research activities. With three areas of focus—digital, physical, and exploratory design—MDD is a community of academics, professionals, and students engaging in design to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world.

A consistent thread of innovative design education runs throughout MDD. The program encompasses physical and digital artifacts at various scales, as well as service and systems design. The curriculum is strategically designed around:

• Studio Practice
• Technical Competency
• Historical and Theoretical Foundations
• Applied Practice

The program integrates artistic, technical, and theoretical frameworks to foster critical analysis, inventive thinking, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. It leverages expertise from architecture, fine arts, communication, business, engineering, and computer science. Key educational imperatives include:

• Promoting inquiry-driven learning
• Advancing visual literacy
• Fostering methodological experimentation
• Cultivating collaborative capabilities

This multidisciplinary approach, along with collaborations with community stakeholders and industry partners, enables students to engage with authentic design challenges, enhancing both professional preparedness and societal impact.

About the Role

This position focuses on physical product design. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in designing and developing tangible products from concept to production, with deep understanding of human-centered design principles, materials, and manufacturing processes. The role primarily involves teaching, with opportunities for service based on the candidate’s strengths and departmental needs.

Scholarship and creative activity within MDD reflect the program’s broad, practice-driven approach, integrating design research, technology, material studies, and community engagement. Faculty produce diverse scholarly outputs, including:

• Peer-reviewed journal articles
• Patents
• Design exhibitions
• Book chapters
• Funded research projects
• Interactive media
• Public installations

Responsibilities

• Teach courses in physical product design, guiding students in creating innovative and meaningful products
• Mentor students in human-centered design principles, materials, and manufacturing processes
• Engage in scholarship and creative activities aligned with the division’s practice-driven approach
• Contribute to curriculum development, assessment, and review
• Participate in service activities based on departmental needs and candidate strengths

Requirements

• A terminal degree or its equivalent in Industrial Design, Product Design, or a related field
• Excellent communication skills facilitating discussions beyond disciplinary boundaries
• Proficiency in design tools and processes, including CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Rhino) and physical modeling/visualization
• Demonstrated record of design experience, with a portfolio showcasing creativity, problem-solving, and attention to detail
• Experience in design management and strategy, including leadership of multidisciplinary project teams
• Knowledge of design thinking methodologies and user-centered design principles
• Understanding of manufacturing processes and materials selection for product development

For appointment at the associate professor (lecturer) rank:

• Demonstrated record of teaching product design and innovation courses at the university level

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to span disciplinary boundaries, integrating making, theory, history, sustainability, and the non-human world
• Experience with innovative technologies and alternative making/crafting methods, including rapid prototyping and digital fabrication
• Advanced degree (doctorate)
• Evidence of teaching and design achievements (e.g., awards)
• Familiarity with industry standards and regulations (e.g., ISO, ASTM, UL)
• Demonstrated record of research/creative activities in peer-reviewed exhibits, publications, or showcases
• Experience with curriculum design, assessment, and review

About the University

The University of Utah (the U) is the state’s flagship institution of higher education, with 18 schools and colleges, over 100 undergraduate and 90 graduate degree programs, and an enrollment of more than 32,000 students. In 2019, the University joined the Association of American Universities, a prestigious group of 65 leading research institutions.

The U is located in Salt Lake City, a dynamic and fast-growing metropolis offering unmatched outdoor and urban experiences. The Utah Asia Campus, established in 2014 in Songdo International Business District, South Korea, provides the same world-class academic experience as the Salt Lake City campus.

The University is known for world-class research, education, and clinical care, complemented by a lively social, cultural, and athletic campus experience. It fosters innovation across fields, pioneering programs with social impact and generating path-breaking discoveries. The U strives to deliver unmatched value in higher education and healthcare while making significant social, economic, and cultural contributions.

Review of applications begins January 31, 2026. The position remains open until filled. Questions may be directed to Associate Professor Jim Agutter, Search Committee Chair, at agutterja@arch.utah.edu.