UCSB PaCE Part-Time Instructor - UX/UI Design

UC Santa Barbara; California; On-site; USD 28,000 - 50,000; Part time

Job summary

UC Santa Barbara invites applications for an instructor to develop a studio-based UX/UI course focused on learning by doing rather than lectures. The role emphasizes ambiguity navigation, exploration, iteration, and portfolio-ready outcomes such as research, user flows, and Figma prototypes.

Responsibilities include designing modules, creating online instructional materials, and developing hands-on projects and assessments aligned with real-world use cases.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Web Development, Design, or related discipline, or 4 years of web development/UX experience.
• Experience designing and delivering online instructional materials (video lessons, slides).
• Strong front-end and UI/UX skills with current web standards.

Responsibilities

• Design course structure, including modules, lessons, and learning objectives.
• Develop instructional materials for online delivery and supporting content.
• Create hands-on coding projects and assessments aligned with outcomes.
• Develop engaging activities to support applied skill growth.
• Update content to reflect current web standards and practices.
• Communicate learning objectives, expectations, and grading policies clearly.
• Respond to student questions and learning needs in a timely manner.
• Evaluate student performance and assign grades based on outcomes.
• Submit final grades within university timelines and maintain records.

Skills

Front-end development

JavaScript programming

UI/UX design

Responsive web architecture

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Web Development, Design, or related discipline

Tools

Figma

Job description

We are looking for an instructor who can create a studio environment where students learn by doing. Students will conduct research, develop concepts, build prototypes, test their ideas, respond to critique, and communicate their work. This is not a traditional lecture-based UX/UI course.

The instructor should be comfortable helping students navigate ambiguity rather than simply teaching a prescribed software workflow. The program emphasizes curiosity, evidence, experimentation, iteration, and the ability to identify opportunities that may not initially be obvious. By the end of the sequence, students will have developed a body of work including research, experience maps, UX/UI concepts, Figma prototypes, usability testing evidence, MVP work, and portfolio quality case studies.

Applicants should indicate areas of expertise such as front-end development, JavaScript programming, UI/UX design, or responsive web architecture.

Instructor duties include but are not limited to:

• Design course structure, including modules, lessons, and learning objectives
• Develop and refine instructional materials for online delivery, including video-based lessons, slides, and supporting content
• Develop hands-on coding projects and assessments aligned with course outcomes and real-world use cases
• Create engaging learning activities that support applied skill development
• Update course content periodically to reflect current web standards, tools, and professional practices
• Communicate learning objectives, course expectations, and grading policies clearly
• Respond to student questions and learning needs in a timely and professional manner
• Evaluate student performance and assign grades based on established learning outcomes
• Submit final grades within university timelines and maintain appropriate student records in accordance with University policies

The posting will remain open until March 31, 2027 to accommodate department needs. The pool will close on March 31, 2027; if you would like to continue to be considered after that time, and the pooled position is advertised again, you will need to submit a new application.

Please note: The use of an instructor pool does not guarantee that an open position exists at the time you are applying. See the review date specified in UC Recruit to learn whether the department is currently reviewing applications for an upcoming opening. If there is no future review date specified, your application may not be considered at this time.

Screening of applicants begins immediately after the Initial Review Date has passed; some appointments may begin as early as the 2027 Winter quarter. The number of these temporary, part-time, non-tenure track, academic positions varies from quarter to quarter, depending on the needs of the department. Appointments are offered on a course-by-course basis, and appointment length is based upon course section schedule(s). Appointments may be renewable based on need, funding, and performance.

• A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Web Development, Design, or a related discipline OR 4 years of experience in web development, software engineering, or UX/UI.