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Job Description
Product Design Faculty – Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University (KCAD) in Grand Rapids, Michigan is currently accepting applications for an Instructor/Assistant Professor of Product Design (Full-time, Term appointment, Non-tenure-track). KCAD prepares artists and designers to have impact through practice. Full-time Term (temporary) appointment faculty members at KCAD teach 3 courses per semester. As a KCAD term appointment faculty member, you will engage in three kinds of professional development: continuous improvement in teaching effectiveness, creative and/or scholarly contribution within your discipline, and a college service commitment that includes committee work and community engagement for the advancement of KCAD’s mission. You will actively support student success by advising students regarding their academic plan and progress as well as their co-curricular and post-graduation opportunities. This is a full-time, term (temporary), non-tenure-track faculty appointment with the possibility of renewal. Courses are to be taught in person on KCAD’s campus in Grand Rapids.
The Product Design program blends faculty with diverse backgrounds in industrial design, product design, furniture design, metals/jewelry design, design research, design management, marketing and entrepreneurship. Product Design faculty focus on teaching students how to apply a human-centered design process, develop unique product solutions and apply their technical skills to craft a compelling visual story about their ideas.
Teaching assignments targeted for the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters may include subjects and skills like product design studio, digital modeling (CAD), design drawing (visual presentation), model making, design research, woodworking (shop skills), and portfolio development. Course assignment will be determined based on individual candidate strengths and program needs.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Participate in program and curriculum development and assessment
Prepare and distribute syllabi according to college standards
Teach an appropriate course load as assigned
Assess and evaluate student learning and provide formative feedback throughout the course
Keep regular posted office hours
Advise students for academic and professional development
Participate in service to the college and in shared governance
Participate in academic functions including commencement
Contribute to the college’s continuous improvement
Demonstrate an understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion, especially in working relationships with students, faculty, staff and community members.
Maintain effective communication with students and colleagues
Work collaboratively with faculty, students and staff throughout the college
Contribute to your discipline’s discourse(s)
Engage in scholarly, creative and professional development
Perform any other duties assigned within the position classification area
Required Education:
Master’s degree in a related field to content being taught
or:
Master’s degree in unrelated field and additional minimum of 18 graduate credits in a field related to the content being taught
or:
A bachelor’s degree in a related field to content being taught, a minimum of six years of experience working in the field of industry of the content area being taught, and a combination of:
• Evidence of recognized accomplishment in area being taught, including awards, bibliography of publication referencing design or art work or scholarship or;
• Evidence of scholarly/creative accomplishment in terms of completed design work, patents, exhibitions, presentations, publication, and juried recognition at the regional, national and international level or;
• Evidence of service to the field in terms of memberships on committees or boards of professional organizations and other contributions to the field
Required Work Experience:
Minimum of 6 years of relevant professional experience in corporate design studio, design consultancy, freelance consulting, or similar.
Experience applying a combination of the following design skills and practices within product design projects:
• Digital sketching and rendering (Ex. Tablet/Wacom sketching with Photoshop)
• Digital modeling, rendering, and animation
• Product form and visual theme development
• Color, material, and finish application
• User experience and human-centered design processes
• Design research methods
• Visual presentation and communication
• Materials and manufacturing processes
Required Skills and Abilities:
Proficiency with a combination of the following design skills and practices:
• Digital sketching and rendering (Ex. Tablet/Wacom sketching with Photoshop)
• Digital modeling, rendering, and animation
• Product form and visual theme development
• Color, material, and finish application
• User experience and human-centered design processes
• Design research methods
• Visual presentation and communication
• Materials and manufacturing processes
• Demonstrated commitment, experience and understanding for diversity, equity and inclusion.
Preferred Qualifications:
Some university or college-level teaching
For a complete position posting, or to apply, visit https://jobs.ferris.edu/en-us/job/495318/instructorassistant-professor-of-product-design-fulltime-term-appointment-nontenuretrack
Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University’s Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement.
