Assistant or Associate Professor, Design Studies

Assistant or Associate Professor, Design Studies
Location: Madison, Wisconsin
Department: SCHOOL OF HUMAN ECOLOGY/GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
Category: Faculty
Employment Type: Faculty-Full Time
Employment Type: Onsite

Job Number: FA

Job Summary:
The Design Studies department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is seeking a highly qualified and motivated individual for a tenure-track/tenured faculty position specializing in Environmental Design Research, Health and Wellbeing, and Technology. The successful candidate will join a dynamic team of faculty members dedicated to advancing knowledge and innovation in the field of environmental design. The position offers excellent opportunities for research, teaching, and collaboration in a vibrant academic environment of the UW-Madison.

Research: Conduct innovative and impactful research in the field of environmental design and its impact on health and well-being across the human lifespan, with a particular focus on the integration of Human-Centered Design and Design Technology along with its implications for design and design policy as outlined below. Secure external research funding, develop research proposals, and lead research projects. Disseminate research findings through publications in top-tier peer-reviewed journals and presentations at national and international conferences.

Human-Centered Design: The ability to address human health and well-being within the sphere of design, with a particular focus on a diverse array of experiences across various life stages and special populations (e.g., disability). The exploration of human-centered design encompasses improvements at the individual level for health and well-being, extending to the strategic realm of design policy. This encompasses aspects such as inclusive design policies, sustainable design regulations, nurturing innovation through design, ethical deliberations, advancing social equity via design, and assessing the outcomes of design policy initiatives.

Design Technology: Demonstrate proficiency in incorporating advanced technologies, such as Virtual Reality, Wearable Technology, Internet of Things (IoT), smart home systems, Geographic Information System (GIS), Data-Driven Design Decisions, and Artificial Intelligence (AI)? into the design and research processes for the investigation of human health and well-being in built environments. This entails both exploring and seamlessly integrating state-of-the-art technologies within research and educational pursuits to elevate comprehension and practical application within the design domain. Nurture collaborations with technology-focused departments and industry associates to catalyze cross-disciplinary research endeavors and drive innovative solutions.

The role involves fostering interdisciplinary collaboration with colleagues from various departments and disciplines to promote research and initiatives. It also includes teaching six credits per semester, both undergraduate and graduate courses in various design-related areas, with a focus on nurturing critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students. Additionally, the position encompasses departmental, college, university, and professional service responsibilities, such as curriculum development, advising, faculty involvement, and participation in dissertation committees.

Responsibilities:
The School of Human Ecology invites applications for a full time, 9-month faculty position at the rank of Assistant (tenure-track) or Associate (tenured) professor to join the faculty of the Design Studies Department. Responsibilities includes:

Research Responsibilities:
- Conduct pioneering and influential research and creative scholarship in the field of environmental design, with a particular emphasis on its impact on health and well-being throughout the human lifespan, while also emphasizing the integration of technology and alignment with design policies.
- Attain external research funding by formulating research proposals and effectively leading research initiatives.
- Share research findings through publications in distinguished peer-reviewed journals and presentations at both national and international conferences.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
- Foster interdisciplinary collaboration with colleagues spanning diverse departments and fields.
- Participate in collaborative research projects, joint grant applications, and interdisciplinary teaching undertakings.
- Contribute to the establishment and implementation of interdisciplinary programs and initiatives.

Teaching Duties:
- Instruct undergraduate and graduate courses encompassing environmental design, health and well-being, design technology, and design policy and innovation.
- Develop and execute captivating lectures, seminars, and design studios fostering critical thinking, analytical prowess, and inventive problem-solving.
- Mentor, guide, and advise undergraduate and graduate students, supervise research endeavors, and contribute to curriculum refinement.

Service Contributions:
- Engage in departmental service activities, encompassing curriculum development, award evaluation, advisory roles, faculty meetings, and participation in dissertation committees.
- Additionally, exhibit dedication to service within the college, university, and the professional realm.

Institutional Statement on Diversity:
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion

Education:
Required
PhD
A PhD in the broader field of Design is required by the start date.

Qualifications:
Years of experience and professional accomplishments will be commensurate with the rank sought. All candidates must have proven success in conducting research and teaching appropriate for their stage of career. Associate professor candidates must possess experience and scholarly credentials that meet the tenure standards of the UW-Madison Divisional Committee and of the School of Human Ecology.

Minimum Qualifications
- Assistant professor candidates must have (1) a PhD degree at time of application, or official notification of completion of the degree by August 19, 2024, and (2) at least 2 semesters of teaching experience in higher education, which could include instructing as a Teaching Assistant or Lecturer Student Assistant.
- Associate professor candidates must possess experience and scholarly credentials that meet the tenure and professorial rank standards of the UW-Madison Divisional Committee and of the School of Human Ecology. Current assistant professor candidates who are eligible for tenured appointment are encouraged to apply for consideration for tenured position.
- The ability to lead a research program that attracts external funding individually and/or through active collaboration, that actively attracts and engages graduate students, and that produces high-impact scholarship.
- The ability to teach Interior Architecture and other Design related studio, seminar, and lecture courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels including, but not limited to, current knowledge on design communication technology and willingness to stay up to date.
- Demonstrated experience at creating process-driven, research-based, human-centered design solutions for a range of design challenges at a level appropriate for grad/undergrad studio teaching.
- The ability to work effectively within a diverse community, and a commitment to creating an inclusive work environment.

Work Type:
Full Time: 100%

It is anticipated this position requires work be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location.

Appointment Type, Duration:
Ongoing/Renewable

Anticipated Begin Date:
AUGUST 19, 2024

Salary:
Negotiable
ACADEMIC (9 months)