Assistant or Associate Professor, Creative Technologist, Tenure Track

The Design & Illustration Department at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture at Temple University invites applications for a Tenure-Track Assistant or Associate Professor position beginning with the Fall 2026 semester. We seek a dynamic candidate with deep expertise in advanced technologies, including AR, VR, MR, and AI-assisted tools, who actively incorporates these innovations into their creative work. The ideal candidate will have a proven record of research and practice at the intersection of design, illustration and technology, utilizing computational design techniques, coding, and sustainable practices to shape immersive, forward-thinking experiences. They will also demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusive teaching and curriculum development, preparing students for the evolving future of design and illustration and contributing to our mission of academic excellence and societal impact.

Responsibilities:
Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in Graphic and Interactive Design, User Experience and User Interface Design and Illustration and Emerging Media.
Lead the integration of emerging technologies into the curriculum by monitoring industry trends, identifying relevant tools and methodologies, and collaborating with faculty to ensure courses remain current, rigorous, and future-focused.
Develop and oversee initiatives (such as workshops, partnerships, or faculty development sessions) that equip students and colleagues to engage meaningfully with new technologies.
Conduct scholarly research and publish in peer-reviewed venues.
Seek external funding to support research activities.
Mentor and advise students from different backgrounds.
Contribute to departmental, college, and university service.

Qualifications:
Required:
A terminal degree (MFA or equivalent) in design, illustration or a related field.
A minimum of 3 years of teaching experience at the university level, with evidence of teaching excellence.
Expertise in advanced design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Adobe After Effects, Blender, Cinema 4D) as well as new and emerging design platforms, tools, and technologies.
Demonstrated expertise in augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR), with a proven track record of incorporating these technologies into design and illustration projects. The ideal candidate will actively create immersive, interactive experiences and leverage AR/VR/MR environments in their work, showcasing their direct application in professional or creative contexts.
Knowledge of generative design and AI-assisted design tools, including but not limited to Open AI s tools, Mid Journey, and others that transform design processes.
Knowledge of front-end coding languages (HTML, CSS, Java Script) and frameworks that enhance visual design and interactivity.
Experience with computational design techniques and the ability to integrate design with emerging programming tools and platforms, such as creative coding environments.
Expertise in identifying and researching new design methodologies and tools, and an ability to publish or present findings at conferences and in peer-reviewed journals. Candidate will have a proven track record or potential for high-impact research in design, illustration, technology, and their intersection.
Understanding of the ethical considerations in emerging technologies, including AI, AR/VR, data privacy, and intellectual property. Candidate will also have knowledge of sustainable design practices, and the role technology can play in advancing environmental and social responsibility.
Experience teaching or mentoring in technology-driven design disciplines.
Ability to develop curriculum that integrates new technologies into traditional design and illustration practices.
Ability to bring real-world technological advancements into the classroom through guest speakers, workshops, or partnerships.
Strong background in leading or contributing to groundbreaking design or illustration projects that leverage technology demonstrated in their professional portfolio.
Commitment to creating inclusive, accessible spaces for all students.

Preferred:
Experience teaching and mentoring students from different backgrounds in an inclusive setting
Evidence of collaborative and interdisciplinary work.

Salary and rank will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Temple University values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity for all persons regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status protected by law.

Application Instructions
Applicants should submit:
Cover letter addressing qualifications.
Curriculum vitae.
Statement of teaching philosophy.
Statement of research interests.
Statement of contributions working effectively in an urban environment
Contact information for three professional references.
Portfolio of work - 20 examples of your work
Portfolio of student work - 20 examples of student work
Sample Course Syllabi

Review of applications begins on December 5, 2025. The position remains open until it is filled. To apply, visit https://temple.slideroom.com/#/Login to create an account and upload
your application materials If you need assistance during the uploading process, email support@slideroom.com

Finalists must also be prepared to submit official course evaluations, official terminal degree transcripts and three signed letters of recommendation on letterhead. No letters are required in the initial application. If notifying references, please advise them that a letter of reference will be required if you are a finalist for the position. The additional finalist requirements are due two weeks after the campus visit.

Questions can be directed to Search Committee Chair Kelly Holohan at kholohan@temple.edu

About the Department
The Design and Illustration Department at Tyler School of Art and Architecture at Temple University is home to undergraduate programs in Graphic & Interactive Design, User Experience and User Interface Design, and Illustration & Emerging Media, along with new minors that broaden design education across the university. The department also offers a Master of Fine Arts in Graphic and Interactive Design, where graduate students contribute to the departments research, teaching, and creative community.

The department is in the midst of a major curricular transformation, building on its legacy of strong visual foundations with an increased focus on entrepreneurship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and emerging technologies in design education. Our programs prepare students to balance core skills in typography, branding, motion, interaction, and image-making with the ability to adapt to new platforms and evolving professional practices. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, individualized mentorship, and opportunities to connect with Philadelphias vibrant arts and design community.

About the Tyler School of Art and Architecture
The Design and Illustration Department is part of the Tyler School of Art and Architecture, which includes 22 program areas in art, design, art history, art education, art therapy, and architecture. This breadth provides rich opportunities for cross-disciplinary dialogue and innovation to enhance the departments core identity within design and illustration. Tyler prepares students to make valuable contributions in a range of fields through the strength of their creative and technical skills, their ability to visualize solutions, and their personal vision informed by social and civic responsibility.

About Temple University
Temple University, founded in 1884, is a Carnegie R1 (Very High Research Activity) institution and one of the nations largest urban public research universities. Located in North Philadelphia, just 1.5 miles from Center City, Temple enrolls more than 30,000 students across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.

Faculty and students benefit from the universitys dynamic urban setting, vibrant campus life, and opportunities for partnerships that make a meaningful impact locally and globally.

We are committed to fostering a welcoming environment for students, faculty, and staff. We believe that diversityof experiences, perspectives, and ideasenriches our learning environment and strengthens our academic community. We encourage applications from individuals whose backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives will enhance our commitment to these values.

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