Job Information
The Ohio State University Visiting Assistant Professor in Columbus, Ohio
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Job Title:
Visiting Assistant Professor
Department:
Arts and Sciences | Design
Position Overview
The Department of Design at The Ohio State University invites applications for a Visiting Assistant Professor of Design Research , to begin August 15, 2026. This is a full-time, non-tenure-track appointment.
The successful candidate will possess expertise in participatory design (also referred to as co-design), generative design research, and social innovation and equity-centered design. We seek a colleague with a participatory mindset who can contribute to advancing design research practices that center people, communities, and complex systems. This faculty member will teach at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and contribute to the Design Research and Development graduate program while supporting broader departmental teaching needs. Experience leading or co-leading design research teams in both industry and academic contexts will be greatly appreciated.
Applicants should demonstrate a record of scholarly or creative activity grounded in both academic and professional practice, along with a commitment to student-centered pedagogy and mentorship across diverse student populations. The ideal candidate will also show potential for collaboration across disciplines and engagement with industry, professional communities, and public-facing design initiatives.
The Department of Design includes Experiential Media Design, Industrial Design, Interior Design, and Visual Communication Design, offering rich opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. The successful candidate may also contribute to collaborative research and creative activity through centers such as the Social Innovation and Sustainability Lab (DESIS Lab), the Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence (CDME), and the Advanced Computing Center for the Arts and Design (ACCAD).
Performance Objectives
Teaching and Mentorship
Teach six courses per academic year (studios and/or seminars) at the undergraduate and graduate levels in design research methods, participatory design, and related areas of specialization.
Mentor and advise students across undergraduate and graduate programs, supporting their academic, professional, and creative development.
Contribute to the department’s commitment to inclusive, student-centered teaching practices.
Research and Scholarship
Maintain an active program of scholarly and/or creative research in design research and related areas.
Pursue external funding opportunities at national and international levels.
Engage in collaborative and transdisciplinary research initiatives within and beyond the university.
Service and Engagement
Participate in departmental service, including committee work and program support.
Contribute to graduate student recruitment and retention efforts.
Engage with professional organizations, industry partners, and broader design communities.
Support and contribute to the department’s design culture through teaching, scholarship, and service.
Education and Experience Requirements
Required:
Graduate degree in Design, Systems Design, Cognitive Science, Psychology, Anthropology, or a related field; PhD strongly preferred.
Minimum of three years of professional experience as a design researcher.
Minimum of three years of teaching experience at the post-secondary level (may overlap with professional experience).
Demonstrated expertise in participatory design (co-design), generative design research, and equity-centered design practices.
Evidence of effectiveness in teaching and mentoring across diverse student populations.
Demonstrated record of scholarly or creative research activity in both academic and applied contexts.
Desired:
Expertise in one or more of the following areas: speculative design, service design, strategic design, systems design, community-engaged design, emerging technologies, critical design, transition design, and/or design futures.
Experience leading or co-leading design research teams in academic and/or industry settings.
Established network within industry, professional organizations, and design research communities.
Ohio State provides access to a depth and breadth of opportunities and resources. Starting your first day, Ohio State offers you a comprehensive benefits package (https://hr.osu.edu/benefits/) .
How to Apply
To be considered, please submit your application electronically via Workday. Application period closes on May 1, 2026.
A competitive application consists of the following required elements:
Attachment 1 : Cover Letter: 1-2 page letter, which should include a brief summary of your academic background and why you are interested in this opportunity.
Attachment 2 : CV (Curriculum Vitae): Detailed overview of your scholarly experience, including your research experience, teaching and mentoring experience, service, funding, and publications. Please include three names and contact information for three references.
Attachment 3 : Portfolio of professional and/or student work (PDF or link to website).
Additional Information:
The College
With more than 80 majors and 100 minors, the College of Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of the university. The Arts and Sciences provides extraordinary opportunities to collaborate across disciplines, blending creativity and analysis to truly be at the forefront of thought. The breadth and depth of knowledge in the college gives students and researchers the critical thinking and adaptability essential for a lifetime of success.
Department Information
The Department of Design offers collaborative learning opportunities in four undergraduate majors (https://design.osu.edu/undergrad/programs) (Experiential Media Design, Industrial Design, Interior Design, and Visual Communication Design) and two master’s degree tracks (Digital Animation and Interactive Media (https://design.osu.edu/grad/daim) and Design Research and Development (https://design.osu.edu/grad/drd) ). The successful applicant can anticipate an opportunity to teach in more than one program. The ability to teach from a student-centered perspective at the undergraduate and graduate levels and support the department’s long-standing commitment to increasing the diversity of the design professions is expected.
The University
Ohio State is a top-20 public university, and its Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is one of America’s leading academic health centers. Eligible Ohio State employees receive comprehensive benefits packages, including medical, dental and vision insurance, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, and state or alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.
Grounded in Ohio State University’s Shared Values (https://www.osu.edu/shared-values) , our university community welcomes differences, encourages open-minded exploration and courageous thinking, and upholds freedom of expression.
The Ohio State University is committed to enhancing academic excellence. Recruiting, supporting, and retaining faculty of the highest caliber is a core component of this commitment. The Office of Academic Affairs (OAA) has established central resources to focus on offering support to new and prospective faculty and their loved ones. Service offerings include dual career partner consultation, potential employer and/or employment opportunity identification, consultation and resources related to relocation, as well as identifying opportunities to engage on campus and in the surrounding community. While employment opportunities are not guaranteed, resources and consultation are available. More information about dual career and faculty recruitment can be found here (https://faculty.osu.edu/faculty-support/faculty-life/dual-careers-and-faculty-relocation) .
In addition to being responsive to dual-career opportunities, we strongly promote work-life balance to support our community members through a suite of institutionalized policies. Ohio State is a member of the Michigan, Ohio, Western Pennsylvania & West Virginia HERC.
Located in Ohio’s capital city, Ohio State’s Columbus campus is near the center of a rapidly growing and vibrant metropolitan area with a population of over 1.5 million. The area offers a wide range of affordable housing, many cultural and recreational opportunities, excellent schools, and a strong economy based on government as well as service, transportation, and technology industries. Additional information about the Columbus area is available here (https://visit.osu.edu/experience) . Beyond its Columbus campus, Ohio State has four regional campuses including Ohio State Lima, Ohio State Mansfield, Ohio State Marion, and Ohio State Newark, in addition to the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) Wooster Campus, which houses Ohio State ATI.
The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.
Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. Additionally, there may be further requirements specific to the college or unit, which could include drug and health screenings, as well as faculty misconduct checks depending on the rank of the position.
Location:
Hayes Hall (0039)
Position Type:
Regular
Scheduled Hours:
40
Shift:
First Shift
The Ohio State University believes in diversity in people and ideas. What Ohio State does matters. And how we do it matters. When we are at our best, we make a real difference to people. Our size, breadth, geography, history and standard of excellence position us to drive the future of higher education. We believe that the university should be a place where people can work and learn together in a safe environment, free of violence, harassment, discrimination, exploitation, or intimidation. As such, finalists for any faculty position that carries tenure must sign an authorization and disclosure form, which will allow current or prior employer(s) to share information to the University regarding any findings of employment-related misconduct or disciplinary proceedings against a candidate and/or any pending investigations related to alleged misconduct. Such information shall include findings and pending investigations with respect to sexual harassment, violence, or harassment; research misconduct; financial fraud or misconduct; foreign influence violations, grant misuse or misconduct; and/or any other type of finding or pending investigation relating to a candidate’s employer’s policies and rules governing faculty conduct that may reasonably be expected to affect a candidate’s appointment. If the University becomes aware of any past finding of misconduct or pending investigations that were not disclosed, Ohio State will treat that as a serious omission and reserves the right to rescind an offer or terminate employment.
Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.
Thank you for your interest in positions at The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by visiting the Candidate Home (https://osu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/OSUCareers/userHome) section of this site. Please view your submitted applications by logging in and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions please review the frequently asked questions (https://hr.osu.edu/careers/faq/) .
The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.
At Ohio State, you’ll find work that inspires you. We offer roles and growth opportunities in countless fields and specialties — including a job that’s right for you .
Ohio State benefits (https://hr.osu.edu/benefits/) give you options to take care of what matters most to you — and opportunities to make adjustments as your life and needs change, including:
• Medical, dental and vision coverage, with Ohio State paying a significant portion of the cost.
• Paid time off, including sick and vacation time and 11 holidays.
• State retirement plan or an alternative retirement plan, both with generous employer contributions.
As Buckeyes, we accomplish more together. No matter your role, you’ll be part of creating what people need now: pathways to education, research and health care.
Working at Ohio State means you’re part of a team with a strong sense of community and an unwavering commitment to excellence — and, of course, incomparable Buckeye spirit. We bring out the best in people, help each other succeed and learn together.
By joining Ohio State, you become part of a top-20 public university with one of America’s leading academic health centers. We’re a team of dedicated colleagues with access to boundless resources that support you.
Review the Frequently Asked Questions (https://hr.osu.edu/careers/faq/) for details on using Workday and submitting your application.