Assi. Prof. Bachelor of User Exp. Design
Assistant Professor, Bachelor of Design
Digital / User Experience Design
(Full-Time Tenure-Track Appointment)
Faculty of Fine Arts and Communications
About Us
MacEwan University is where caring faculty help people connect their passions to their future paths. Located in the heart of Edmonton's diverse and dynamic downtown community, and on the traditional lands of Treaty 6 First Nations and homelands of the Métis people, MacEwan is known for exceptional undergraduate learning. With its dedication to teaching excellence, informed by scholarly research, innovation, and creative activity, MacEwan provides an exceptional collaborative and supportive learning environment with a commitment to human rights, environmental sustainability, and opportunities for community engagement. We are committed to creating an equitable, diverse, inclusive, and welcoming community for all peoples, cultures, and identities.
Our comprehensive undergraduate university offers 59 programs to more than 18,000 full- and part-time students in business, communications, community and human services, design, fine and performing arts, health, humanities, natural science, nursing, public safety, and social science. Through a wide array of experiential learning opportunities, and strategic relationships in the community, we partner with others to produce graduates of stature. Along with a robust grounding in their chosen disciplines, MacEwan students are given durable life skills that prepare them to take on the world.
The Opportunity
The Department of Design in the Faculty of Fine Arts and Communications invites applications for a full-time tenure-track appointment in Digital / User Experience Design at the rank of Assistant Professor, commencing July 1, 2023.
Qualifications
Candidates for this position must have demonstrated expertise in the area of digital experience design (encompassing: user experience design, interaction design, user interface design). Candidates should also possess skills and knowledge that allow them to connect digital experience design to another field of design (information design / data visualization, motion graphics, branding, video, etc.). Priority will be given to candidates with expertise in both digital experience design and information design / data visualization.
The candidate will hold a minimum of a master’s degree in design or in a related field, and have teaching experience in design at the post-secondary level, and industry or research experience. The candidate must demonstrate excellence or clear promise of excellence in teaching and research.
Duties and responsibilities
Essential duties and responsibilities include the following (other duties may be assigned):
Instruct students in digital experience design courses and courses in another field of design (information design / data visualization, motion graphics, branding, video, etc.).
Provide learning activities that stimulate student involvement and encourage critical thinking.
Provide concrete, constructive, respectful and actionable feedback to students.
Maintain competencies in the subject area and currency in instructional methodologies through professional associations and professional development.
Maintain an active research and/or creative practice.
Participate in curriculum development and implementation.
Serve on University-wide, faculty and departmental committees, as needed.
About MacEwan Design
The MacEwan Design Department has been graduating well-respected designers for 50 years. We recently launched a 4-year baccalaureate degree in 2019. This degree is unique in Canada, envisioning design as not just an applied art but also an applied social science. This human-centred approach will allow students to better understand the audience/users they are designing for, and to more effectively evaluate their design outcomes. We currently offer 45 courses in design, providing students with a large range to explore within the discipline. The degree currently has four main pathways – Visual Communication Design; Digital Experience Design; Photo, Video & Motion Graphics; and Illustration. The Digital Experience Design pathway is the largest UX/IX design program in the prairies and is also offered as a minor to Computing Science, Psychology, Sociology, Business, and Communication students at MacEwan University. In addition, MacEwan Design hosts the largest UX conference in the prairies, called UX Camp. Learn more about Digital Experience Design at MacEwan.
The Design Department at MacEwan University prepares students to become the creative design leaders of tomorrow. Students are immersed in the knowledge, processes, methods and skills of the discipline: the ability to research and identify problems and provide communication solutions within a given social and environmental context; use tools of the field to give form to their concepts while recognizing the cultural significance and meaning of them; communicate and defend solutions to team members and stakeholders; and organize and manage design projects and client relations. Learn more about Design at MacEwan.
About Edmonton and its Digital Community
Edmonton is the capital city of the Province of Alberta and has a diverse population of over 1.3 million people. It boasts the largest urban park in North America, with many opportunities for recreation in the summer and winter. Edmonton has a vibrant food scene and is known as “Festival City," home to North America's oldest and largest Fringe festival as well as more than 30 major festivals celebrating music, theatre, dance, visual arts, street performers, ethnic food, and more. Learn more about Edmonton and living in Alberta.
Edmonton’s tech sector is the fastest growing in North America, where affordable talent has attracted investment from the biggest tech companies. Edmonton is home to amii, an institute that supports world-leading research in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Here, at MacEwan University, we kick-started several key collaborations with the Computing Science department: a multidisciplinary course that brings DXD and Computing Science students together to build a digital product from concept to delivery; a DXD Minor for BSc students, most of which are Computing Science students; Life on the Edge research project, a video game that teaches cell biology to university students.
This strong digital community has created Edmonton Unlimited, one of the most active tech startup incubators in Canada, with several tech meetups every week. Edmonton is also home to a thriving gaming industry that makes critically acclaimed games played worldwide.
Application Details
Applicants should submit the following:
a cover letter (with competition number stated)
a curriculum vitae
recent teaching evaluations
a statement of teaching philosophy and approaches (including sample course outlines, projects and student work)
a statement of research interests and experience (including examples of your professional or creative work, communications and/or publications)
names and contact information for three references
How to Apply
To apply, go to https://www.macewan.ca/careers and select the job posting (22.10.252). If you require assistance, please contact us at careers@macewan.ca.
Review of applications will commence January 17, 2023, and the competition will remain open until the successful candidate has been found.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
Questions about this position may be addressed to Robert Andruchow, Chair, Department of Design, at andruchowr@macewan.ca.
Diversity Statement
MacEwan University is committed to fostering the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion within our community, and we are dedicated to removing barriers that have been historically encountered and are currently experienced by some members of our society. We welcome and encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, visible minorities, women, persons with disabilities, sexual and gender minorities, and members of all equity-deserving groups. We believe that the diversity of our students, staff, and faculty serves as a strength of our institution and benefit to society. We are committed to ensuring full and inclusive participation for all in our community.
Accessibility Statement
We strive to provide an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, beginning with the hiring process. If you require accommodation, we want to ensure you have the support you need to showcase your abilities. Please contact humanresources@macewan.ca and we will support you to the best of our ability.
This position is included under the Faculty Association collective agreement.
Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience
Personal Information Collection Notification
Personal information is being collected to determine your qualifications for employment. This information is collected, used and protected under the authority of and in accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. It may be provided to non-HR members of a hiring and interview panel if your application advances to that stage of the hiring process. If you have any questions about these arrangements, please contact: Human Resources, University Services Centre, Rm. 10-600, 10700-104 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 4S2 or phone (780) 497-5434.
