Human Resources

Job Description Summary

The Department of Humanities at Michigan Technological University invites applications for an Assistant Teaching Professor in Graphic Design. The Humanities Department offers degrees in Communication, Culture, and Media; Scientific and Technological Communication; and English. Graphic design and media courses serve all the different Humanities program areas, as well as the minor in media production. The ideal candidate will have excellent design and communication skills and be able to work successfully within this interdisciplinary environment. There is no remote option for this position. Please see our website: http://www.mtu.edu/humanities.

Michigan Tech attracts world-class faculty and staff who enrich the educational experience of smart, motivated, and adventurous students. Applicants who are committed to promoting a sense of belonging and contributing to an equitable and inclusive learning environment for all are strongly encouraged to apply (https://www.mtu.edu/diversity-inclusion/).

Essential Duties & Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned)

Teach the equivalent of 3-4 courses per semester, including graphic design, motion design, and other visual media courses.

Ability to teach in humanities digital media studio on Mac platform

Collaborate with Humanities faculty and program areas in the development of Humanities graphic design and media production curriculum in areas such as data visualization, motion design, animation, accessible design, and/or scientific and technical illustration.

Advise and mentor students and assist with portfolio development

Assist with program outreach and annual student showcase

Integrate safety practices into daily activities and commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures (minimum requirements)

Master’s degree in graphic design or master’s or Ph.D. degree in a relevant field with professional and/or teaching experience in graphic design.

Required Experience (minimum requirements)

Proven record of teaching excellence in graphic design

Proven record of cultivating a safe, equitable, and interactive learning environment

Desirable Education and/or Experience

Teaching experience in higher education

Arts background (BFA or MFA)

Professional or teaching experience in one or more of the following: data visualization, motion design, animation, accessible design, information design, digital/print publication design, UX/UI wireframing, branding/identity management, and/or photography

Art Exhibition

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities (minimum requirements)

Excellent design and communication skills

Ability to work as part of a team in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment

Ability to work with diverse students, staff, and faculty

Fluency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, and After Effects

Expertise with graphics tablets and other design peripherals

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

Adobe XD or other wireframing software

Autocad or other 3-D rendering software

Adobe Lightroom

Demonstrated success in, or potential future contributions to, working with persons from diverse backgrounds, creating a sense of belonging, and fostering a fair, objective, welcoming place to work for persons with a wide variety of personal characteristics and viewpoints.

Language, Mathematics and/or Reasoning Skills

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

The work environment is that of a typical office and/or classroom setting. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment

Every employee at Michigan Technological University will receive the following 4 required trainings; additional training may be required by the department.

Required University Training:

• Employee Safety Overview

• Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training

• Annual Data Security Training 

• Annual Title IX Training

Background Check:

Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed.

Other Conditions of Employment:

The successful applicant will be responsible for ensuring eligibility for employment in the United States on or before the effective date of the appointment.  This is not an E-Verified Position.

1

FLSA Status

Exempt

Appointment Term

9 months

Shift

Pay Rate/Salary

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Title of Position Supervisor

Department Chair

Posting Type

Dependent on Funding

Special Instructions to Applicants (if applicable)

Applicants will need to upload the following documents:

Curriculum Vitae/Resume
Cover Letter
Teaching Statement
Evidence of teaching effectiveness
Design Portfolio

We strongly encourage applicants to address the required and desired qualifications in their cover letter along with an explanation of how they will contribute to the Vision and Mission of Michigan Tech.

Applicants will be asked for the names and contact information of three reference providers. At least one letter must address the applicant's teaching abilities. Reference letters and additional materials will be requested at a later stage of the hiring process. Review of applications for full consideration will begin on December 4, 2023, and continue until the position is filled.

Additional Information

Michigan Tech is located in Houghton, MI on the south shore of Lake Superior. Houghton was recently named one of the 100 best small towns in America and the local community provides excellent resources conducive to quality family life. This area is known for natural beauty, pleasant summers, abundant snowfall, and numerous all-season outdoor activities. The University maintains its own downhill and cross-country ski facilities adjacent to campus and a nearby golf course. Numerous cultural activities and opportunities are available on campus and in the community.

Applications from women and BIPOC scholars are highly encouraged by both the department and the institution. Michigan Tech is building a culturally diverse faculty committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment and strongly encourages applications from all individuals.

Michigan Tech is proud to be an ADVANCE Institution that has thrice received National Science Foundation support to increase diversity, inclusion, and the participation and advancement of women and underrepresented individuals in STEM. 

Michigan Tech recognizes the importance of supporting faculty members’ partners; candidates selected for on-campus interviews will be invited to bring a guest.

Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer, that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.