Assistant Professor, Design with AI - Dubai Campus

Heriot-Watt University; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

An established international university seeks an Assistant Professor in Design with AI to join its vibrant Dubai campus. This role offers a unique opportunity to integrate cutting-edge design practices with artificial intelligence, fostering innovative teaching and research. The successful candidate will engage in curriculum development, mentor students, and collaborate across campuses to enhance the educational experience. Join a dynamic team dedicated to addressing contemporary challenges in design, such as sustainability and technology integration, while contributing to a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. This is a chance to make a significant impact in the field of design education.

Benefits

Professional Development Opportunities

Research Funding

Collaborative Work Environment

Health Insurance

Relocation Assistance

Qualifications

• PhD or Masters in Design or related field is essential.
• Teaching experience and curriculum development skills are required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct teaching and assessment duties to support student learning.
• Develop teaching materials and contribute to curriculum design.

Skills

Adobe Software

Artificial Intelligence

Design Ethics

Effective Communication

Curriculum Development

Education

PhD in Design or related field

Masters in Design or related field

Tools

Research Software

Digital Literacy Tools

Job description

Description

Role: Assistant Professor in Design with AI

Contract Type: Teaching & Research

Contract Duration: Open Ended

Grade: 7

Location: Dubai Campus

About our Team

We have staff across two campuses delivering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, fostering a vibrant research culture with increasing design research funding.

You will join an international team at our Dubai Campus, contributing to a dynamic environment for teaching, learning, research, and knowledge exchange. Our community of dedicated academics and motivated students focuses on industry-relevant outcomes, with a strong reputation for graduate employability. Our funded research emphasizes ethics, excellence, and rigor, embodying Heriot-Watt's pioneering spirit.

The design portfolio on the Dubai campus is expanding, focusing on industrial, social, smart, sustainable cities, and systemic design. Programs include Communication Design, Fashion Branding and Promotion, Interior Architecture, and Design Management, delivered by passionate academics from diverse backgrounds. Our discipline emphasizes innovative, creative practices across cultural, environmental, social, and technological domains, addressing issues like Climate Change, Healthcare, Wellbeing, NetZero, and Future Mobility. Courses are delivered collaboratively across our Dubai and UK campuses.

About the Role

We seek enthusiastic academics with teaching and research experience, or those willing to develop research and showcase innovative pedagogies. Successful candidates will build links with colleagues in Scotland to enhance program delivery, student engagement, and external collaborations, including with Edinburgh, Dubai, Galashiels, and Malaysia campuses.

Job Description

The candidate should possess broad practical and theoretical knowledge of 21st-century Design, with particular expertise in Adobe software, Artificial Intelligence, Design Ethics, and their application in branding, marketing, promotion, management, innovation, and interior architecture. The role involves integrating Design with AI into curricula, leading or overseeing program development, and creating new courses aligned with industry needs. Candidates with research interests in these areas and publication potential are preferred.

Teaching and research should be grounded in contemporary design studies, incorporating historical, theoretical, and practical perspectives. The role requires proactive cross-disciplinary collaboration, contributing to existing courses and developing new ones to enhance the student experience.

The position is based at the Dubai campus, with courses delivered in English. An induction program will be provided to familiarize new staff with Heriot-Watt standards, teaching practices, and assessment methods.

Key duties and responsibilities

• Undertake teaching and assessment duties, supporting course delivery and student learning.
• Develop teaching materials and contribute to curriculum design, review, and quality assurance, including professional accreditation support.
• Mentor and supervise students, including PhD candidates, providing timely feedback and pastoral support.
• Stay updated with developments in business, enterprise, scholarship, research, and innovation, integrating these into teaching.
• Conduct research in design and AI, aiming for international excellence, and publish in scholarly journals.
• Establish and maintain links with industry, external organizations, and educational sectors.
• Collaborate with colleagues across campuses and external networks for knowledge exchange and research impact.
• Promote and market design programs, participate in recruitment events, and engage in community and public events.
• Participate in administrative tasks related to program planning, examinations, and committees. Senior roles involve additional leadership responsibilities, research output, and funded projects.
• Engage in continuous professional development and staff training activities.

Education and Qualification

Essential

• PhD, Masters, or equivalent in an appropriate discipline.
• Teaching experience and curriculum development skills.
• Effective communication and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of contemporary AI practices in creative and design industries.
• Research experience and ability to translate research into teaching.
• Fluency in English (verbal and written).
• Potential for independent and collaborative research and scholarship.

Desirable

• Membership in professional bodies.
• Teaching qualification or commitment to obtain one.
• Experience at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
• Industry links and understanding of graduate employability skills.
• Interdisciplinary practice and research experience.
• Excellent digital literacy, report writing, and adaptability.
• Mentoring, tutoring, PhD supervision, and publication record.
• Experience with funded research and peer review processes.

About Heriot-Watt

Founded in 1821, Heriot-Watt University is renowned for world-class teaching, research, and enterprise, particularly in business and industry. We are a vibrant, innovative university with a strong international presence, including campuses in Dubai, Scotland, Malaysia, and the Scottish Borders, serving around 30,000 students worldwide.

Our community fosters innovation, leadership, and continuous improvement, guided by our core values: Belong, Collaborate, Inspire, Celebrate. We aim to create an environment where staff and students can excel, supported by a collaborative and inclusive culture.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and CV via our online recruitment system. Successful candidates must provide degree attestations from a UAE-accredited institution or MoE equivalency within six months of joining. The appointment is contingent upon completing all legal and immigration formalities.