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Innovation Design Professor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The University of Louisville invites applications for a tenure-track Professor of Product Design ... social innovation, or related areas of contemporary product design practice. The successful ...

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Innovation Design Professor information

What is an innovation design professor?

Innovation Design Professors are academic professionals who specialize in teaching and researching creative problem-solving, design thinking, and the development of innovative solutions across various fields. They often lead courses that blend theory with hands-on projects, encouraging students to address real-world challenges using interdisciplinary approaches. These professors may also collaborate with industries, conduct workshops, and contribute to advancing methods in innovation and design. Their goal is to equip students with the skills needed to drive change and generate novel ideas in both academic and professional environments.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an innovation design professor?

To thrive as an Innovation Design Professor, you need advanced knowledge of design thinking, creative problem-solving, and innovation methodologies, typically supported by a relevant graduate degree and academic experience. Familiarity with digital prototyping tools, collaborative platforms, and research management systems is often expected. Strong communication, mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaboration skills help in inspiring students and fostering a studio-based learning environment. These skills are essential for guiding future innovators and ensuring effective teaching, research, and industry engagement.

What are common challenges faced by innovation design professors in fostering student creativity?

Innovation Design Professors often encounter challenges in encouraging students to take creative risks and move beyond conventional thinking. Balancing the need for structured learning with open-ended, experimental projects can be demanding, especially when students are hesitant to embrace ambiguity. Additionally, working with interdisciplinary teams requires professors to facilitate effective collaboration among students with diverse backgrounds and skill sets. Creating a safe environment for idea-sharing and constructive feedback is key to overcoming these obstacles and inspiring genuine innovation.

What are popular job titles related to Innovation Design Professor jobs?

For Innovation Design Professor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Innovation Design Professor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Associate Professor/Associate Teaching Professor - Design

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

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Associate Professor/Associate Teaching Professor โ€“ Design

Associate Professor/Associate Teaching Professor โ€“ Design

Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech)

Tenure/Non-Tenure-Track Faculty

Academic Unit: Design Futures

School: School of Design and Society

Work Location: 3137 South Federal Street, Chicago, IL 60616

Start Date: Immediate

Salary: $120,000โ€“$150,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications

Design Futures Design Futures unites Illinois Techโ€™s strengths in architecture and design. Through human-centered design, systems thinking, and architectural innovation, students are prepared to shape resilient, equitable, and futureโ€‘ready environments, organizations, and communities.

Learn more about the School of Design and Society at https://www.iit.edu/school-design .

Position Summary

Illinois Institute of Technologyโ€™s School of Design and Society invites applications for a fullโ€‘time, tenureโ€‘track or nonโ€‘tenureโ€‘track teaching faculty appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Associate Teaching Professor of Design. Rank and appointment will be based on the selected candidateโ€™s education, teaching experience, professional experience, and accomplishments.

The successful candidate will teach a broad range of undergraduate design courses, studios, and projectโ€‘based learning experiences; contribute to curriculum development; and support interdisciplinary design education across Illinois Tech.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Develop and teach undergraduate design courses, studios, and projectโ€‘based learning experiences.
  • Teach courses that support the current Design curriculum as well as broader university core and interdisciplinary curricular needs.
  • Contribute to the continued development and implementation of the undergraduate design curriculum, including Design+ programs and courses.
  • Support interdisciplinary projectโ€‘based education through human-centered design, systems thinking, and related design methodologies.
  • Contribute expertise relevant to the design context of the Interprofessional Projects Program (IPRO), including the development and standardization of methodologies supporting the continued evolution of the IPRO curriculum.
  • Develop instructional materials, online modules, and courses as appropriate.
  • Mentor and advise students in academic, projectโ€‘based, and professional development activities.
  • Collaborate with faculty and academic leaders on curriculum development, program initiatives, and interdisciplinary educational opportunities.
  • Contribute to the continued development of externally engaged design initiatives, including Action Labs and related programs.
  • Participate in appropriate school and university service activities.
Required Education
  • Masterโ€™s degree in design or a related field, or an equivalent combination of advanced education and significant professional design experience.
Required Qualifications
  • Demonstrated expertise in design education, professional design practice, or a closely related field.-
  • Ability to teach a broad range of undergraduate design courses and projectโ€‘based learning experiences.
  • Experience or demonstrated ability to teach in interdisciplinary and collaborative educational environments.
  • Knowledge of humanโ€‘centered design, systems thinking, projectโ€‘based learning, or related design methodologies.
  • Demonstrated ability to contribute to curriculum and instructional development.
  • Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Previous college or university teaching experience.
  • Significant professional experience in design or a related field.
  • Experience developing undergraduate curricula, courses, studios, or instructional programs.
  • Experience with interdisciplinary or projectโ€‘based education.
  • Expertise in humanโ€‘centered design, systems thinking, design research, innovation, emerging technologies, or related contemporary design practices.
  • Demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching, mentoring, and student learning.
Application Materials Required
  • Cover letter describing interest in the position and relevant qualifications.
  • Current curriculum vitae or rรฉsumรฉ.
  • Contact information for at least three professional references.

Additional materials demonstrating teaching, design, scholarly, or professional work may be requested during the selection process.

Work Location and On-Campus Expectations

This position is based at the School of Design and Society, 3137 South Federal Street, Chicago, Illinois 60616. This is an onโ€‘campus faculty position, and the selected candidate will be expected to perform their primary teaching, service, and other assigned responsibilities on campus.

Visa Sponsorship

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employmentโ€‘based visa sponsorship from Illinois Institute of Technology.

Benefits

Illinois Institute of Technology provides a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, which may include medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement benefits; paid time off and holidays; tuition benefits; life and disability insurance; and other universityโ€‘sponsored benefit programs. Eligibility and specific benefits are subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and university policies.

Additional information regarding Illinois Tech employee benefits is available at https://www.iit.edu/hr/benefits.

Equal Opportunity

Illinois Institute of Technology is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, nationalโ€‘origin, age, disability, protectedโ€‘veโ€ฆ

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