Professional Practice Assistant Professor - Outdoor Product Design and Development - Utah State University

Overview:

The Department of Technology, Design, and Technical Education (TDTE) at Utah State University is searching for a candidate to fill a faculty position as a Professional Practice Assistant Professor in the Outdoor Product Design and Development (OPDD) degree program. This unique program offers academic, field, and industry-based experiences that bring together design, engineering, outdoor recreation, sustainability, business, and many other concepts important in the supply chain of outdoor products and industry. The OPDD program offers a Bachelor of Science degree that prepares students for product design, development, and product line management in the outdoor and other product-related industries.

 

This is a full-time, non-tenure track academic year appointment (nine months), on the Utah State University campus in Logan, Utah. Review of applications will begin in May 2024, and application reviews and interviews will continue until the position is filled. The preferred starting date for this position is August 2024. 

Responsibilities:

With a primary role assignment of teaching (95%), the successful candidate will develop and teach undergraduate courses for the OPDD degree program.  The instructional focus will be placed on the design and development-oriented curriculum for OPDD students. Specific techniques will include an emphasis on outdoor, sport, or related gear and/or apparel design, development, construction, advanced sewing, manufacturing methods, and prototyping with knowledge in sustainable practices and relevant applications. Additional responsibilities include responsibility of managing lab spaces, such as the KLIM cut and sew lab, lab technicians, budgets, and equipment. The successful candidate will also aid other OPDD and department faculty in preparing and delivering course materials supporting extracurricular activities. In addition, the effective use of USU’s learning management system (i.e., Canvas) is required to provide course materials.

 

The additional role assignment is service (5%), and the successful candidate will be expected to provide meaningful service to the department, campus, university, the profession, and the community. 

Qualifications:

Minimum Requirements:

• Earned BA, BS, BFA, MS, MA, MFA, or Ph.D. degree in a design-oriented degree such as, Apparel Design, Textile Science, Industrial Design, Design, Sports Product Design, Technology and Manufacturing, or closely related field (completed by appointment date).
  
  • If holding a bachelor’s degree, a minimum of five years of design or development experience working with a company or companies that manufacture and/or market products used in outdoor recreation or similar activities.
  • If holding a master’s degree, a minimum of three years of experience in the above.
  • If holding a doctorate level degree, a minimum of two years of experience in the above.
• Ability to prototype using industry-standard equipment in gear and/or apparel fabrication.
• Record of successful partnerships with multiple companies involved in the designing, developing, and/or manufacturing of sustainable products used in outdoor recreation or similar activities.
• Demonstrated capacity to succeed in teaching at the university level and a commitment to becoming a better instructor.
• An ability to accommodate varying student learning needs through experiential lab and hands-on learning, lecture, self-directed learning, online learning, and capstone projects.
• Cultural sensitivity and an ability to build rapport with a culturally diverse workforce in a multicultural setting.
• Dynamic interpersonal skills and a commitment as a team member; ability to foster consensus and collaboration.
• Preferred Requirements:
• Five or more years of design experience working with a company or companies that design, manufacture, and/or market products used in outdoor recreation, sports, or similar industries.
• Gear/apparel construction and advanced sewing experience with typical machines used in industry.
• University teaching experience.
• Demonstrated basic knowledge of online learning systems, such as Canvas or equivalent.
• Textile product production knowledge.
• Ability to contribute to OPDD’s commitment to broaden the participation of underrepresented groups.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities in one or more of the following:

• 2D and 3D design skills
• Proficiency in Adobe products (Illustrator & Photoshop) and Excel or equivalent.
• Proficiency in soft goods 3D modeling and rendering in Clo, Browzwear, or equivalent.
• Understanding of the Higg Index and other sustainability metrics.
• Knowledge of sustainability, circular design, and other sustainable practices.
• Gear construction experience.
• Advanced sewing and seam welding experience.
• Patterning experience.
• Manufacturing and production knowledge.
• Performance textiles knowledge.
• Technical package experience.
• Prototyping experience.
• First-hand experience in directing and collaborating with domestic and/or international manufacturing facilities.

Required Documents:

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV." Please include the following on your Resume/CV:
   • Educational degrees and dates of completion
   • Employment with dates and description of responsibilities
   • Professional certifications and dates of completion
   • A list of the software that you use regularly and the level of experience
   • A list of your professional publications, memberships, awards/recognition, and the associated dates.
2. Cover letter to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”. Please describe your qualifications for this OPDD position and a detailed explanation of your teaching philosophy in your cover letter.
3. Copy of all post-secondary course/degree transcripts to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”. Official transcripts will be required of all people selected for a campus interview.
4. Optional supplemental materials, such as a portfolio of work may be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10." A portfolio will be required for finalists during interviews. 
5. Name and contact information for five professional references to be entered into Candidate Profile

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Advertised Salary:Commensurate with experience, plus excellent benefitsADA:

Employees typically work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.  

University Highlights:

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university, with a strong commitment to excellence, access, and inclusion, empowering people to lead successful lives of involvement, innovation, and impact. Utah State provides high-quality education to 27,500-plus students locations throughout the state, including at three residential campuses, eight statewide campuses, and 23 education centers. USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge through research and scholarly activities, providing a high-quality undergraduate and graduate education at an affordable price.

 

Utah State is committed to cultivating a community of inclusive excellence where all perspectives, values, cultures, and identities are acknowledged, welcomed, and valued. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

 

About the Region

U.S. News and World Report ranked Utah first for its strong economy, fiscal stability, education, and health care. Outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities abound throughout the state, including five national parks, 43 state parks and recreation areas, and 15 alpine ski resorts. The home of USU’s main campus, Logan, is a city of 54,000-plus people in a picturesque mountain valley 80 miles north of Salt Lake City. The Logan metro area claimed the top spot in the Milken Institute’s 2022 ranking for best-performing small cities in the nation. 

 

*updated 04/2024

Notice of Non-discrimination:

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

 

Executive Director of the Office of Equity Matthew Pinner, discrimination@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266

Title IX Coordinator Cody Carmichael, titleix@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 404, 435-797-1266

Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://equity.usu.edu/, or contact:

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, OCR@ed.gov

*updated 09/2023