Temporary Assistant Professor in Product Design

Job Summary

The Department of Product Design at the University of Kentucky is currently accepting applications for a Temporary Assistant Professor (non-tenure-eligible) for the 2026-2027 academic year. We are seeking individuals who are passionate about design education and the critical role educators play in equipping students for careers across the spectrum of product design practice. This position is open to a wide range of backgrounds and experiences in the product design field and, while preferred, teaching experience in higher education is not required. This position is a full-time 9-month appointment with an anticipated start date of August 1, 2026, and an appointment period of one year to end May 15, 2027.

Required Education

A professional or terminal degree in product design or related field (BS, BID, BA, MS, MDes, etc.). Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of students, faculty, staff, and other members of the educational environment. Strong understanding and application of design process within or across a range of industries.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

• To meet the program’s vision of breadth and depth in design education, we welcome candidates with experience in any of the following areas: Product/Industrial Design, Medical Device and System Design, Digital Product/Interaction Design, Design Research, Visual Communication, Computer Aided Design, Ergonomics and Human Factors Design, Design Foundations, Design Discourse, Fabrication/Manufacturing, Traditional and/or Emerging Materials and Processes, Entrepreneurship, Machine Learning/Artificial Intelligence, Augmented/Virtual/Mixed Reality, Soft Goods and/or Textiles Design, Experimental Design Practice.

Preferred Education/Experience

Teaching experience in higher education.