Design Studies Lecturer

University of Wisconsin-Madison; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 47,722 - 58,327; Part time

Job summary

University of Wisconsin-Madison invites applications for lecturer positions in the Department of Design Studies to teach DS 223 and DS 321 in Fall 2026. The appointments are part-time (33.3%–50%), spanning August 17, 2026 to December 30, 2026, with potential extension based on need and funding.

Instructor will handle classroom, online, and lab instruction and develop course curricula. The role requires an M.Arch, MFA, or higher design degree, and experience in design education, plus familiarity

Qualifications

• Ability to work effectively within a diverse community.
• Demonstrated commitment to creating an inclusive work environment.
• Industry experience and knowledge of the subject matter.
• Basic computer skill proficiency (Canvas or Blackboard).

Responsibilities

• Facilitates classroom, online, and/or laboratory instruction for one or more courses, including assessment of student performance.
• Develops instructional design and curriculum relevant to a course of instruction.
• Serves as an initial point of contact for students as it relates to specific course or series content and expectations.

Skills

Diversity & inclusion

Inclusive work environment

Industry knowledge

LMS proficiency (Canvas/Blackboard)

Education

M.Arch / MFA / advanced design degree

Job description

Job Summary

The Department of Design Studies is hiring lecturer positions to teach one or more of the following courses for the undergraduate Interior Architecture program in the Fall 2026 semester. The Interior Architecture program combines creativity and design, with social and physical sciences to provide students with the knowledge and tools to design revolutionary spaces and people-centered environments.

Courses

DS 223 — INTERIOR ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

This course focuses on building components, construction, interpretation of working drawings, and the process of project development. It will be offered in an in-person format on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30 - 3:45 PM.

DS 321 — PROBLEM-DEFINITION: DESIGN PROGRAMMING

Programming is the problem definition phase of design process. An architectural or design program is used to guide the design process and evaluate design solutions. A variety of design programming approaches, tools, and techniques are presented. Opportunity to develop skills in preparing a design program document that includes multiple user-needs and principles of environment-behavior interaction. It will be offered in an in-person format on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:30 - 3:45 PM.

This position is part-time between 33.3% - 50%. The FTE is based on the number of classes taught. It is a terminal position from August 17, 2026 - December 30, 2026. The position has the possibility to be extended or converted to an ongoing appointment based on need and/or funding.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Facilitates classroom, online, and/or laboratory instruction for one or more courses, including assessment of student performance
• Develops instructional design and curriculum relevant to a course of instruction
• Serves as an initial point of contact for students as it relates to specific course or series content and expectations

Compensation

Expected full-time salary of $53,025 for a 9-month basis, prorated based on the amount of time worked. Final salary will be determined at the time of hire.

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund.

Required Qualifications

• Ability to work effectively within a diverse community
• Demonstrated commitment to creating an inclusive work environment
• Industry experience and knowledge of the subject matter
• Basic computer skill proficiency (knowledge of learning management systems such as Canvas or Blackboard)

Preferred Qualifications

• At least two years of successful teaching experience at the college level

Education

Candidate must hold a M.Arch, MFA, or a degree at least one level above the level of instruction, or otherwise be approved as qualified by the Dean. At least one degree must be in a design field (e.g., architecture, interior architecture, or interior design).

EEO Statement

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background — people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.

To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.

Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment.

The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).