Adjunct Instructor for IDeATe: E-Textiles

Carnegie Mellon University; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 3,000 - 6,000; Part time

Job summary

Carnegie Mellon University invites applications for a part-time Adjunct Instructor to teach IDeATe E-Textiles, a one-unit undergraduate micro course. The course will meet 10:30-3:30 on three consecutive Saturdays during the Fall semester, and introductory sessions cover wearable technology and textile-based electronics.

The instructor will plan and deliver studio sessions, guide hands-on projects, ensure safe use of materials, and assess student work following university policies.

Qualifications

• Professional or teaching experience in e-textiles, wearable technology, textile-based interaction design, soft electronics, or a closely related field.
• Experience integrating electronic components with textiles, including conductive materials, sensors, LEDs, or microcontrollers.
• Strong fabrication and prototyping skills.
• Ability to teach students with little or no prior technical experience.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver an engaging series of studio sessions.
• Introduce students to foundational concepts in wearable technology and electronic textiles.
• Demonstrate safe use of materials, tools, and equipment.
• Guide students through hands-on exercises and a small creative project.
• Foster a positive learning environment.
• Assess student work and submit grades in accordance with university policies.

Job description

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Open Date

Jul 31, 2026

Deadline

Sep 04, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Description

The IDeATe network at Carnegie Mellon University invites applications for a part-time Adjunct Instructor to teach IDeATe E-Textiles, a one-unit undergraduate micro course offered during the Fall semester and will meet 10:30-3:30 on three consecutive Saturdays.

IDeATe micro courses are intensive, hands-on learning experiences taught over several consecutive sessions. They introduce students from a wide range of majors to emerging creative technologies through project-based learning.

The E-Textiles course introduces students to the integration of electronics with textiles and soft materials. Students explore techniques for incorporating conductive materials, sensors, lighting, and simple programmable components into fabric-based projects while developing an understanding of both creative design and practical fabrication. The course emphasizes experimentation, making, and iterative prototyping in a studio environment.

Responsibilities

The instructor will:

Plan and deliver an engaging series of studio sessions.

Introduce students to foundational concepts in wearable technology and electronic textiles.

Demonstrate safe use of materials, tools, and equipment.

Guide students through hands-on exercises and a small creative project.

Foster a positive learning environment.

Assess student work and submit grades in accordance with university policies.

About IDeATe

The Integrative Design, Arts, and Technology (IDeATe) network is Carnegie Mellon University's interdisciplinary undergraduate initiative connecting technology, creative practice, design, and critical inquiry. IDeATe courses enroll students from every college at the university and emphasize experiential, project-based learning in collaborative environments.

Qualifications

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Professional or teaching experience in e-textiles, wearable technology, textile-based interaction design, soft electronics, or a closely related field.
• Experience integrating electronic components with textiles, including conductive materials, sensors, LEDs, or microcontrollers.
• Strong fabrication and prototyping skills.
• Ability to teach students with little or no prior technical experience.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Preference will be given to candidates with:

• Experience working in interdisciplinary art, design, engineering, or maker communities.
• Familiarity with Arduino, CircuitPython, or similar physical computing platforms.
• Experience supporting project-based learning environments.

Application Process

This institution is using Interfolio's Faculty Search to conduct this search. Applicants to this position receive a free Dossier account and can send all application materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, free of charge.

Carnegie Mellon University is an equal opportunity employer. It does not discriminate in admission, employment, or administration of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy or related condition, family status, marital status, parental status, religion, ancestry, veteran status, or genetic information. Furthermore, Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate and is required not to discriminate in violation of federal, state, or local laws or executive orders.