Instructor/Assistant Professor of Product Design (Full-time term appointment, non-tenure-track)

Instructor/Assistant Professor of Product Design (Full-time term appointment, non-tenure-track)

Grand Rapids (Kendall)

92350 - KCAD Product Design

Instructor: $39,000, Assistant Professor: $58,000 pursuant to the KCAD of FSU/KFA agreement.

Please see the following link for a list of benefits offered with this position.

KCAD Faculty Benefits

Exempt

Temporary

Full-Time

Kendall Faculty Association (MEA-NEA)

9 Month

Just Cause

Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University (KCAD) in Grand Rapids, MI prepares artists and designers to have impact through practice. As a KCAD term appointment faculty member, you will engage in three kinds of professional development: continuous improvement in teaching effectiveness, creative and/or scholarly contribution within your discipline, and a college service commitment that includes committee work and community engagement for the advancement of KCAD’s mission. You will actively support student success by advising students regarding their academic plan and progress as well as their co-curricular and post-graduation opportunities. This is a full-time, term (temporary), non-tenure-track faculty appointment with the possibility of renewal. Courses are to be taught in person on KCAD’s campus in Grand Rapids. The candidate(s) selected for the position must reside in Michigan after acceptance of employment.

Teaching assignments for the fall 2025 semester may include subjects and skills such as product design studio, digital modeling (CAD), design drawing (visual presentation), metals/jewelry design, portfolio development, materials and processes, professional practices, foundation drawing, 3D foundations, or other digital foundations courses. Course assignment will be determined based on individual candidate strengths, qualifications, and program needs.

Faculty - Temporary & Continuing

Master’s degree in a related field to content being taught
or:
Master’s degree in unrelated field and additional minimum of 18 graduate credits in a field related to the content being taught
or:
A bachelor’s degree in a related field to content being taught, a minimum of six years of experience working in the field of industry of the content area being taught, and a combination of:

Evidence of recognized accomplishment in area being taught, including awards, bibliography of publication referencing design or art work or scholarship or;

Evidence of scholarly/creative accomplishment in terms of completed design work, patents, exhibitions, presentations, publication, and juried recognition at the regional, national and international level or;

Evidence of service to the field in terms of memberships on committees or boards of professional organizations and other contributions to the field

Minimum of 6 years of relevant professional experience in professional design studio, design consultancy, freelance consulting, or similar professional environment.
Experience applying a combination of the following design skills and practices within product design projects:

Product form and visual theme development

Color, material, and finish application

User experience and human-centered design processes

Design research methods

Visual presentation and communication

Materials and manufacturing processes

• Office Environment
• Bending
• Carrying
• Sitting
• Standing

Some university or college-level teaching

Participate in program and curriculum development and assessment.
Prepare and distribute syllabi according to college standards.
Teach an appropriate course load as assigned.
Assess and evaluate student learning and provide formative feedback.
Keep regular posted office hours.
Advise students for academic and professional development.
Participate in service to the college and in shared governance.
Participate in academic functions including commencement.
Contribute to the college’s continuous improvement.
Demonstrate an understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion, especially in working relationships with students, faculty, staff and community members.
Support, promote, and develop University student enrollment and retention initiatives.
Maintain effective communication with students and colleagues.
Work collaboratively with faculty, students and staff throughout the college.
Contribute to your discipline’s discourse(s).
Engage in scholarly, creative and professional development.
Perform any other duties assigned within the position classification area.

Proficiency with a combination of the following design skills and practices:

Drawing from observation and imagination

At least basic woodworking and shop studio processes

Digital sketching and rendering (Ex. Tablet/Wacom sketching with Photoshop)

Digital modeling, rendering, and animation

Product form and visual theme development

Color, material, and finish application

User experience and human-centered design processes

Design research methods

Strong visual presentation and communication

Knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes

Demonstrated commitment, experience and understanding for diversity, equity and inclusion

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Unofficial Transcript 1
• Portfolio 1

Unofficial Transcript 1(Required): Applicants must attach a copy of unofficial transcripts of degree as described in the Required Education section. Transcripts must include: Institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, and degree awarded. Finalist will be required to submit an official transcript.

Portfolio 1 (Required): Portfolio including a minimum of five product design project examples that demonstrate creative problem solving, application of the design process, and a combination of some the required design skills and practices.

Initial Application Review Date:

March 24, 2025

Yes

Posting Close Date:

Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University’s Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement.

Click here to learn more about working at FSU and KCAD.