Assistant or Associate Professor – Product / Industrial Design

 

STATUS: Full Time
DIVISION: Undergraduate Studies
REPORTS TO:Chair of Product Design
SUPERVISES: N/A
FLSA STATUS: Exempt

 

POSITION DESCRIPTION

We are seeking a dedicated and passionate educator to join our esteemed Product/Industrial Design department at CCS. The ideal candidate should possess a strong background in design, with a proven track record of teaching, a deep passion for design innovation, exceptional technical skills, and a commitment to fostering the next generation of creative thinkers. As a member of our tight-knit team, the educator will play a pivotal role in shaping the educational experience of our students and contributing to the ongoing growth of our program.


POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Teaching: Conduct engaging and insightful lectures, workshops, and seminars in various aspects of industrial design. Create a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that encourages critical thinking, problem- solving and creative exploration. Integrate diversity, equity, and inclusive content into the classroom to ensure students understand the importance of design that respects the needs and perspectives of all individuals, regardless of background, abilities, or culture.
  • Curriculum Development: Collaborate with colleagues to develop and refine the curriculum, incorporating the latest industry trends, technologies, and methodologies. Continuously update course content to ensure its relevance and alignment with industry standards.
  • Technical Expertise: Possess a comprehensive understanding of design principles and an extensive skill set in areas such as sketching, rendering, digital modeling (using software such as Solidworks, Rhino, Blender etc.), and digital rendering (using Keyshot). Demonstrate proficiency in AI design workflows and applications.
  • Mentorship: Provide guidance and mentorship to students, nurturing their individual talents and helping them develop a strong foundation in design techniques and methodologies. Encourage experimentation and risk-taking in design projects. Provide professional career support with mentoring on soft skills and portfolio preparation.
  • Team Collaboration: Collaborate closely with fellow faculty members to contribute to a collaborative and innovative departmental environment. Participate in team meetings, contribute to program development, and engage in interdisciplinary projects.
  • Prototyping: Exhibit proficiency in prototyping techniques and hands-on fabrication skills. Support students in turning their conceptual designs into tangible prototypes.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

  • A Master Degree (MFA) or tested equivalent experience in the Industrial Design field (minimum of 5 years of experience in industry.)
  • A minimum of 2-3 years of teaching experience in higher education, preferably in the field of industrial design.
  • A deep passion for design innovation, education, and a commitment to nurturing students’ creative growth.
  • Strong proficiency in design software such as Solidworks, Rhino, Blender, Keyshot and the Adobe Creative Suite.
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to convey complex design concepts effectively.
  • A broad depth of knowledge in design theory, methodologies, and technical skills.
  • Demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
  • A collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively within a team.
  • Patience, empathy, and a genuine interest in guiding students through their educational journey.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This job operates in a professional office and college campus environment.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.


PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to maintain a stationary position, use a computer and other office equipment, and communicate effectively in person, by phone, and virtually.  Frequent interaction with others, including staff, faculty, students and third parties is required.  The employee may occasionally be required to move files or other objects weighing up to 25 pounds, including from low and high places.  The ability to move around within the office and between buildings on campus, attend off-site meetings and events, and travel between Ford Campus site to Taubman Center site are required.  CCS will make reasonable accommodations that will allow individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.


ABOUT CCS

College for Creative Studies is a nonprofit institution; it is one of the leading art and design colleges in the world. CCS is ranked by LinkedIn as a top three design school in the US and the best in the Midwest, based on alumni success. CCS has state-of-the-art facilities to support the complete range of creative production, from traditional art forms such as painting, glassblowing, foundry, and printmaking, to the most contemporary systems, including the latest digital imaging technology and extensive rapid prototyping output tools. The College currently enrolls more than 1,400 undergraduate and graduate students. It offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 13 majors:  Advertising Design, Art Education, Art Practice, Communication Design, Craft and Material Studies, Entertainment Arts, Fashion Accessories Design, Illustration, Interior Design, Photography, Product Design, and Transportation Design. It also offers a Master’s degrees in four majors: Color and Materials Design, Interaction Design, Systems Design Thinking, and Transportation Design.

 

To Apply 

Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. The search will close when a suitable candidate is hired. Interested candidates should submit the following in PDF format:

Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. The search will close when a suitable candidate is hired.

Application materials should include:

  1.   A letter of application addressing the qualifications and experience listed above, with particular emphasis on teaching college-level Composition.
  2.   A current curriculum vitae
  3. The names and contact information including email addresses for three professional references who can be contacted during this search and can speak specifically to teaching ability.
  4. Unofficial transcripts
  5.   A brief statement of teaching philosophy

Application materials should be sent to: [email protected]

Official transcripts will be required at a later stage.
 CCS website: http://www.ccsdetroit.edu/

The College for Creative Studies, a leading college of art and design, represents a community composed of individuals with many perspectives, personal experiences, values, identities and worldviews and we value the diversity this brings to our organization.  CCS is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to age, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.

The College for Creative Studies subscribes to the principle of equal opportunity in its employment, admissions and educational practices and strives to provide an environment and workplace free from unlawful harassment or discrimination. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are part of our Core Institutional Values and we encourage applications from all individuals.