Assistant/Associate Professor Consumer and Design Sciences

Auburn University; Auburn (AL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Auburn University invites applications for a tenure track Assistant/Associate Professor in Interior Design starting in Spring or Fall 2027. This position includes teaching at undergraduate and graduate levels, and engaging in scholarly research.

The ideal candidate should possess a terminal degree in Interior Design or related field, with preference given to those with teaching experience and proficiency in relevant software. The role offers an opportunity to work in a nationally ranked program within a supportive academic environment.

Qualifications

• Fluent in English and possess excellent written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Previous teaching experience in higher education is desired.
• Experience with relevant industry-standard software is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate studio and lecture courses in various design areas.
• Pursue a program of scholarly research and grantsmanship.
• Participate in curriculum development and accreditation.

Skills

Fluency in English

Excellent written communication

Interpersonal communication skills

AutoCAD

Revit

Enscape

SketchUp

Adobe Creative software

Education

Terminal degree (PhD or MFA) in Interior Design

ABD candidates considered

Job description

Overview

Interior Design Position

Department of Consumer and Design Sciences

College of Human Sciences, Auburn University

Position: Assistant/Associate Professor, tenure track, nine-month appointment.

Start Date: Negotiable starting in Spring or Fall 2027; but Spring start is desired.

Interior Design Undergraduate Program: The nationally ranked, CIDA-accredited program has approximately 115 pre‑majors at freshman level and 180 majors competitively selected for the sophomore to senior sequenced, studio‑based program that includes a 10‑week professional internship. Students pay an extra professional fee to support specialized program needs and updates, field trips, approved certifications, and others. An industry Advisory Board has provided strong support for over 30 years. The INDS Curriculum is also NASAD credited.

Department and University: The Department of Consumer and Design Sciences has 23 faculty positions (18 full‑time, tenured/tenure track and 5 lecturers), around 590 undergraduates and 30 graduate students. Bachelor of Science programs are Apparel Merchandising, Design and Production Management, with Apparel Design and Merchandising Options; Interior Design; and Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies. The graduate program offers master’s (thesis and non‑thesis) and doctoral degrees in Consumer and Design Sciences. Auburn University, a R1 land‑grant institution with 34172 students, is located in the east Alabama city of Auburn, and has consistently been ranked by US News and World Report as one of the top 50 public universities in the United States. For more information see http://humsci.auburn.edu/cads/ and http://www.auburn.edu/. Auburn University is understanding of and sensitive to family needs of faculty, including dual‑career couples http://www.auburn.edu/academic/provost/facultyjobs/.

Provide application letter, complete CV, transcripts from all universities attended, statement of teaching philosophy; evidence of teaching effectiveness; statement of research scholarship; portfolio of student and/or own professional work; and three professional references with names, email addresses, and phone numbers. Only complete application materials will be considered. Review of applications will begin on September 28, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.

For more information, please contact Search Committee Chair: Wi-Suk Kwon, Search Committee Chair [e-mail]/ 334-844-4011

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate studio and lecture courses, in at least two of the following areas: design foundations/fundamentals; interior materials (e.g., properties, selection, specification, installation); residential design; commercial design; hospitality design; and healthcare/health design; global issues & sustainability practices in interior design.
• Actively pursue a program of scholarly research and grantsmanship.
• Participate in curriculum development, accreditation, and marketing for undergraduate and graduate programs.
• Direct and serve on graduate advising committees.
• Participate in undergraduate student advising.
• Provide service to the department, college, and university.
• Be actively involved in relevant professional associations and with industry entities.

Qualifications

• Terminal degree (i.e., PhD or MFA) in Interior Design or related field required. Will consider candidates who are ABD at employment date with appointment at Instructor level; doctoral degree to be completed within one year of initial hire date.
• The candidate must be fluent in English and must possess excellent written and interpersonal communication skills.
• The candidate selected for this position must be able to meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States at the time employment is scheduled to begin and continue working legally for the proposed term of employment.
• Desired: Previous teaching experience in higher education; previous experience in interior design professional practice; by date of hire, either have passed the NCIDQ exam or meet eligibility requirements to sit for it; WELL AP, LEED, NKBA, AAHID, or other relevant certification(s); experience with and competency in relevant industry-standard software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, Enscape, SketchUp, Adobe Creative software); ability to advance program excellence in the realm of interior design-relevant technologies and sustainability practices.
• Desired for associate professor-level candidates: evidence of sustained research productivity with a demonstrated record of grantsmanship; experience with CIDA accreditation process.

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement

It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance website to learn more.