Assistant/Associate Professor (Lecturer), Physical Product Design
Not Disclosed•Full-TimeOn-site
location_on418, Winchester Street, Murray, Salt Lake County, Utah, 84107, United States
About the Division of Multi-Disciplinary Design (MDD)
Housed within the College of Architecture + Planning, the Division of Multi-Disciplinary Design (MDD) promotes design education across disciplines through an innovative curriculum and broad research activities. We are a community of academics, professionals, and students engaging in design to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world.
Our curriculum spans digital, physical, and exploratory design areas, integrating artistic, technical, and theoretical frameworks. This approach fosters critical analysis, inventive thinking, and cross-disciplinary collaboration by leveraging expertise from architecture, fine arts, communication, business, engineering, and computer science. Key educational imperatives include promoting inquiry-driven learning, advancing visual literacy, fostering methodological experimentation, and cultivating collaborative capabilities.
Scholarship and creative activity within MDD reflect a practice-driven approach, integrating design research, technology, material studies, and community engagement. Our faculty produce diverse scholarly outputs, including peer-reviewed journal articles, patents, design exhibitions, book chapters, funded research projects, interactive media, and public installations. This work ensures research remains both theoretically rigorous and practically applied.
About the Role
We are seeking a full-time assistant or associate professor specializing in physical product design. This is a 9-month faculty position with an expected start date of July 2026. The role focuses on the design and development of tangible products, from initial concept to production.
The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of human-centered design principles, materials, and manufacturing processes. You will guide students in creating innovative and meaningful physical products while contributing to our integrative curriculum. While teaching is the primary responsibility, opportunities for service will be available depending on your strengths and departmental needs.
Hiring Process
Qualified applicants must submit a curriculum vitae, a letter of application including statements of pedagogical and research/creative objectives, a website link with a portfolio, and a list of three references. A design portfolio (max 20 pages, 20 MB PDF) showcasing examples of design, teaching, or scholarly work is also required.
The search committee will begin reviewing applications on January 31, 2026. Applications will remain open until the position is filled. Please address questions to Associate Professor Jim Agutter, Search Committee Chair, at agutterja@arch.utah.edu.
About the University of Utah
The University of Utah is the state's flagship institution of higher education, located in Salt Lake City, one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing metropolises in the U.S. In 2019, the University joined the Association of American Universities, a prestigious group of 65 leading research institutions. The campus offers world-class research, education, and clinical care complemented by a lively social, cultural, and athletic experience.
Salt Lake City is uniquely situated to offer both unmatched outdoor and exciting urban experiences, with mountain vistas and vast red-rock desert landscapes within reach. The University fosters an unparalleled spirit of entrepreneurship, collaboration, and community service, striving to be a model public university delivering unmatched value in higher education and health care.
Equal Opportunity
The University of Utah is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We are committed to diversity and inclusion, welcoming students and faculty from diverse backgrounds, including traditional and nontraditional students, to enhance the educational experience.
Work location
Work model: On-site
418, Winchester Street, Murray, Salt Lake County, Utah, 84107, United States
Murray, Utah
Key Responsibilities
- check_circleTeach courses focused on physical product design and development
- check_circleGuide students in creating innovative tangible products from concept to production
- check_circleIntegrate human-centered design principles, materials, and manufacturing processes into curriculum
- check_circleConduct design research and produce scholarly outputs including publications and exhibitions
- check_circleCollaborate with industry partners and community stakeholders on authentic design challenges
- check_circleLead multi-disciplinary project teams and teach design management strategies
- check_circleParticipate in departmental service and curriculum development activities
Requirements
- verifiedTerminal degree or equivalent in Industrial Design, Product Design, or related field
- verifiedProficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Rhino)
- verifiedDemonstrated record of design experience with portfolio
- verifiedExperience in design management and strategy
- verifiedKnowledge of design thinking and user-centered design principles
- verifiedUnderstanding of manufacturing processes and materials selection
- verifiedFor associate professor rank: record of teaching product design to university students
Nice to Have
Ability to span across disciplinary boundaries to see the relationship between making, theory, history, sustainability, and the non-human world. Ability to explore and integrate innovative technologies and alternative ways of making and crafting, including familiarity with rapid prototyping techniques and tools using digital fabrication. An advanced degree (doctorate). Evidence of recognition of teaching and design achievements (e.g., awards). Familiarity with relevant industry standards and regulations, such as ISO, ASTM, or UL. Demonstrated record of research/creative activities in peer-reviewed exhibits, showcases, publications, etc. Experience with curriculum design, assessment, and review.
Similar Job Opportunities
Skills, education and keywords
Skills: Solidworks, Rhino, Cad Software, Design Thinking, User-Centered Design, Rapid Prototyping, Digital Fabrication, Iso, Astm, Ul.
Education: Terminal degree (PhD) required, or equivalent experience; Advanced degree (doctorate) preferred.
Frequently asked questions about Assistant/Associate Professor (Lecturer), Physical Product Design at University of Utah - Employment
What does a Assistant/Associate Professor (Lecturer), Physical Product Design at University of Utah - Employment do?expand_more
In this Assistant/Associate Professor (Lecturer), Physical Product Design at University of Utah - Employment role, you will teach courses focused on physical product design and development; guide students in creating innovative tangible products from concept to production; integrate human-centered design principles, materials, and manufacturing processes into curriculum; and conduct design research and produce scholarly outputs including publications and exhibitions.
What are the requirements for this Assistant/Associate Professor (Lecturer), Physical Product Design role?expand_more
To qualify for the Assistant/Associate Professor (Lecturer), Physical Product Design at University of Utah - Employment position, applicants should have: Terminal degree or equivalent in Industrial Design, Product Design, or related field; Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Rhino); Demonstrated record of design experience with portfolio; Experience in design management and strategy; Knowledge of design thinking and user-centered design principles; and Understanding of manufacturing processes and materials selection.
Where is the Assistant/Associate Professor (Lecturer), Physical Product Design role at University of Utah - Employment located?expand_more
Assistant/Associate Professor (Lecturer), Physical Product Design at University of Utah - Employment is based in 418, Winchester Street, Murray, Salt Lake County, Utah, 84107, United States. This is a on-site role.
Is this Assistant/Associate Professor (Lecturer), Physical Product Design job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more
University of Utah - Employment has listed this Assistant/Associate Professor (Lecturer), Physical Product Design role as on-site.
How much experience is required for this Assistant/Associate Professor (Lecturer), Physical Product Design role?expand_more
Candidates for Assistant/Associate Professor (Lecturer), Physical Product Design at University of Utah - Employment should have mid level.
What skills do you need for the Assistant/Associate Professor (Lecturer), Physical Product Design role at University of Utah - Employment?expand_more
Key skills for Assistant/Associate Professor (Lecturer), Physical Product Design at University of Utah - Employment include Solidworks; Rhino; Cad Software; Design Thinking; User-Centered Design; Rapid Prototyping; Digital Fabrication; and Iso.
What education is required for Assistant/Associate Professor (Lecturer), Physical Product Design at University of Utah - Employment?expand_more
Educational requirements for this role: Terminal degree (PhD) required, or equivalent experience; and Advanced degree (doctorate) preferred.
What category does the Assistant/Associate Professor (Lecturer), Physical Product Design role belong to?expand_more
Assistant/Associate Professor (Lecturer), Physical Product Design at University of Utah - Employment is part of the teaching job category on Recrutus.
About University of Utah - Employment
The University of Utah, located in Salt Lake City, Utah, is a major research institution and the state’s oldest and largest university. It provides more than 100 undergraduate and 90 graduate degree programs to over 28,000 students, supporting academic and professional growth across diverse fields. As a key player in Higher Education, the university serves Utah’s educational and economic landscape, employing thousands across its campus and research initiatives. Nationally recognized for its research contributions, the University of Utah has hosted significant events, including the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, where it managed the Olympic Village and supported opening and closing ceremonies. Committed to innovation and community impact, the institution balances academic excellence with regional engagement, reflecting its role as a cornerstone of public education in the Rocky Mountain West.
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