Assistant Apparel Design Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Footwear Innovation Lab Instructor
Job no: 536789
Work type: Faculty - Career
Location: Portland, OR
Categories: Architecture/Art/Design, Business Administration/Management, Instruction
Department: Lundquist College of Business
Rank: Assistant Teaching Professor
Annual Basis: 9 Month
Review of Applications Begins
July 20, 2026; position open until filled
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applications that do not demonstrate the required minimum qualifications will not be considered.
To apply, please submit:
• A current resume/CV that clearly shows how you meet the minimum qualifications. You may also include preferred qualifications, competencies, relevant work history (with dates), and education.
• A portfolio of your footwear design and development work.
• Three (3) professional references with contact information. References will not be contacted without prior notice.
The CBSO is committed to finding the best candidate for the job, and that might be someone with a nontraditional background. Even if you don't think you meet every preferred qualification, we encourage you to apply.
Salary offers are based on qualifications, experience, and the University's equitable pay practices in accordance with the Oregon Equal Pay Act.
For questions or a full position description, please email CBSOHR@uoregon.edu
Department Summary
Since 1914 the Charles H. Lundquist College of Business has taught its students the critical skills they need to think for themselves, to be leaders in a dynamic world, and to make better decisions on behalf of the people and resources they manage. We are a top business school with a unique mission and vision that draws strength from our links to the Pacific Rim and the distinctive qualities of Oregon culture: innovation, sustainability, active lifestyles, financial stewardship, and respect for individuality and diversity within an increasingly global community.
The Lundquist College of Business is fully accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the highest accreditation standard for business schools internationally. The college's undergraduate program was first accredited in 1923, and its accounting program was accredited in 1989. Only 746 (6 percent) of the world's 12,600 business schools are AACSB accredited. What's more, because our accounting program is accredited as well as our business school, we belong to a tiny elite of 178 programs-just 1.4 percent of the world's business schools-that have attained this distinction.
The Sports Product Management program (SPM) is a 18-month program that exists as part of a collaboration with the Oregon Executive MBA program in Portland. Together, the two programs are known as the Lundquist Portland Programs.
Within SPM, industry's top talent educate future leaders through experiential education grounded in innovation, sustainability, and global business perspective. Educators in SPM bring a combination of education and extensive industry experience to the program, with many holding a Master's degree or PhD. Our instructors have extensive professional experience working in leadership roles within various functional areas of large and small sports product companies. SPM matches the hands-on expertise of our instructors with PhD professors who are subject-matter experts and internationally recognized for their research in sports apparel, footwear and equipment. All faculty and staff in our program have a sincere interest in mentoring and advising students on their future careers.
Position Summary
The Lundquist College of Business is accredited by AACSB International, the highest standard for business schools globally. The Sports Product Management (SPM) Program delivers an 18-month Master of Science degree in Portland, Oregon, combining industry expertise with experiential learning grounded in innovation, sustainability, and global business.
The Footwear Innovation Lab Instructor plays a critical role in delivering this experience by guiding students through the full footwear product creation lifecycle-from concept to sales sample-while integrating traditional craftsmanship with advanced digital tools.
This position reports to the Innovation Lab Manager and works collaboratively with the Apparel Instructor, Lab Manager, and broader SPM team to deliver a best-in-class, industry-relevant learning environment.
This is a 1.0 FTE, 9-month instructor position, with potential for summer appointments. Renewal is performance-based.
Role Purpose
The Footwear Innovation Lab Instructor is responsible for:
• Delivering hands-on instruction in footwear design, development, and construction
• Leading student teams through the end-to-end product development process
• Supporting and maintaining a safe, innovative, and fully operational lab environment
• Integrating digital tools (CAD, Adobe Suite, AI) into modern product creation workflows
Core Educational Focus
The instructor ensures students develop proficiency in:
• Foot Anatomy & Last Development
Understanding foot anatomy and its relationship to footwear lasts; last taping and pattern translation
• Material Science
Selection and application of leathers, synthetics, meshes, TPU, foams, rubbers, and other materials
• Design & Product Development
Footwear design principles, technical patterning, and manufacturability
• Digital Innovation
Application of Adobe Suite, CAD software, and AI tools in design, prototyping, and pattern engineering
• Construction & Assembly
Footwear construction techniques, bonding, sewing, and finishing processes
Minimum Requirements
• A Bachelor's degree in Footwear Design, Industrial Design, or related field, and 7 years of relevant experience OR a Master's degree in Footwear Design, Industrial Design, or related field, and 5 years of relevant experience.
Professional Competencies
• Strong collaboration and teamwork across faculty, staff, and students
• Ability to translate industry practice into effective teaching
• High level of technical proficiency in footwear creation and lab equipment
• Commitment to safety and operational excellence
• Excellent communication (written, verbal, presentation)
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills in a dynamic environment
• Professionalism and customer-service orientation when engaging students, partners, and visitors
• Ability to model ethical behavior and support the mission of the university
Preferred Qualifications
• PhD in a relevant field (Business or Design preferred)
• Experience teaching in higher education or professional training environments
• Knowledge of the global sports product industry
• Strong knowledge of:
o Footwear construction and manufacturing processes
o Materials (leathers, synthetics, meshes, foams, rubbers, etc.)
o Prototyping techniques and lab equipment
• Proficiency in digital tools (CAD software, Adobe Suite; familiarity with AI tools preferred)
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit our website.
The University of Oregon is an equal-opportunity institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please email us or call 541-346-5112.
UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, familial status, citizenship, service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state law), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed here.
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Advertised: July 6, 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: