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, PA

Job Type: Full-time, Regular

Category: Academic/Education - Design & Art Instruction

Date Posted: 2025-11-05

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on instructing and developing curriculum for Visual Design, with a specialization in User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) Design, within an academic setting.

• The position requires a blend of practical industry experience in UX/UI and strong foundational visual design skills, including typography and motion design.

• A key aspect of the role involves shaping new academic programs, specifically a BFA in User Experience and User Interface Design and a Minor in UX/UI Design, ensuring curriculum relevance and industry alignment.

• The faculty member will engage in teaching, mentoring students, and contributing to the departmental and university community through service.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for an academic institution, focusing on teaching and curriculum development rather than direct revenue generation or sales enablement, which are typical in corporate operations roles. The "operations" aspect here refers to the operational management and delivery of educational programs and curriculum.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging instruction across undergraduate programs in Graphic & Interactive Design, User Experience and User Interface Design, and Illustration & Emerging Media.

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

• Foster a collaborative learning environment by working with faculty to enhance shared coursework in visual design, typography, motion design, and UX/UI design.

• Integrate current industry developments, emerging tools, and professional standards into course content to ensure students receive cutting-edge design education.

• Provide mentorship and academic advising to a diverse student body, guiding them through their design education and career preparation.

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

• Stay abreast of evolving industry trends, user-centered design methodologies, and new technologies relevant to UX/UI and visual design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are centered around academic delivery and program development, which are the operational functions within an educational institution. This differs from corporate operations roles focused on sales, marketing, or customer success processes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A terminal degree (MFA or equivalent) in design or a closely related field is required, or equivalent professional experience in UX/UI or product design.

Experience:

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

Required Skills:

• Comprehensive proficiency across the entire UX process, encompassing user research, concept development, prototyping, user testing, and post-launch iteration.

• Strong foundational skills in visual design, including mastery of typography, layout principles, motion graphics, and visual hierarchy, applicable to both digital and traditional media.

• Expertise in accessibility standards and inclusive design practices to ensure equitable user experiences.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with developers, product teams, and clients to bring digital products from concept to completion.

• Proficiency with industry-standard design and prototyping tools such as Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, etc.).

• Ability to design and teach courses that bridge foundational visual design with advanced UX/UI and product design concepts.

• A commitment to continuous learning and staying current with evolving industry practices, tools, and technologies in the design field.

Preferred Skills:

• Evidence of successful collaborative and interdisciplinary work, showcasing an ability to integrate design thinking across different fields.

• Experience in curriculum design and development within an academic context.

• Familiarity with emerging media and technologies relevant to contemporary design practice.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Skills" emphasize practical design expertise and pedagogical abilities, while "Preferred Skills" highlight experience that would enhance contributions to the department's evolving academic offerings and collaborative environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing at least 20 examples of your professional design work, with a strong emphasis on UX/UI projects.

• A separate portfolio demonstrating at least 20 examples of student work, if applicable, to illustrate teaching effectiveness and student project outcomes.

• Sample course syllabi for courses you have taught or would propose to teach in Visual Design, UX/UI Design, or related areas.

• A cover letter detailing qualifications and relevant experience in design and education.

• A curriculum vitae (CV) outlining academic and professional history.

• A statement of teaching philosophy, articulating your approach to design education and student development.

Process Documentation:

• Successful candidates will be expected to document and articulate design processes (e.g., UX research methodologies, design thinking frameworks) within their syllabi and teaching.

• The development of new UX/UI curriculum will require structured documentation of learning objectives, course content, and assessment strategies.

• Contribution to departmental service may involve participation in curriculum review committees, which requires adherence to established academic governance processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are tailored for an academic role, focusing on demonstrating both professional design expertise and pedagogical capabilities, including teaching materials and student work. This differs from corporate operations roles that might require portfolios showcasing process optimization or system implementation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Salary and rank will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Benefits:

• As a full-time faculty member at Temple University, the position typically includes a comprehensive benefits package. This may encompass:
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
  • Retirement savings plan (e.g., TIAA or similar).
  • Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
  • Tuition remission for eligible dependents.
  • Professional development opportunities and support for conference attendance.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time, regular faculty appointment, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week. Actual hours may vary based on teaching load, curriculum development, student advising, committee work, and university service commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is presented as an estimate based on industry standards for academic positions in the specified location and experience level. Benefits are typical for full-time university faculty.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education - Art and Design Instruction. Temple University is a large, urban public research institution.

Company Size: Temple University is a large university with over 30,000 students and a significant faculty and staff population. The Tyler School of Art and Architecture is a major component, with the Design and Illustration Department being a key academic unit within it.

Founded: Temple University was founded in 1884, indicating a long-standing tradition of academic excellence and community engagement.

Team Structure:

• The Design and Illustration Department comprises faculty specialists in various design and illustration fields, including graphic design, interactive design, UX/UI design, and illustration.

• This role reports to the Chair of the Design and Illustration Department, with faculty members collaborating closely on curriculum, student advising, and departmental initiatives.

Methodology:

• The department emphasizes a blend of rigorous foundational design principles with an increasing focus on contemporary practices, entrepreneurship, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

• Curricular transformation is a key initiative, integrating emerging technologies and adapting to evolving professional practices in design education.

• A commitment to research, teaching, and creative community engagement is fostered, particularly within the MFA program.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The context provided highlights Temple University's status as a major urban research institution and the Tyler School's commitment to evolving design education. This influences the operational focus of the department towards curriculum innovation and interdisciplinary engagement.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is at the Assistant or Associate Professor of Instruction level, a non-tenure track academic faculty role. It focuses on teaching and curriculum development within a specialized design field.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to the Chair of the Design and Illustration Department. Collaboration occurs with other faculty within the department and across the Tyler School of Art and Architecture.

Operations Impact: The primary impact is on the operational delivery of design education, shaping the future curriculum and student preparedness for the UX/UI design industry. This includes ensuring the department's programs are current, relevant, and meet student and industry needs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in UX/UI design, pedagogical methods, and curriculum development through workshops, conferences, and peer collaboration.

• Leadership Potential: Potential to take on leadership roles within curriculum development, program coordination, or committee work within the department or school.

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Engage in cross-departmental projects and curriculum initiatives, expanding professional networks and understanding of broader design fields.

• Industry Connection: Maintain and leverage industry connections to inform teaching and curriculum, potentially leading to guest lectures or collaborative projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth opportunities are framed within an academic context, focusing on professional development in teaching, curriculum design, and academic leadership rather than corporate advancement ladders.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position at Temple University's Tyler School of Art and Architecture in Philadelphia. The role involves teaching in classrooms and studios, and working within departmental faculty offices.

Office Location(s): Main Campus, Tyler School of Art and Architecture, Philadelphia, PA.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace includes access to classrooms equipped for design instruction, potentially with specialized software and hardware.

• Faculty typically have office space for student advising, research, and administrative tasks.

• Collaboration is encouraged through shared studio spaces, departmental meetings, and interdisciplinary initiatives within the Tyler School.

• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and technology relevant to design and illustration programs is available.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time academic position. While a standard 40-hour work week is typical, teaching schedules, office hours, curriculum development, and committee meetings may require flexibility and work outside of standard business hours, particularly during academic terms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is characterized by an academic setting with specific facilities for art and design education, emphasizing on-site collaboration and a structured academic schedule.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Submitted materials (cover letter, CV, teaching philosophy, portfolio, etc.) will be reviewed by the search committee.

• Portfolio and Materials Evaluation: Candidates will be assessed based on their professional and student work portfolios, teaching philosophy, and overall qualifications.

• Shortlist and Interviews: A shortlist of candidates will be invited for interviews, which may include presentations of their work and teaching approach.

• Campus Visit: Finalists will typically be invited to campus for further interviews with faculty, students, and administrators, and may be asked to give a guest lecture or studio visit.

• Final Selection: Based on interviews, presentations, and reference checks, the final candidate will be selected.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Professional Portfolio: Curate your portfolio to highlight your strongest UX/UI design projects, clearly articulating your role, the process followed, and the outcomes. Emphasize visual design principles, user research, prototyping, and problem-solving.

• Student Work Portfolio: If applicable, showcase a diverse range of student projects that demonstrate your ability to guide students through complex design challenges and foster their creative development. Highlight student achievements and the impact of your instruction.

• Teaching Philosophy: Clearly articulate your pedagogical approach, your commitment to inclusive education, and how you integrate industry best practices and emerging technologies into your teaching.

• Syllabi Samples: Provide well-structured syllabi that demonstrate your understanding of course design, learning objectives, assessment strategies, and curriculum development for UX/UI and visual design courses.

• Presentation: Be prepared to discuss your work and teaching philosophy in detail, demonstrating your ability to communicate complex design concepts effectively.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss how you would approach developing curriculum for the new BFA and Minor programs, considering industry trends, student needs, and faculty collaboration.

• Prepare to articulate your strategies for teaching foundational visual design principles alongside advanced UX/UI methodologies.

• Consider how you would foster an inclusive and accessible learning environment for a diverse student population.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application and review process is standard for academic faculty positions, with a strong emphasis on evaluating teaching capabilities, design expertise, and portfolio content relevant to curriculum development.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping Software:

  • Figma: Essential for UI design, collaborative prototyping, and design system development.
  • Adobe Creative Suite: Including Photoshop (image editing, mockups), Illustrator (vector graphics, icons), After Effects (motion graphics, UI animation), and potentially XD (prototyping, UX design).

• User Research & Testing Tools: Familiarity with tools for user surveys, interviews, usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Maze), and analytics platforms.

• Project Management & Collaboration Tools: Experience with tools like Asana, Trello, Jira, or similar for managing design projects and team collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Understanding of web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) to inform design decisions and assess user behavior.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM/automation role, an understanding of how digital products interact with user data and potentially CRM systems is beneficial for context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is specific to design and UX/UI fields, focusing on industry-standard software used for creation, prototyping, and user research, rather than enterprise-level operational systems common in business roles.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Academic Excellence: A commitment to high standards in teaching, research, and creative practice.

• Innovation and Evolution: A drive to adapt and evolve curriculum and teaching methods to meet contemporary design challenges and industry shifts.

• Inclusivity and Diversity: A dedication to creating an equitable and welcoming environment for all students and faculty, fostering diverse perspectives.

• Collaboration and Community: An emphasis on teamwork, interdisciplinary engagement, and contributing positively to the departmental and university community.

• User-Centered Design: A core principle of placing the user at the forefront of design thinking and problem-solving.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The department actively encourages collaboration across its various specializations (Graphic Design, UX/UI, Illustration) and with other disciplines within the Tyler School.

• Curriculum Development: Faculty work together to review and update existing courses and develop new programs, requiring open communication and shared decision-making.

• Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing: A culture that supports faculty mentoring students and sharing expertise among colleagues.

• Feedback Exchange: An environment where constructive feedback on teaching, curriculum, and creative work is valued.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture and values are rooted in academic traditions and the specific ethos of an art and design school, emphasizing creativity, critical thinking, and community engagement.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Curriculum Transformation: Navigating the complexities of developing and implementing new degree programs (BFA in UX/UI) and minors, ensuring alignment across diverse faculty perspectives and university requirements.

• Rapid Industry Evolution: Keeping pace with the constant advancements in UX/UI design tools, methodologies, and industry demands to ensure education remains relevant.

• Balancing Theory and Practice: Effectively teaching foundational design principles alongside practical, industry-current UX/UI skills in a way that resonates with students.

• Diverse Student Needs: Catering to a wide range of student backgrounds, skill levels, and learning styles within an inclusive classroom environment.

• Non-Tenure Track Role: Understanding the unique career path and expectations associated with a non-tenure track faculty position, focusing on teaching excellence and service.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Opportunities to attend workshops or pursue certifications in advanced UX/UI methodologies, new design software, or pedagogical techniques.

• Industry Engagement: Maintaining professional practice through freelance work, consulting, or active participation in design conferences and professional organizations.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to 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, expanding one's knowledge base and network.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth opportunities are specific to an academic environment and the dynamic field of design education, focusing on curriculum development, pedagogical innovation, and professional growth within a university setting.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Curriculum Design: "How would you approach the foundational curriculum for our new BFA in User Experience and User Interface Design? What core principles and skills would you prioritize?" (Preparation: Outline specific course modules, learning objectives, and potential projects that integrate visual design with UX/UI).

• Teaching Philosophy: "Describe your approach to teaching visual design and UX/UI. How do you foster creativity, critical thinking, and technical proficiency in your students?" (Preparation: Prepare examples of teaching strategies, student engagement techniques, and how you address diverse learning needs).

• Industry Relevance: "How do you stay current with industry trends in UX/UI and design? How would you ensure your courses reflect contemporary professional practices and emerging technologies?" (Preparation: Discuss methods for staying informed, potential industry guest speakers, and how you incorporate new tools/methodologies into coursework).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Departmental Vision: "What are your thoughts on the department's current curricular transformation and its focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and emerging technologies?" (Preparation: Review the department's mission and recent initiatives; articulate how your expertise aligns with their goals).

• Urban University Context: "How would you contribute to an inclusive and effective learning environment within a large, urban public university setting?" (Preparation: Reflect on experiences working with diverse populations and your commitment to equitable education).

• Collaboration: "Describe a time you collaborated with colleagues on a significant project. What was your role, and what were the outcomes?" (Preparation: Prepare examples of successful interdisciplinary or team-based projects).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Curated Selection: Choose 10-15 of your strongest professional UX/UI projects for a concise presentation. For each, clearly state the problem, your process (research, ideation, prototyping, testing), your specific contributions, and the measurable outcomes.

• Visual Storytelling: Use high-quality visuals, wireframes, mockups, and user flow diagrams to illustrate your design thinking.

• Student Work Examples: If presenting student work, highlight projects that showcase innovation, problem-solving, and skill development. Discuss your role as an instructor and mentor in guiding these projects.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio efficiently within a given timeframe, focusing on impact and relevance to the role.

• Demonstrate Process Transparency: Clearly articulate your design process, showing how you move from understanding a problem to delivering a solution.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation focuses on pedagogical skills, curriculum development, design process, and alignment with the university's educational mission and values.

---

⚠️ 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.