Associate or Full Professor, Head of Industrial Design Program

State of South Carolina

  • Richland County, SC
  • 5 days ago

    Highlights

    The University of South Carolinas Industrial Design degree (B.S.I.D.) is set to launch in Fall 2027 and was designed at the university presidents initiative to be a sibling program to the Industrial Engineering degree in the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing in response to the growth of several industrial and manufacturing sectors in the state. 3900 sq ft makerspace and its contents; strategic planning for major recruitment and program growth; forming and cultivating industry relations in South Carolina; and collaborating with colleagues in the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing (MCEC).

    Numbers & Facts

    LocationRichland County, SC

    Description

    Associate or Full Professor, Head of Industrial Design Program

    Salary

    See Position Description

    Location

    Richland County, SC

    Job Type

    FTE - Full-Time

    Job Number

    9797828

    Agency

    University of South Carolina

    Opening Date

    09/08/2026

    Closing Date

    11/7/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

    Class Code:

    UG75

    Position Number:

    9797828

    Normal Work Schedule:

    Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)

    Pay Grade

    Unclassified

    EEO Statement

    Equal Opportunity Employer

    Agency Specific Application Procedures:

    Your application must be submitted online at https://apptrkr.com/9797828. Google Chrome must be used as the preferred internet browser to enter the applicant portal. QuickLink (Place in Browser): https://apptrkr.com/9797828

    Veteran Preference Statement

    South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.

    • Description
    • Benefits

    Job Responsibilities

    Associate or Full Professor, Head of Industrial Design Program

    Department: CAS School of Visual Art and Design

    Part/Full Time: Full Time

    Advertised Salary Range: We offer a competitive salary and benefits package.

    About UofSC

    From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelors degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service - helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

    Advertised Job Summary

    The School of Visual Art and Design (SVAD) in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences at

    the University of South Carolina invites applications for a full-time, nine-month tenured faculty

    position at the rank of Associate or Full Professor in Industrial Design, to begin August 16, 2027.

    The selected candidate will also serve as the inaugural Head of the new Industrial Design Program.

    The University of South Carolinas Industrial Design degree (B.S.I.D.) is set to launch in Fall 2027 and was designed at the university presidents initiative to be a sibling program to the Industrial Engineering degree in the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing in response to the growth of several industrial and manufacturing sectors in the state. The program curriculum is in place and SVAD will soon occupy a nearly 3900 sq ft makerspace with three faculty offices, directly next door to the main SVAD building. The college will outfit the space with industrial design and digital fabrication equipment. The nearby wood and metal shops and ceramics studio will complement the resources in the makerspace. This tenured position is part of a cluster of presidential hiring in both colleges for Industrial Engineering (INDE) and Industrial Design (IDEA). This position is the lead faculty person in a group of three in Industrial Design. Two Assistant Professor positions in Industrial Design are being listed simultaneously, also to begin in August 2027.

    The tenured faculty member will be the inaugural Head of the Industrial Design Program. The ideal candidate will have demonstrable research expertise in the form of publications and/or an extensive design portfolio. The Head of the IDEA Program will lead the launch of the new degree, including the direction of two Assistant Professors (to be hired simultaneously); administrative oversight of an approx. 3900 sq ft makerspace and its contents; strategic planning for major recruitment and program growth; forming and cultivating industry relations in South Carolina; and collaborating with colleagues in the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing (MCEC). The Head of the Industrial Design Program will report directly to the Director of SVAD and the Area Coordinator of Studio Art & Design.

    In addition to teaching, the tenured faculty member will maintain an active research agenda (including creative production), mentor students and colleagues, and undertake institutional and professional service.

    Required Education and Experience

    • Master of Industrial Design (MID), Master of Design (MDes), or equivalent, or Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in related discipline, or PhD in Industrial Design or closely related field.
    • Demonstrable record of scholarship (including creative production) of national or international significance, grant and/or industry funding, and teaching and service appropriate to the rank of tenured Associate or Full Professor.

    Preferred Qualifications

    No additional preferred qualifications.

    Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

    Job Close Date

    Special Instructions to Applicant

    All applicants must apply online through USCJobs at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Submit your application using the following link: https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/212447. A complete application includes: (1) a cover letter describing the candidates research and teaching interests; (2) a curriculum vitae; and (3) the names and email addresses of three professional references.

    Letters of reference will be requested from referees for those applicants advancing to the interview stage. Review of applications will begin October 15, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Inquiries about this position may be directed to the search committee co-chairs: Meena Khalili at mkhalili@mailbox.sc.edu and Laura Kissel at kissel@mailbox.sc.edu.

    Positions are advertised for a minimum of forty-five (45) days on our job website. After forty-five (45) days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This position is open until filled. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.

    To apply, please visit: https://apptrkr.com/9797828

    EEO Statement

    The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities on the basis of race, sex, gender, gender identity, transgender status, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.

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    Minimum and Additional Requirements

    Required Education and Experience

    • Master of Industrial Design (MID), Master of Design (MDes), or equivalent, or Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in related discipline, or PhD in Industrial Design or closely related field.
    • Demonstrable record of scholarship (including creative production) of national or international significance, grant and/or industry funding, and teaching and service appropriate to the rank of tenured Associate or Full Professor.

    Benefits for State Employees

    The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

    Insurance Benefits

    Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

    Retirement Benefits

    State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

    Workplace Benefits

    State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

    Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.

    Employer State of South Carolina

    Agency University of South Carolina Address Division of Human Resources

    Columbia, South Carolina, 29208

    Phone 803-777-3821

    The language used in this document does not create an employment contract between the employee and the agency. This document does not create any contractual rights or entitlements. The agency reserves the right to revise the content of this document, in whole or in part. No promises or assurances, whether written or oral, which are contrary to or inconsistent with the terms of this paragraph create any contract of employment.

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