Assistant Professor in Computational Visual Design

Department of Design - College of Arts and Sciences

Position Overview

The Department of Design at The Ohio State University invites applications for a Tenure Track Assistant Professor in Computational Visual Design starting August 15, 2025.

Applicants should possess expertise in at least two of the following areas: interaction design, computational design, storytelling with generative systems, and design research that anticipates and visualizes future needs. We seek a candidate whose scholarship is at the intersection of technology and design and who thinks through technologies in innovative ways to conceive designs across domains such as immersive training, educational exhibitions, digital media and entertainment, public spaces, retail, advertising and brand communication. The successful candidate’s research will occur within the department’s overarching commitment to promoting sustainable and socially impactful design. The ideal candidate will engage with established and emerging technologies and creative design processes as they provide strategic guidance through research, experimentation, and prototyping. Responsibilities will also include undergraduate and graduate teaching and service to the department.

We seek a colleague interested in exploring topics that are situated beyond traditional areas of design, and who will invite transdisciplinary and innovative collaboration across the university and within the surrounding communities.  As the department advocates for the development of socially relevant and sustainably produced objects, messages, environments, or services, the successful appointee will contribute to the community-engaged research and creative activity. This could occur in interdisciplinary centers and institutes across the university, including Ohio State’s DESIS LAB (Design for Social Innovation and Sustainability), VLab (Visual Communication as knowledge building), and ACCAD (Advanced Computing Center for the Arts and Design).

Performance Objectives 

• Commit to excellence in graduate and undergraduate education
• Develop impactful, productive and novel research programs in computational visual design
• Collaborate within and beyond the department including surrounding community
• Support departmental operations as an active citizen through service

Education and Experience Requirements

Required: A terminal degree (MFA or equivalent) in Computational Design, Interaction design, Visual Communication Design, or a related field by August 15, 2025.

Desired: A PhD in Computational Design, Interaction design, Visual Communication Design, or a related field is preferred by August 15, 2025. ABDs welcome to apply. Experience as a design educator is desirable as is research work on generative design, organic algorithms, and predictive modeling. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to building a diverse intellectual community, in line with OSU’s Shared Values (see below).

How to Apply

Apply to the Careers at Ohio State website at https://osu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/OSUCareers/job/Columbus-Campus/Assistant-Professor-in-Computational-Visual-Design_R115415-1. A competitive application consists of the following required elements: cover letter, curriculum vitae, separate research and teaching statements, and three letters of references*. Review of applications will begin on November 4, 2024. Inquiries may be directed to Kyoung Swearingen at swearingen.75@osu.edu

You will be invited to attach up to FIVE documents in the Application Documents section. Please include the following:

• Attachment 1: Cover Letter: A 1–2-page letter including a summary of your academic background and why you are interested in this opportunity.
• Attachment 2: CV (Curriculum Vitae): A detailed overview of your scholarly experience, including your research experience, teaching and mentoring experience, service, funding, and publications.
• Attachment 3: A Research Statement and Portfolio summarizing your past and current creative work/research accomplishments, and proposal for your future research plan as a faculty member.
• Attachment 4: A Teaching Statement and Portfolio highlighting your approaches, experience and philosophy of teaching, learning, and mentoring, including samples of student work.

Reference letters will be requested from applicants invited to an initial interview. 

The College 

With more than 80 majors and 100 minors, the College of Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of the university. The Arts and Sciences provides extraordinary opportunities to collaborate across disciplines, blending creativity and analysis to truly be at the forefront of thought. The breadth and depth of knowledge in the college gives students and researchers the critical thinking and adaptability essential for a lifetime of success. 

Department Information 

The Department of Design offers collaborative learning opportunities in four undergraduate majors (Industrial Design, Interior Design, Visual Communication Design, and Experiential Media Design) and two master’s degree tracks (Digital Animation and Interactive Media and Design Research and Development). The successful applicant can anticipate an opportunity to teach in more than one program. The ability to teach from a student-centered perspective at the undergraduate and graduate levels and support the department’s long-standing commitment to increasing the diversity of the design professions is expected.

The University 

Ohio State is a top-20 public university, and its Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is one of America’s leading academic health centers and recently ranked No. 4 on Forbes’ list of best U.S. employers for diversity. Eligible Ohio State employees receive comprehensive benefits packages, including medical, dental and vision insurance, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, and state or alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.

The Ohio State University’s Shared Values include Excellence and Impact, Diversity and Innovation, Inclusion and Equity, Care and Compassion, and Integrity and Respect. Our university community welcomes differences, encourages open-minded exploration and courageous thinking, and upholds freedom of expression.

Ohio State is a dynamic community where opportunity thrives, and individuals transform themselves and their world. Positions are available in countless fields and specialties. 

The Ohio State University is committed to enhancing academic excellence. Recruiting, supporting, and retaining faculty of the highest caliber is a core component of this commitment. The Office of Academic Affairs (OAA) has established Dual Careers and Faculty Relocation (DCFR) to focus on supporting new and prospective faculty and their loved ones. Service offerings include dual careers partner consultations, identifying potential employers and/or employment opportunities, consultation and resources related to relocation, as well as identifying opportunities to engage on campus and in the surrounding community. While employment opportunities are not guaranteed, resources and consultation are provided to support the partners of new and prospective faculty as they are considering or transitioning to The Ohio State University.  

In addition to being responsive to dual-career opportunities, we strongly promote work-life balance to support our community members through a suite of institutionalized policies.  Ohio State is an NSF ADVANCE institution and a member of the Ohio/Western Pennsylvania/West Virginia Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC).

Located in Ohio’s capital city, Ohio State’s Columbus campus is near the center of a rapidly growing and diverse metropolitan area with a population of over 1.5 million. The area offers a wide range of affordable housing, many cultural and recreational opportunities, excellent schools, and a strong economy based on government as well as service, transportation, and technology industries. Additional information about the Columbus area is available online. Beyond its Columbus campus, Ohio State has four regional campuses including Ohio State Lima, Ohio State Mansfield, Ohio State Marion, and Ohio State Newark, in addition to the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) Wooster Campus, which houses Ohio State ATI.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disability

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check.