Assistant / Associate Professor of Design History

Job description

Posting Details

Posting Information Posting Number PG194238EP Internal Recruitment No Working Title Assistant / Associate Professor of Design History Anticipated Hiring Range Commensurate upon experience Work Schedule Varies Job Location Raleigh, NC Department Graphic & Industrial Design About the Department The College of Design prepares designers who, in the broadest sense, shape the world.
Design education is more than an attempt to teach a set of technical skills.

The environment – including the spaces in which people live and work, the products they consume, and the messages they receive – has a powerful impact on how humans function in a society.

Good design requires attention and sensitivity to social, economic, political, cultural and behavioral issues.

The aim of all curricula in the College of Design is to develop the designer’s perception, knowledge, skills and problem-solving abilities.

The College of Design offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate study in architecture, art + design, graphic design, industrial design and graduate studies in landscape architecture, through several degree programs, including the Ph.D. in Design.

The college employs a selective admissions process that ensures a highly motivated and varied design community.

As a result, entering design students consistently rank at the top of academic achievement at the University, and their graduation rate is the highest at NC State.

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Essential Job Duties The Department of Graphic Design and Industrial Design and the Department of Media, Art, Design and Technology (MADTech) in the College of Design at North Carolina State University seek a qualified individual for a joint appointment at the rank of assistant or associate professor of design history and theory.

The individual in this position will be expected to build a significant teaching and scholarly agenda that examines design through multiple cultural lenses and global perspectives; that bridges critical thinking and creative practice; and that interrogates how artifacts, systems, and design practices shape and are shaped by varied social, cultural, and political contexts across different communities and geographies.

We welcome candidates whose research and teaching approaches broaden conventional design narratives, incorporate voices and design traditions from around the world, and foster thoughtful dialogue about the role and impact of design in society.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate commitment to innovative pedagogy that prepares students to engage meaningfully with design’s historical and contemporary global dimensions and challenges.

While this position is primarily focused on design history and theory, we are open to candidates who can also contribute to studio-based learning and making practices.

Candidates with experience in bridging theoretical knowledge with hands-on design work, or who can integrate critical frameworks into practice-based courses, are particularly encouraged to apply.

The ability to teach across both theoretical and applied domains would strengthen our interdisciplinary approach to design education.


Rank will be awarded based on qualifications and experience of the candidate. Other Responsibilities

Teach History of Industrial Design, History of Graphic Design, Design History for Design Study students, Design History for Engineering and Scientists, and other design thinking and theory courses as needed.

Establish a scholarly research agenda with national, international prominence in design history and theory.

Pursue external funding and publication of scholarship.

Work with students in the interdisciplinary PhD in Design Program, History and Criticism research area.

Advise masters students who have history content in their thesis/project work.

Work with students in the interdisciplinary PhD in Design program.

Qualifications Minimum Education and Experience

Terminal Degree in Design History, Art History, Cultural Studies, or related field

Expertise in contemporary design history is required

Candidates should demonstrate exceptional knowledge and scholarship in design history and theory.

We invite applications and nominations of individuals who can teach design history and related course work for bachelors, masters, and doctoral students

Other Required Qualifications

Demonstrated expertise in design history and theory with ability to examine design through multiple cultural lenses and global perspectives

Strong research background capable of establishing scholarly agenda

Experience teaching design history courses at the university level

Ability to advise graduate students at both master’s and doctoral levels

Commitment to publishing scholarly work and pursuing external funding

Knowledge of how artifacts, systems, and design practices shape and are shaped by varied social, cultural, and political contexts

Understanding of design’s role across different communities and geographies

Preferred Qualifications

PhD in Design History, Art History, Cultural Studies, or related field

Research and teaching approaches that broaden conventional design narratives, incorporating voices and design traditions from around the world

Demonstrated commitment to innovative pedagogy that engages students with design’s global dimensions

Ability to foster thoughtful dialogue about design’s societal role and impact

Experience bridging theoretical knowledge with hands-on design work

Capability to contribute to studio-based learning and making practices

Ability to teach across both theoretical and applied domains and prepare students to engage with contemporary design challenges and historical contexts

Experience with interdisciplinary approaches to design education

Background that supports teaching across multiple design disciplines (graphic design, industrial design, media arts)

Required License(s) or Certification(s) N/A Valid NC Driver's License required No Commercial Driver's License required No Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions Job Open Date 09/19/2025 Anticipated Close Date Open until filled Special Instructions to Applicants Applicant’s are required to submit: (1) a letter of intent describing qualifications and interests; (2) a CV; (3) a digital research and/or professional portfolio (upload under “other document 1”); (4) a research statement that includes a plan for scholarly production; (5) a teaching portfolio (upload under “other document 2”); and (6) contact information for three references.

Additional information
Review of applications will begin on January 5, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.

Please send inquiries to Matthew Peterson, Position Details Position Number 00008323 Position Type Tenured/Tenure-Track Faculty Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) 1.0 Appointment 9 Month Recurring Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Non Mandatory - Emergency Event Department ID 120301 - Graphic & Industrial Design EEO NC State University is an equal opportunity employer.

All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status.

The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply.

Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions

Required Skill Profession

Art And Design Workers