Assistant Professor, Visual Communication Design (Design Studies) - Tenure Track

This competition is open to all applicants; however, internal applicants will be given priority consideration based on minimum qualifications, or a combination of experience, skills, and abilities before external applicants are considered.

Location - This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

The Department of Art & Design, Design Studies unit invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track, Assistant Professor position specializing in Visual Communication Design, and demonstrated expertise (commensurate with their career stage) in UX/UI design, design theory, and practice-based research methods. Experience or interest in service design, and community engagement design, is an asset. Ideal candidates would augment or complement these areas of expertise and bring collaborative, interdisciplinary approaches that contribute to the continued development of Design Studies. This position is to commence on July 1, 2027.

The Department of Art & Design offers degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Fine Arts, Design Studies (Industrial Design and Visual Communication Design), and the History of Art, Design, and Visual Culture, and encompasses the FAB Gallery and a University Centre of Research Excellence in Printmaking. For more information about the department, please consult the departmental website at https://www.ualberta.ca/art-design/.

Design Studies consists of Industrial Design and Visual Communication Design, and includes Canada’s first Canada Research Chair in Design. We are seeking a collegial, enthusiastic, and forward-thinking individual. The successful candidate will have an aptitude for teaching, working in team situations, and an interest in innovative modes of teaching (and interdisciplinary teaching), as well as the desire to foster creative, critical and innovative thinking in our students. They will share our values and objectives in areas of collaboration, sustainability, interdisciplinarity, technological engagement, diversity and inclusion, and practice-based research methods aimed at creating innovative work. Experience and interest in experiential learning opportunities (e.g. practicums, internships, community service learning) is highly desirable.

Candidates must be fluent in design discourse and studio practice and in balancing the conceptual, aesthetic and technical demands of the discipline, and are expected to participate in departmental activities. Applicants will have a record of scholarship and/or an established professional practice in their field, be able to establish/continue a successful research program, and integrate their research into teaching and learning opportunities for their students. Applicants must have the capacity to teach studio courses, lectures, and design seminars at both undergraduate and graduate levels, and to engage in the collective life of the University through service and administrative roles. A proven ability to collaborate effectively with professional communities is essential to this position.

Applicants should show a willingness to incorporate or reflect Indigenous perspectives or ways of teaching and learning into their curriculum where appropriate. An awareness and willingness to engage in other forms of inclusion (e.g. in training or inclusive pedagogy) is also desired.

The ideal candidate will have:

• a terminal degree in the field (Master’s degree in Design or a related/relevant academic discipline);
• an established practice and evidence of meaningful work within their areas of design and research;
• a minimum of four years of professional experience;
• experience in post-secondary teaching or demonstrated ability to teach a variety of courses (studio courses, lectures, seminars) at the undergraduate and graduate levels;
• an active research program and engagement with scholarship in the field.

Application Instructions

Click “Apply Now” and submit the following documents:

• Cover Letter (Include the names of three referees, letters of reference will only be requested for selected candidates. Referees should be prepared to send their letters by early December.)
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Teaching Dossier (Includes evidence of, or potential for teaching effectiveness. This can include a brief description of your approach to teaching or brief descriptions of a few courses you have taught or would be interested in teaching. Full syllabi are not required.)
• Portfolio (e.g., artifacts, projects, articles, etc.) in electronic format, of recent pieces of work (practice and research)
• Proposed Program of Research

All applications and letters of reference can be addressed to the attention of Sean Caulfield Chair, Department of Art Design. Specific questions about the position can be addressed to [email protected].

Review of applications will start on November 15, 2026.

The successful candidate will be offered a tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor, including a comprehensive benefits package.

The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule A of the collective agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.

The Faculty of Arts is a diverse and inclusive academic community spanning the humanities, social sciences, and fine arts. Through innovative research, teaching, creative expression, and strong community partnerships, the Faculty of Arts advances knowledge and drives positive societal change. It provides students with the tools to think critically, engage meaningfully, and contribute to a more just and thoughtful world.

The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs and research stations are primarily located on the territory of Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux), lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. If suitable Canadian citizens or permanent residents cannot be found, other individuals will be considered.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms - physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.