Assistant Professor, Graphic Design R-1727

Louisiana Tech University; Ruston (LA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full-time faculty benefits

Funding opportunities for research and

Promotion process support

Job summary

Louisiana Tech University invites applications for an Assistant Professor of Graphic Design in the Graphic Design Program within the School of Design. This is a nine-month, tenure-track, full-time position beginning September 2026.

We seek candidates with a strong foundation in graphic design and broad expertise in contemporary issues, technologies, and practices. The successful applicant will teach across core areas including design foundations, 2D/3D motion design, web/UI/UX, experience

Qualifications

• Terminal degree (MFA, M.Des, or Ph.D. in Design) in Graphic Design or related field.
• Proven professional design experience with a strong body of work in practice or research.
• University-level teaching experience addressing contemporary topics in design.
• Proficiency with contemporary design tools and software.
• Experience in collaborative design processes and curriculum development.
• Strong interpersonal skills evidenced by student work and recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Teach graphic design studio and seminar classes across BFA/MFA programs.
• Sustain a professional practice or engage in scholarly research.
• Actively recruit undergraduate and graduate students.
• Advise and mentor students; contribute to retention and success.
• Manage departmental records and contribute to curriculum innovation.
• Foster community and identity within the Design program; participate in service.

Skills

University teaching experience

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Student mentorship

Communication

Professional practice

Education

MFA/Ph.D. in Design

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

UI/UX design tools

Job description

Thank you for your interest in employment with Louisiana Tech University.

The Graphic Design Program within the Louisiana Tech University School of Design invites applications for an Assistant Professor of Graphic Design. This position is a full-time, nine-month tenure track position beginning in September 2026. We welcome applicants with a strong foundation in graphic design and broad-based expertise in contemporary issues, technologies, and practices.

A successful applicant will have an active record of professional achievement and a strong body of work that may be scholarly, client-driven, and/or self-generated. The applicant will be expected to teach in any of the following areas, but not limited to graphic design foundations, 2D/3D motion design, web design, including UI/UX, experience design, and data visualization.

The new faculty member will teach, advise and mentor students at all levels of the Graphic Design BFA and MFA programs with options for teaching in other areas of the School of Design. The faculty member will play a significant role in building the design community, contribute to pedagogical innovation and curriculum development, support the growth and development of the design program, and participate in school, college, and or university service. All faculty are expected to be actively involved in their design discipline and to produce creative research and/or work.

The Louisiana Tech University School of Design is an interdisciplinary art and design environment within a diverse research university. We invite applications from applicants who contribute to the academic and creative community’s multiplicity of approaches and experiences through their teaching, research/creative practice, and/or service.

Applications by individuals from groups historically underrepresented in academia are particularly welcomed. The Louisiana Tech University School of Design strives to foster diversity, equity, and justice in our academic and creative communities. The Graphic Design Program seeks to contribute to this mission both in the orientation of our degree programs and in our daily practices.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Teaching graphic design studio and seminar classes across all levels of the Graphic Design BFA and MFA programs, with potential to collaborate with other disciplines in the School of Design.
• Sustaining a professional design practice or engaging in scholarly research.
• Actively engaging in undergraduate and graduate student recruitment.
• Providing guidance and support to students, actively contributing to student retention endeavors.
• Managing departmental and student records.
• Contributing to the development and innovation of Design curricula.
• Fostering community and identity within the Design program.
• Participating in departmental, university, and committee service and meetings.

Qualifications

• A terminal degree (MFA, M.Des, or Ph.D. in Design) in Graphic Design, Visual Communication Design, Motion Design, Interaction Design, or related fields from an accredited institution.
• Demonstrated professional design experience (client-driven or self-initiated) with a focus on creative practice and/or research, encompassing areas like graphic design foundations, 2D/3D motion design, web design, experience design, or data visualization.
• Experience teaching at the university level, with a proven ability to address contemporary, emerging, and experimental design topics.
• Proficiency in contemporary design tools, technologies, and software.
• Experience in collaborative design processes.
• Strong interpersonal skills demonstrated through student work, teaching evaluations, or professional recommendations.

Application Materials

• Cover letter – explaining interest in the position.
• Updated Curriculum Vitae (C.V.) or Resume.
• Personal statement addressing teaching pedagogy and research interests.
• Brief statement describing your specific contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).
• Portfolio that includes examples of visual assets for print and digital applications. The portfolio can be a PDF portfolio or a link to a website of recent professional work.
• If you have teaching experience, include examples of both student work and evidence of curriculum development.
• Unofficial copy or transcript.
• Names and contact information of three references. Note that only candidates who reach the final stage of the interview process will have their references contacted.

Additional Benefits

• Full-time faculty benefits.
• Eligibility for university funding competitions.
• Participation in promotion processes.

Louisiana Tech is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/ADA Employer and places a high priority on the creation of an environment supportive of ethnic minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities.

Posting Close Date: This position will remain open until filled.

Please Note: Applications must be completed by 11:59 p.m. on the Job Closing Date to ensure consideration.

Applicants should fully describe their qualifications and experience with specific reference to each of the minimum and preferred qualifications in their cover letter. The search committee will use this information during the initial review of application materials.

References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process.

This position may require a criminal background check to be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.

As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions at the Louisiana Tech University may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job‑related tasks.