Assistant Professor, Graphic Design Job at University of Memphis in Memphis

Overview

The Department of Art and Design at the University of Memphis invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Graphic Design. This position offers an opportunity to help shape and launch a proposed Bachelor of Design (B.Des) program. The B.Des program aims to cultivate versatile, future-ready designers who can work across identity, digital media, interactive experiences, and generative/AI-assisted design.

We seek a designer who is a maker and a mentor, actively practicing while preparing students with tools, resilience, and vision to lead in an ever-changing design landscape. The candidate will help forge a studio-centered, technology-driven curriculum that emphasizes experimentation, applied learning, and professional growth, reflecting the energy and creativity of Memphis.

Key Responsibilities

• Teach 3 courses per semester in the Graphic Design concentration, spanning foundational through advanced studio courses, including graduate level.
• Integrate emerging technologies (UX/UI, generative AI, motion design, prototyping, AR/VR, creative coding) into design pedagogy.
• Academic advising, including mentoring students in professional development, internships, portfolio preparation, and capstone projects.
• Collaborate with colleagues to refine and innovate the curriculum to remain relevant in today’s design landscape.
• Maintain an active creative practice and/or scholarly research agenda that enriches teaching and the broader field of design.
• Cultivate connections with regional and national design industries to expand opportunities for students and raise program visibility.
• Contribute to the life of the department, college, and university through service and community engagement.
• Participate in department, college, and university committees and initiatives.

Incidental travel to professional conferences may be required.

Qualifications

Minimum Position Qualifications

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

MFA, MDes, or another appropriate terminal degree in design or a related field.

• Professional experience in communication design or related creative practice, demonstrating the ability to bridge theory and real-world application.
• Expertise in one or more emerging areas such as UX/UI, motion graphics, data visualization, generative design, or creative coding.
• A record of successful teaching at the undergraduate or graduate level, with a passion for inspiring and mentoring the next generation of designers.
• Strong portfolio of creative work, research, or professional practice that reflects innovation and impact.
• Proficiency with industry-standard design tools along with openness to evolving technologies.
• Ability to mentor students in career readiness, entrepreneurship, and diverse professional pathways.
• Commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration across design, technology, communication, and related fields.

Special Conditions

The posting includes additional information about the department, college, and university, accreditation, and program offerings. Posting date and application details are provided as part of the official job announcement.

Application

Applications will be accepted through the University’s portal. Candidates must upload PDFs of the following documents:

• Document 1 – Cover Letter
• Document 2 – Curriculum Vitae
• Document 3 – One-page Teaching Philosophy/Statement on design pedagogy
• Document 4 – One-page vision for teaching in a B.Des program
• Document 5 – One sample syllabus
• Document 6 – One PDF including 20 recent works (title, date, size, medium)
• Document 7 – One PDF including 20 student works (size, medium, and project prompt)
• Document 8 – One PDF with email addresses for three professional references

Posting date: 09/19/2025 | Closing date: Open Until Screening Begins | Hiring Range: $65,000 - $68,850 per year | Benefits eligible