Assistant/Associate Professor in Product Design and Development

Position Summary

The Department of Textiles, Merchandising and Interiors ( TMI ) in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences ( FACS ) at the University of Georgia seeks to hire a 9-month tenure track Assistant/Associate Professor in Product Design and Development in Fashion Merchandising. This nine-month tenure track appointment is 50% instruction and 50% research. The position begins in August 2023.

RESPONSIBILITIES : The successful candidate must be able to teach undergraduate and graduate classes (4 classes per year) as well as direct graduate research in product design and development, sustainability, and general areas of fashion merchandising. Additional responsibilities include service to the program, department, college, and the university.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applications submitted by Sunday, November 27, 2022, will be given full consideration. The position remains open until filled.

Complete applications will include a cover letter of interest that addresses how credentials and experience meet the responsibilities and qualifications of the position, a curriculum vita, creative works or a teaching portfolio, a research statement, a teaching statement, a diversity statement, and the names and contact information (emails and phone numbers) of three professional references. Questions about this position or the application process should be directed to Dr. Yoo-Kyoung Seock, Chair of the Search Committee, (yseock@uga.edu) or Ms. LaFarrah Smith (lafarrah.smith@uga.edu).

The college welcomes applications and nominations of minorities and others who share our passion about and reflect our desire to support a culture of diversity and inclusion.

Posting Details

Posting Number

F1449P

Working Title

Assistant/Associate Professor in Product Design and Development

Department

FACS-Textiles,Merch&Interiors

About the University of Georgia

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education ( https://www.uga.edu/ ). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 1,800 full-time instructional faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

About the College/Unit/Department

The Department of Textiles, Merchandising and Interiors is a growing unit of the College of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Georgia. The department has 14 faculty, 400 undergraduates majoring in Fashion Merchandising and Furnishings and Interiors, and 25+ graduate students. The department is a member of the National Retail Federation and endorsed by the American Apparel and Footwear Association. The Georgia Soft Goods Education Foundation ( GSGEF ), a board of industry professionals, provides guidance to the curriculum and scholarships for students. The GSGEF board especially supports the Product Design and Development area, through computer workstations and Lectra software donations. The product development area’s growth is also closely integrated with the college’s Maker’s Space (https://www.fcs.uga.edu/tmi/product-development-and-design). The graduate programs lead to a Master of Science in Textiles, Merchandising and Interiors and a Ph.D. in Polymer, Fibers, and Textile Sciences and Ph.D. emphasis in International Merchandising. More information about the Department and College can be found at www.fcs.uga.edu.

The University of Georgia, located in Athens (approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta), is a Research I land-grant and sea-grant institution in the University System of Georgia. Founded in 1785, the University of Georgia is the second largest and most comprehensive educational institution in the state. The university nationally ranks #16 among the top 20 public universities in U.S., according to U.S. News & World Report. Additional information on the university can be found at www.uga.edu.

College/Unit/Department website

https://www.fcs.uga.edu/tmi

Posting Type

External

Retirement Plan

TRS or ORP

Employment Type

Employee

Benefits Eligibility

Benefits Eligible

Underutilization

Advertised Salary

Commensurate with experience and qualifications with an attractive start up package

Anticipated Start Date

08/01/2023

Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings)

Job Posting Date

10/21/2022

Job Closing Date

Open until filled

Yes

Location of Vacancy

Athens Area

EEO Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title

Open Rank

FLSA

Faculty Rank

Open Rank (Tenure Track)

Contract Type

Academic (9 mo.)

Tenure Status

Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications

Earned Ph.D. degree in fashion or related discipline at time of appointment.

Additional Requirements

To be considered for the position of Associate Professor, the applicant must also have at least five years of academic teaching/research experience. To be eligible for tenure on appointment, candidates must be appointed as an Associate Professor, have been tenured at a prior institution, and bring a demonstrably national reputation to the institution. Any request for tenure upon appointment must be approved before hire. Faculty expectations for Promotion in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences ( FACS ), Department of Textiles, Merchandising, and Interiors are summarized at: https://www.fcs.uga.edu/docs/TMI_Final_PT_Guidelines_approved_March_31_2017.pdf .
For information about the requirements for appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor or Associate Professor please see the University of Georgia’s Guidelines for Appointment, Promotion, and Tenure ( https://provost.uga.edu/faculty-affairs/UGA_Guidelines_for_APT_approved_2_2020.pdf) .

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS :

• Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in apparel design, technical apparel design, pattern making, draping, garment construction, apparel/technical design technologies
• Demonstrated proficiency in current technologies in apparel/technical design, including but not limited to Lectra (Kaledo, Modaris, Diamino), Adobe Suite (specifically Illustrator), 3D Computer-Assisted Design (such as CLO, Browzwear, AccuMark, vrMockshop, ShopShape, etc. and product lifecycle management ( PLM ) software).
• Demonstrated knowledge in sustainability in design
• Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed research publications and/or juried design exhibitions and presentations
• Demonstrated ability (or potential) for grantsmanship
• Demonstrated ability to obtain external funding in support of research or teaching

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :

• Demonstrated evidence of professional work in the fashion/textile industry
• Demonstrated evidence of undergraduate/graduate teaching
• Demonstrated evidence of research and scholarship

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :

• Demonstrated ability (potential) to work collaboratively with peers and colleagues in an academic setting, the industry and build relationships with professional organizations
• Demonstrated familiarity with innovations and new directions in the fashion industry
• Demonstrated leadership and mentoring, specifically students in design scholarship

Physical Demands

Is this a Position of Trust?

No

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?

No

Does this position require a P-Card?

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?

No

Is driving a responsibility of this position?

No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?

No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)

No

Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume/CV
3. Portfolio
4. Research Portfolio/Philosophy
5. Teaching Portfolio/Philosophy
6. Other Documents #1
7. List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents