Assistant or Associate Professor of Instruction in Visual Design with a UX/UI Focus, Non-Tenure Track

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Assistant or Associate Professor of Instruction in Visual Design with a UX/UI Focus, Non-Tenure Track

Company: Temple University

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Job Type: Full-time, Regular

Category: Higher Education / Art & Design / UX/UI Instruction

Date Posted: May 12, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years professional experience

🚀 Role Summary

• Teach and develop curriculum for undergraduate Visual Design, UX/UI Design, and Illustration programs, with a focus on shaping the new BFA in User Experience and User Interface Design and Minor in UX/UI Design.

• Integrate strong visual design foundations with expertise in user experience (UX) research, prototyping, and interface (UI) design implementation.

• Foster student growth through mentorship and advising, ensuring a commitment to inclusive and accessible education within an urban university setting.

• Collaborate with faculty to enhance shared coursework in visual design, typography, motion design, and UX/UI, staying current with industry trends and emerging technologies.

• Contribute to departmental, college, and university service as part of a non-tenure track faculty appointment with potential for renewal.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for a non-tenure track faculty position, emphasizing instructional and curriculum development expertise over research. The focus on a new BFA and Minor in UX/UI Design indicates a significant opportunity to shape educational programs and establish best practices in this rapidly evolving field within higher education.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality instruction across undergraduate courses in Graphic and Interactive Design, User Experience and User Interface Design, and Illustration and Emerging Media.

• Lead the development and ongoing maintenance of curriculum for the new BFA in User Experience and User Interface Design and the UX/UI Design Minor, ensuring alignment with contemporary practices, product design principles, and accessibility standards.

• Collaborate with departmental faculty to strengthen foundational and specialized coursework, particularly in visual design, typography, motion design, and UX/UI design.

• Continuously research and integrate industry developments, emerging tools, and professional standards into course content and teaching methodologies to ensure students are prepared for the professional design landscape.

• Provide mentorship and academic advising to a diverse student body, supporting their academic and professional development.

• Actively participate in departmental, college-wide, and university service initiatives, contributing to the broader academic community.

• Uphold and promote Temple University's commitment to academic excellence, diversity, equity, and inclusion in all teaching and service activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on direct teaching and significant curriculum design, particularly for new programs. The emphasis on collaboration and staying current with industry trends suggests a need for an educator who is both a practitioner and a pedagogical innovator.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Required: Terminal degree (MFA or equivalent) in design or a related field, OR significant professional experience in UX/UI or product design.

Experience:

• Required: A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in UX/UI, interaction, or product design.

• Required: Demonstrated proficiency across the full UX process, including user research, concept development, prototyping, testing, and post-launch iteration.

• Required: Strong foundation in visual design principles, including typography, layout, motion, and visual hierarchy, with the ability to apply these across digital and traditional media.

• Required: Expertise in accessibility standards and inclusive design practices.

• Required: Experience using industry-standard tools such as Figma and Adobe Creative Suite for creating user-centered interfaces.

• Required: Ability to teach and develop courses bridging visual design with UX/UI and product design principles, as well as general design and motion design.

• Required: Demonstrated commitment to staying current with evolving industry practices, tools, and technologies.

• Required: Commitment to creating inclusive and accessible learning spaces for all students.

Required Skills:

• UX Design Principles and Methodologies

• UI Design and Interaction Design

• Visual Communication and Design Fundamentals

• Typography and Layout Expertise

• Motion Design Principles

• User Research and Usability Testing

• Prototyping and Wireframing

• Accessibility Standards (WCAG) and Inclusive Design Practices

• Proficiency in Figma

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects)

• Curriculum Development and Instructional Design

• Mentoring and Student Advising

• Collaboration and Teamwork

Preferred Skills:

• University-level teaching experience

• Experience with emerging digital design tools and technologies

• Project management in design contexts

• Cross-functional collaboration with development and product teams

• Experience in an urban university environment

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications blend practical industry experience with pedagogical requirements. The explicit mention of Figma and Adobe Creative Suite, along with a strong emphasis on the full UX process and accessibility, indicates the desired technical and theoretical depth. The requirement for a terminal degree or significant professional experience acknowledges the value of both academic and industry pathways.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Professional Work Portfolio: Submit 20 examples demonstrating expertise in UX/UI design, visual communication, typography, and motion design. This should showcase your understanding of the full UX process from research to implementation and your ability to create user-centered, visually engaging digital products.

• Student Work Portfolio (if applicable): Provide 20 examples of student work that you have supervised or guided, highlighting your effectiveness in teaching and mentoring students in visual design and UX/UI principles.

• Sample Course Syllabi: Include syllabi for courses you have taught or would propose to teach, demonstrating your ability to structure learning objectives, assignments, and assessments aligned with industry standards and program goals.

Process Documentation:

• Curriculum Development: Evidence of experience in developing or significantly revising course content or entire programs, particularly in the areas of UX/UI, interactive design, or visual design. This could include outlines, learning objectives, and assessment strategies.

• Teaching Philosophy Statement: A clear articulation of your pedagogical approach, emphasizing how you foster student learning, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving in design, with a specific focus on inclusive and accessible teaching practices.

• Contribution to Urban Environment Statement: A statement detailing how you have worked effectively or plan to work within an urban university setting, considering diverse student populations and community engagement opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are critical for this role, serving as the primary means to assess practical design skills, teaching capabilities, and curriculum development potential. Candidates should curate their professional work to highlight projects that demonstrate the full UX process and their visual design expertise. For student work, focus on projects that show student growth under your guidance.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As this is a faculty position at a public university, salary is typically determined by university-wide pay scales based on rank (Assistant/Associate Professor of Instruction), experience, and qualifications. While specific figures are not provided, faculty salaries at Temple University for similar positions generally range from approximately $70,000 to $90,000 annually.

• Research Methodology: This estimate is based on publicly available data for Assistant/Associate Professor of Instruction roles in design fields at large urban public research universities in the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Factors such as non-tenure track status and the specific departmental needs influence the final offer.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and eligible dependents.

• Retirement Plan: Participation in a university-sponsored retirement savings plan (e.g., TIAA, 403(b)) with potential employer contributions.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday schedule.

• Tuition Remission: Opportunities for employees and eligible dependents to pursue further education at Temple University.

• Professional Development Funds: Support for attending conferences, workshops, and acquiring new skills relevant to teaching and design practice.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Employer-provided life and long-term disability insurance.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time, regular faculty position, typically requiring a commitment of approximately 40 hours per week. This includes time spent teaching classes, preparing course materials, grading, holding office hours, curriculum development, committee work, and professional development. Exact hours may vary based on course load and departmental needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Faculty compensation at universities is often structured by pay grades and experience levels. The salary estimate provided is a general benchmark for similar roles in the region. The benefits package is typical for university employees, with a strong emphasis on health and retirement, along with educational benefits that are a significant draw for academic professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education (Art & Design)

Company Size: Large (over 10,000 employees)

Founded: 1884

Team Structure:

• Departmental Focus: The Design and Illustration Department is a core unit within the Tyler School of Art and Architecture, comprising faculty and staff dedicated to visual arts and design education.

• Reporting Structure: The Assistant/Associate Professor of Instruction will report to the Chair of the Design & Illustration Department and work collaboratively with other faculty members across various design disciplines.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Expect close collaboration with faculty from other departments within Tyler, as well as potential interactions with other Temple University schools and colleges, especially as the new UX/UI programs aim for interdisciplinary connections.

Methodology:

• Pedagogical Approach: The department emphasizes a blend of strong foundational visual design skills with contemporary digital practices, focusing on creative problem-solving, critical thinking, and student-centered learning.

• Curriculum Evolution: The department is undergoing a significant transformation, prioritizing entrepreneurship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and emerging technologies in design education.

• Industry Integration: A key methodological focus is bridging academic learning with real-world professional practices, ensuring students are prepared for the evolving design industry.

Company Website: https://www.temple.edu/

📝 Enhancement Note: Temple University, as a large, urban public research institution, fosters a diverse and dynamic environment. The Tyler School of Art and Architecture, and specifically the Design & Illustration Department, is characterized by its commitment to artistic and design excellence, interdisciplinary exploration, and preparing students for impactful careers. The current curricular transformation indicates a forward-thinking department eager to innovate.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Assistant/Associate Professor of Instruction (Non-Tenure Track)

This role represents a mid-to-senior level instructional faculty position focused on teaching and curriculum development. It is distinct from tenure-track roles that emphasize research. The "Professor of Instruction" title signifies a dedication to the art and science of teaching and program building.

Reporting Structure:

The position reports to the Department Chair of Design & Illustration. Collaboration will be extensive with fellow faculty members within the department and potentially across the Tyler School of Art and Architecture. This structure allows for direct input into curriculum design and teaching strategies while benefiting from departmental and school-level support.

Operations Impact:

The "operations" impact in this context refers to the operational efficiency and effectiveness of the academic programs. The successful candidate will directly influence the design and delivery of educational "products" (courses and degree programs) for UX/UI design. This involves ensuring programs are relevant, current, and produce graduates who meet industry demands, thereby impacting the university's reputation and student career outcomes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Curriculum Leadership: Lead the ongoing development and refinement of the new BFA and UX/UI Minor programs, potentially developing new courses and pedagogical approaches.

• Professional Development: Access to university resources for faculty development, including workshops on teaching methodologies, technology in education, and design industry trends. Support for attending relevant conferences and potentially acquiring further certifications.

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Opportunities to collaborate with faculty from other disciplines within Tyler and across Temple University, fostering innovative projects and course offerings.

• Mentorship and Advising: Develop expertise in guiding students through complex design challenges and career pathways, contributing to their success.

• Potential for Renewal: While non-tenure track, the position has the possibility of renewal, offering stability and the chance to build a long-term career focused on instruction and program development within the department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Professor of Instruction is centered on teaching excellence and program building. Growth is measured by contributions to curriculum, student success, and the overall strength of the academic programs. The non-tenure track nature means the focus is on instructional impact rather than research output, offering a different but equally valuable career trajectory within academia.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: University Campus - Tyler School of Art and Architecture

Office Location(s): Philadelphia, PA (Main Campus)

Workspace Context:

• Academic Environment: The workspace is within a dedicated art and architecture school, featuring studios, classrooms, labs, and faculty offices. Access to state-of-the-art facilities is a key aspect.

• Collaborative Spaces: Opportunities for interaction with students and faculty in shared studios, critique spaces, and departmental common areas. This fosters a dynamic and collaborative design community.

• Technological Resources: Access to university IT resources, including design software licenses (Figma, Adobe Creative Suite), potentially specialized hardware, and digital learning platforms.

Work Schedule:

• Standard academic year schedule with semesters and breaks. While teaching hours are structured, faculty often dedicate additional time to preparation, grading, office hours, and departmental duties outside of set class times. Flexibility is common for research or personal work, but core responsibilities are tied to the academic calendar.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working within a university art and design school environment means being part of a vibrant academic community. The focus is on student interaction, collaborative learning, and utilizing specialized facilities. The urban setting of Temple University provides unique opportunities for engagement with the local design scene and diverse student body.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Applications will be reviewed starting December 5, 2025. Candidates must submit their cover letter, CV, teaching philosophy, statement on urban environment contributions, references' contact information, professional work portfolio, student work portfolio (if applicable), and sample syllabi via the SlideRoom portal.

• Screening/First Round Interviews: Shortlisted candidates will likely undergo an initial interview, potentially virtual, to discuss their experience, teaching philosophy, and fit for the role and department.

• Campus Visit/Finalist Interviews: Finalists will be invited to campus for interviews with faculty, department leadership, and potentially students. This stage usually includes a teaching demonstration or presentation of their work and pedagogical approach.

• Portfolio Presentation: A significant part of the interview process will involve a detailed review and presentation of the candidate's professional and student work portfolios, and potentially a mock teaching session or curriculum proposal.

• Final Evaluation: Decisions will be based on a holistic assessment of qualifications, teaching experience, portfolio strength, alignment with departmental and university values, and potential contributions to the new UX/UI programs.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 20 professional work examples that best showcase your expertise across the entire UX process, from research and ideation to high-fidelity UI and post-launch iteration. Highlight projects that demonstrate strong visual design principles, typography, and accessibility considerations.

• Demonstrate Teaching Impact: For student work, choose examples that clearly illustrate student progress, problem-solving skills, and the successful application of design principles learned under your guidance. Provide context for each student project.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your professional and student portfolios logically. Use clear descriptions for each project, detailing your role, the problem statement, your process, the tools used, and the outcomes or impact.

• Highlight Pedagogy: Your sample syllabi and teaching philosophy statement should clearly articulate your approach to teaching design, emphasizing how you foster critical thinking, creativity, and inclusive learning environments.

• Showcase Adaptability: Given the evolving nature of UX/UI, present work that demonstrates your awareness of current trends and your ability to adapt to new tools and methodologies.

Challenge Preparation:

• Teaching Demonstration: Prepare a short (e.g., 20-30 minute) demonstration of how you would teach a specific concept relevant to visual design or UX/UI. Focus on engagement, clarity, and interactive elements.

• Curriculum Discussion: Be ready to discuss your vision for the new BFA and Minor programs, including potential course structures, learning objectives, and how you would integrate industry best practices.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you would handle common classroom challenges, student critiques, or curriculum development roadblocks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes a strong portfolio and a clear teaching philosophy. Candidates should prepare to articulate their design process, pedagogical approach, and vision for curriculum development, especially for the new UX/UI programs. The portfolio review is a critical component, so ensure it is well-organized, comprehensive, and directly addresses the requirements of the role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design & Prototyping Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency in creating interactive prototypes, design systems, and component libraries is expected.

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logo design, and iconography.
  • After Effects: For motion graphics, UI animations, and animated prototypes.
  • XD (Potentially): While Figma is primary, familiarity with Adobe XD might be beneficial.

• Prototyping Tools: Besides Figma, familiarity with tools like InVision, Principle, or similar for advanced prototyping may be advantageous.

Instructional & Collaboration Tools:

• Learning Management Systems (LMS): Experience with platforms like Canvas, Blackboard, or Moodle, common in university settings for course management, content delivery, and student interaction.

• Video Conferencing Tools: Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet for remote instruction, guest lectures, or virtual office hours.

• Collaboration Platforms: Slack, Microsoft Teams for departmental communication.

• Presentation Software: PowerPoint, Keynote, Google Slides for lectures.

Accessibility Assessment Tools:

• Familiarity with tools and techniques for checking and ensuring web and application accessibility (e.g., browser extensions, built-in OS accessibility features).

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirements revolve around industry-standard design and prototyping software, particularly Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite. Proficiency in these tools is non-negotiable for both professional practice and teaching. Experience with university LMS platforms is also crucial for effective instruction.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Instruction: A deep commitment to high-quality teaching, student success, and the art of pedagogy.

• Innovation and Adaptability: Embracing new technologies, design methodologies, and curriculum development to stay at the forefront of design education.

• Inclusivity and Accessibility: Creating a welcoming, equitable, and accessible learning environment for all students, reflecting diverse backgrounds and abilities.

• Collaboration and Community: Fostering a supportive and collaborative atmosphere among faculty, staff, and students, both within the department and across the university.

• Commitment to Urban Context: Engaging with and leveraging the unique opportunities and challenges presented by an urban university setting.

Collaboration Style:

• Interdisciplinary: Encouraging and participating in cross-disciplinary projects and dialogues within Tyler and Temple University.

• Student-Centered: Prioritizing student learning, growth, and well-being in all teaching and advising activities.

• Feedback-Oriented: Openness to constructive criticism and feedback from peers, students, and university leadership to continuously improve teaching and curriculum.

• Process-Driven: Valuing a structured approach to curriculum design, course delivery, and program assessment, while remaining flexible and responsive to evolving needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The department and university value a blend of artistic rigor, pedagogical innovation, and community engagement. Candidates should demonstrate a genuine commitment to fostering an inclusive environment and a collaborative spirit, aligning with Temple's mission as an urban public research university.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Curriculum Development for New Programs: Establishing and refining the BFA and Minor in UX/UI Design requires significant effort to define learning outcomes, develop course content, and integrate with existing departmental strengths.

• Balancing Industry Relevance with Academic Rigor: Ensuring that coursework remains current with rapidly evolving industry practices and tools while maintaining academic depth and theoretical grounding.

• Teaching Diverse Student Populations: Catering to varying levels of student experience, background, and learning styles within an inclusive classroom setting.

• Non-Tenure Track Role: Navigating career progression and institutional recognition within a non-tenure track framework, which may differ from traditional academic career paths.

• Contribution to University Service: Balancing teaching and curriculum duties with departmental and university service expectations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Pedagogical Training: Access to workshops and resources on effective teaching strategies, educational technology, and inclusive pedagogy offered by Temple University's teaching and learning centers.

• Industry Trend Immersion: Opportunities to attend design conferences, webinars, and engage with industry professionals to stay current with UX/UI advancements.

• Curriculum Design Expertise: Developing advanced skills in program architecture, learning outcome definition, and assessment design.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential for mentorship from senior faculty within the department or university for career guidance and professional development.

• Interdisciplinary Projects: Opportunities to collaborate on research or creative projects with faculty from other departments, broadening one's expertise and network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges lie in establishing new academic programs and keeping pace with industry changes. However, these challenges also present significant growth opportunities for professional development in curriculum design, pedagogy, and interdisciplinary collaboration within a supportive university structure.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Curriculum Vision: "Describe your vision for the BFA in User Experience and User Interface Design. What key courses would you propose, and how would you ensure they are both foundational and forward-looking?"

• Teaching Philosophy: "How do you approach teaching design, particularly UX/UI, to students with diverse backgrounds and skill levels? How do you foster critical thinking and creativity?"

• Industry Integration: "How do you stay current with industry trends in UX/UI, and how would you incorporate these into your teaching and curriculum development?"

• Accessibility and Inclusivity: "What strategies do you employ to ensure your teaching and the design principles you impart are inclusive and accessible to all students and end-users?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• Urban University Context: "How would you leverage Temple University's urban setting and diverse student population in your teaching and curriculum design?"

• Tyler School Mission: "How do your professional and pedagogical values align with the mission and evolving curriculum of the Tyler School of Art and Architecture?"

• Departmental Collaboration: "Describe your ideal collaborative relationship with faculty in the Design & Illustration Department."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: For each professional project, tell a compelling story: the problem, your process, your role, the tools used, the challenges faced, and the final outcome or impact. Quantify results where possible.

• Showcase Process: Emphasize your UX process – user research methods, ideation techniques, prototyping iterations, and testing feedback. Visual documentation of these stages is crucial.

• Highlight Visual Design Skills: Ensure your best visual design work (typography, layout, branding, motion) is clearly presented and explained in context.

• Student Work Context: For student portfolios, explain the assignment, the student's contribution, and what aspects of their work demonstrate learning and growth under your guidance.

• Syllabus Clarity: Be prepared to walk through your sample syllabi, explaining your rationale for course structure, assignments, and grading criteria.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to articulate your pedagogical approach, curriculum development ideas, and how you integrate industry best practices into teaching. Your portfolio should be presented not just as a showcase of work, but as evidence of your problem-solving process, design thinking, and teaching effectiveness.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this instructional faculty position:

• Portal Submission: Create an account and upload all required materials to the Temple University SlideRoom portal: https://temple.slideroom.com/#/Login.

• Portfolio Curation: Carefully select and organize your 20 professional work examples and 20 student work examples (if applicable). Ensure each piece is accompanied by a concise description of its context, your role, your process, and the outcome.

• Statement Preparation: Draft a thoughtful cover letter addressing your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role, a comprehensive CV, a clear statement of your teaching philosophy, and a statement detailing your experience and approach to working effectively in an urban university environment.

• Syllabus Development/Selection: Prepare sample course syllabi that demonstrate your teaching capabilities and curriculum design approach for relevant design or UX/UI courses.

• Reference Contact: Compile contact information for three professional references. Ensure they are aware that they may be contacted if you become a finalist.

• Finalist Requirements: Be prepared to submit official course evaluations, official terminal degree transcripts, and three signed letters of recommendation on letterhead if you advance to the finalist stage.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.