Assistant Professor Design with AI

Company: Heriot-Watt University –

WebSite: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Job Description:Heriot-Watt University’s School of Textiles and Design, located at the Dubai campus, invites applications for academic positions from enthusiastic individuals possessing expertise in teaching, scholarship, or research. Successful candidates will be expected to cultivate a research portfolio, implement innovative teaching methodologies, and foster strong collaborative relationships with colleagues at the Scottish campuses to ensure the delivery of high-quality learning and teaching. Contributions to programme development and external engagement initiatives, in conjunction with the Academic Schools in Edinburgh, Dubai, Galashiels, and Malaysia, are also anticipated.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate comprehensive practical and theoretical knowledge across diverse areas within 21st Century Design. Particular emphasis is placed on practical proficiency in the Adobe software suite, Artificial Intelligence, Design Ethics within a contemporary business context, and the integration of AI in design, specifically within Branding, Marketing and Promotion, Design Management and Innovation, and Interior Architecture.

Postholders will play a pivotal role in integrating Design with AI principles and practices into the curriculum through engagement with internal and external stakeholders. They will lead or oversee the development of programmes and the creation of new courses to support industry-facing practices and enhance student employability. Preference will be given to candidates exhibiting research interests in these domains and the potential for publication in high-quality scholarly journals. Teaching and research should be firmly rooted in 21st-century design studies, incorporating historical, theoretical, and practical perspectives as appropriate.

Given the dynamic, rapidly evolving, and collaborative nature of modern industries and associated technologies, the successful candidate is expected to operate proactively within and across traditional disciplinary boundaries. Furthermore, the applicant should contribute cooperatively to teaching existing courses and collaborate in the creation of new courses across campuses to optimize the student learning experience.

This position is based at the University’s Dubai campus. As courses and programmes are delivered in English, fluency in the language is essential. All new academic staff will participate in an induction programme covering Heriot-Watt’s standards and values, along with practical training in the preparation, delivery, and assessment of teaching.

**Key Duties and Responsibilities:**

* Conduct teaching and assessment duties on academic programmes.
* Support colleagues within the School of Textiles and Design and other Schools at Heriot-Watt University in the delivery of courses and activities aligned with the University’s strategic objectives.
* Develop relevant materials in suitable formats for the advancement of design as a discipline.
* Contribute to the content, design, and delivery of the curriculum, and the quality of teaching and learning, in consultation with colleagues and within the University’s established international structures.
* Review teaching design and delivery through the acquisition and analysis of feedback from students and peers.
* Support the accreditation processes of professional bodies.
* Mentor and supervise students, including PhD candidates (as appropriate), providing effective, well-documented, and timely feedback, both formative and summative.
* Provide pastoral support, recognizing when to refer students for further assistance.
* Contribute significantly to the provision of an excellent student learning and living experience at Heriot-Watt University.
* Develop subject expertise in accordance with the latest developments in business enterprise, scholarship, research, and innovation, ensuring that these advancements are reflected in teaching materials and methods.
* Build and conduct scholarship or research in areas relevant to Design and/or the Dubai Campus at internationally competitive levels.
* Develop and maintain robust links with creative design industries, external organizations, and the education sector.
* Collaborate with colleagues in the UK, at other campuses, and within external networks to facilitate information exchange, share learning, and establish relationships for future collaboration.
* Conduct and participate in peer review of teaching and research at local, national, and international levels.
* Assume a proactive role in promoting and marketing design at the University, ensuring effective student recruitment and the achievement of recruitment targets.
* Participate fully in Open Days and other student recruitment events.
* Participate fully in research impact, community events, and public engagement activities.
* Undertake leadership and administrative tasks associated with programme and course planning, preparation for examination boards and progression boards, as instructed.
* Participate in relevant committees.
* Associate Professors will be expected to undertake additional leadership and management responsibilities.
* Associate Professors are also expected to publish and engage in high-quality research, submit to the REF, and participate in funded research projects.
* Undertake continuous professional development (CPD) and participate in staff development activities.

**Essential Criteria:**

* Teaching experience, including the review and updating of teaching materials.
* Demonstrable communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex concepts effectively.
* Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of contemporary AI practices across creative and design businesses.
* Fluency in English (verbal and written).
* An ability to integrate knowledge acquired from research or professional practice into teaching materials and methods.
* Demonstrated willingness and potential to identify and develop an independent/collaborative portfolio of research and scholarship.

**Desirable Criteria:**

* Membership of an appropriate professional body.
* Teaching qualification or commitment to achieving one within two years of appointment.
* Teaching experience at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
* Experience in maintaining and developing new links with industry.
* A strong understanding of industry needs and the skills required by graduates for employability.
* Evidence of inter-disciplinary practice.
* Flexibility in approach, coupled with excellent communication, digital literacy, and report writing skills, and a willingness to adapt to the duties associated with the role.
* Mentoring and personal tutor experience and PhD supervision.
* Sole-authored and/or co-authored conference papers or journal articles.
* Funded research experience – independent and/or team-based.
* International or national Peer Reviewing of research.

Skills: