Co-Design Specialist

Co-Design Specialist

Location: Princeton, NJ

Salary Range or Pay Grade: $60,000 - $80,000 (for 50% duty time)

The Keller Center seeks a Co-Design Specialist with expertise in design education. The appointment will be made at the rank of Professional Specialist to support year‑round programming. This is a 50% duty time position. The initial appointment will be for a period of 1 year, with the possibility of reappointment.

The specialist will co‑lead a Design Colloquium at which students will extend design projects into portfolio‑grade contributions. They will also provide academic advising as required and support student projects during a summer extension program. This appointment comes with teaching responsibilities subject to sufficient enrollment and approval of the Office of the Dean of the Faculty. This includes an advanced one‑semester required course on Design History, Theory and Methods that includes contemporary thinking on design including participation, postcolonial critique, and post‑human design;

and co‑teaching the Reclamation Studio course that introduces students to anti‑gentrification entrepreneurial and design practices in Trenton, NJ. These courses emphasize collaborative, project‑based learning and engagement with real‑world partners and communities, and contribute directly to the Keller Center’s transdisciplinary Minor in Design. While teaching, the incumbent will carry the additional part‑time rank of Lecturer.

The expected start date for this position is September 1, 2026.

Competitive candidates must hold a PhD in Design (or a closely related field such as Information Science, Architecture, Human‑Computer Interaction) with demonstrated specialization in co‑design, participatory design, community‑based design, or related subdomains. Candidates should show a strong commitment to undergraduate engineering education, collaborative pedagogy, community partnerships, and experiential learning. Prior teaching experience in studio‑based or community‑engaged design courses and practice is highly desirable.

Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, design portfolio and cover letter that includes a statement of teaching experience and teaching philosophy. Contact information for three potential recommenders should be included. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No letters of recommendation are required at time of application.

These positions are subject to the University’s background check policy. The work location for this position is in‑person on campus at Princeton University. This position is not eligible for sponsorship of an H‑1B visa requiring consular processing.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate for a full‑time position; salaries for part‑time positions are pro‑rated accordingly.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits program to eligible employees. Please see the link for more information.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

PI