Lecturer, Industrial Design

Lecturer – Industrial Design Program

The School of Design in the College of Art and Design at Rochester Institute of Technology invites individuals to apply for a non‑tenure‑track Lecturer position to teach in the Industrial Design () program. The Industrial Design program develops strong conceptual and formal design skills by engaging students in the theory, process, and practice of design throughout the undergraduate and graduate curricula.

It is consistently ranked among the nation’s top programs for both undergraduate and graduate study.

We invite applications from accomplished designers and educators with significant teaching and professional expertise. The successful candidate will demonstrate the capacity to teach comprehensively across the Industrial Design curriculum and exhibit leadership and strategic vision in advancing the program. A strong emphasis will be placed on candidates with a proven ability to integrate emerging technologies and methodologies into the curriculum.

Key responsibilities include teaching graduate and/or undergraduate studio and lecture courses, teaching a full load of four courses per term, and actively participating in innovative teaching and curriculum development. The candidate will also be expected to provide service to the program and school, engage in career advising and student mentorship, and participate in professional organizations and events important to the field of industrial design.

• A terminal degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Interaction Design (MFA, MID, PhD) or a related field of study.
• Minimum of two years of professional experience or extensive consulting in a relevant field.
• Three years or equivalent experience teaching both lecture and/or studio courses in a relevant field at the university level.
• Demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in one or more of the following: product design, user experience and interaction design, automotive design, service design, design and sustainability, materials design, design drawing, design and technology, emerging industrial design practices, design theory, design history, design methodology.
• Demonstrated technical skills such as visualization, communication, modeling, AI tools, and prototyping common in design practice in both professional and student work.

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae or Resume
• List of References
• Portfolio of Students’ Work
• Portfolio of Work
• Sample Syllabus
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy

Apply online at RIT Faculty Career Site; search openings, then use the keyword search 9932 . Please submit your application, curriculum vitae, cover letter addressing the listed qualifications, and upload the following attachments:

• A brief teaching philosophy
• List of References including the names, addresses and phone numbers for three references.
• Course syllabi with at least three assignments.
• 15–20 page PDF or a link to a website presenting examples of professional work (max 3 MB).
• 15–20 page PDF or a link to a website presenting examples of students’ work, including examples that demonstrate process (max 3 MB).

To receive full consideration, all application materials should be received by January 5, 2026. The position will remain open until an acceptable candidate is found.

Melissa Dawson, Undergraduate Co‑Director, Industrial Design
School of Design, College of Art and Design
Email: mdmfaa
Phone: 585‑475‑5647

RIT does not discriminate. RIT is an equal opportunity employer that promotes and values diversity, pluralism, and inclusion. For more information or inquiries, please visit RIT/Title

IX or the U.S. Department of Education .

Annual salary range: $60,000 – $66,000.