Details
Posted: 14-Dec-21
Location: Seattle, WA
Salary: Open
The University of Washington seeks applications for the Faculty Director of the Master of Human-Computer Interaction + Design (MHCI+D) program. The successful applicant will work independently as Faculty Director while also having an academic appointment as an Assistant or Associate Teaching Professor, full-time, in the University of Washington Department of Human Centered Design & Engineering (HCDE) for three years, with the possibility of renewal. This position has a nine-month appointment with three additional months of summer support; the candidate is expected to work during the summer months with an ideal start date on or before June 16, 2022. This position includes faculty voting rights in HCDE, but is not tenure eligible. Compensation will be commensurate with applicant qualifications, and reflects the dual role of both Faculty Director and Assistant/Associate Teaching Professor. The Faculty Director will work closely with the Associate Director, Faculty Group, and a team of dedicated MHCI+D staff to envision and implement strategic priorities for the program.
The successful candidate's intended appointment will be in the Department of Human Centered Design & Engineering in the College of Engineering. HCDE offers BS, MS, and PhD degrees and is committed to the guiding principles of respect for people, equity, interdisciplinary exploration, and thoughtful impact. As an interdisciplinary program, we will also consider appointments in other partner units (the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering, The Information School, and The School of Art, Art History, and Design).
About the MHCI+D Program
The MHCI+D graduate program offers a unique, cross-disciplinary approach to educate a new, diverse generation of designers, engineers, and user researchers who can successfully combine the creative aspects of design and the study of human behavior with the analytical techniques of engineering. Students come from a variety of backgrounds such as visual design, user research, software and technology. HCID graduates create equitable, ethical interactive systems that enhance well-being, considering the needs of both humans and societies. They use their knowledge to create and/or support innovative products and technologies, working in UX, design, HCI, and other roles in companies of all sizes. The program, currently in its ninth year, is a full-time, one-year program with a 40-student cohort. MHCI+D is a joint effort of four primary academic units: Computer Science & Engineering, the Division of Design in the School of Art + Art History + Design, Human Centered Design & Engineering, and the Information School. Current staff includes four full-time and four part-time employees.
The MHCI+D program is supported and influenced by the collaborative academic community at the University of Washington, known as DUB (Design:Use:Build), that explores a wide variety of topics in HCI and design—including interaction design, computer-supported cooperative work, computer-mediated communication, data visualization, social innovation, emerging communication technologies, assistive technologies, and health applications. Many projects are conducted in partnership with the region's noted high-tech companies, global health organizations, and startups (see: dub.washington.edu). MHCI+D capstone projects are advised by collaborators from industry and non-profits throughout the Seattle area and beyond.
Responsibilities of the MHCI+D Faculty Director
The MHCI+D Faculty Director leads the MHCI+D program in its unique position of cross-disciplinarity at the University of Washington. With an academic appointment in HCDE, or another of the four sponsoring units, the Faculty Director is responsible for building and maintaining equal and effective relationships with the other three units as well, which in turn offer their support to the program.
The Faculty Director is supported by an Associate Director who helps with cohort management and leadership and the HCI+D Faculty Group, who assist with long-term planning and liaising with each department. The HCI+D Faculty Group is led by a Chair who identifies instructors for core MHCI+D courses and helps lead admissions.
The MHCI+D Faculty Director is distinguished from mainstream academic appointments by a combination of program leadership and administration along with teaching and, as a practical matter, no emphasis or time is allotted for individual design practice or academic research. The opportunity is to lead and shape a nationally recognized graduate program where the emphasis is on student experience and curricular relevance in the exciting field of HCI and design.
The Faculty Director will develop and teach design-oriented/studio-based courses. They will engage a broad range of individuals and other units in achieving the program's educational mission and strategic vision.
Teaching and Curriculum Development, 30%
In collaboration with the MHCI+D Associate Director, ensure quality delivery of current curriculum, develop revisions to core courses, and/or develop future offerings
Teach four MHCI+D courses per year
Work with the faculty group chair and program staff to recruit and hire for HCID core and elective courses
Support individual MHCI+D instructors in delivering their courses
Vision, Leadership, and Strategy 30%
Lead strategic and visionary planning for the long-term viability and vibrancy of MHCI+D
Fulfill responsibilities of Graduate Program Coordinator (GPC) for the MHCI+D degree
Ensure quality delivery of current curriculum, develop revisions to core courses, and/or develop future offerings
Guide MHCI+D brand expression and marketing/recruiting strategies
Work with HCI+D Faculty Group Chair and HCI+D Faculty Group on strategic planning
Participate in MHCI+D internal staff meetings (the current staff includes four full-time and four part-time student employees)
Support Associate Director with student cohort management and dynamics
Recruiting, Admissions and Advising Support, 5%
Participate in program recruiting and admissions, including intentional equity-centered recruitment, admission and yield, and matriculation
Support the work of MHCI+D Assistant Director of Student Services who helps provide career advice and student advising
Industry and Community Relations, 20%
Build visibility and awareness of MHCI+D across the technology and design industry
Build and refresh MHCI+D Advisory Board, lead meetings and other communication
Build industry collaborators for capstone, course projects, and other activities
Support the work of MHCI+D Outreach & Communications Manager, who is responsible for identifying and nurturing industry collaborators
Campus Relationships, 10%
Participate in DUB community activities (e.g., weekly seminar, annual retreat)
Collaborate as needed with chairs/directors of supporting academic units and biannually with the Dean of the Graduate School, or their representative
Share MHCI+D status at faculty group meetings in supporting academic units, as needed
Teach modules in area of expertise and attend critiques and showcases of related courses when invited
University Service, 5%
Engage in select HCDE (or other home unit) service activities, as appropriate
Attend and participate in HCDE (or other home unit) faculty meetings
Conduct additional service work when called upon (hiring committees, evaluations, etc.)
More About the University of Washington
The University of Washington is a vibrant community of inclusive research and community outreach, situated between the Puget Sound and Lake Washington, in the city of Seattle, on the traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples. Seattle is a rapidly growing, dynamic, and diverse metropolitan area.
The UW is dedicated to hiring faculty that will enhance diversity, equity inclusion, and access in higher education through their research, teaching, and service. The MHCI+D director will be responsible for advancing equitable access to and within the program across existing lines of inequity including gender, class, race, ethnicity, culture, LGBTQ identities, religious affiliation, national origin, disability, and other identities.
The University is building a culturally diverse faculty and staff and strongly encourages applications from women, underrepresented minorities, individuals with disabilities, and covered veterans. The University is a first-round awardee of the National Science Foundation's ADVANCE Institutional Transformation Award to increase the advancement of women faculty in science, engineering, and math (see www.engr.washington.edu/advance). Moreover, the College of Engineering has consistently had one of the highest percentages of women faculty in the top 50 colleges of engineering (US News and World Report Undergraduate Rankings). Additionally, the University's Office for Faculty Advancement promotes the hiring, retention, and success of a diverse and inclusive faculty at the University of Washington.
The position requires a minimum of a Masters (or foreign equivalent) in a field related to human-computer interaction and design. Positive factors for consideration include, but are not limited to, experience in a field related to human-computer interaction and design and/or a record of leadership and administration.
To ensure full consideration of your application, please submit all materials no later than 14 January 2022. Applications will only be accepted via Interfolio. Please provide PDF files for the following requested materials.
Application materials
Letter of application
Current CV
Contact information for three references. We will only request letters from shortlisted candidates.
Statement on approach to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access. Please explain what makes your work, background, personal experiences, and/or academic interests unique to human computer interaction and design. Alternatively, this statement may explain how your work, background, personal experiences, and/or academic interests will contribute to conditions that foster equity and inclusion in HCI+D. This statement could include a discussion of social, cultural, economic, and educational opportunities you have had or not had. It might also discuss how your teaching and leadership might serve educationally underrepresented and/or minoritized persons or groups.
Teaching and mentoring portfolio. This could address the following:
Teaching approach and/or teaching philosophy,
Professional mentoring approach and experiences,
For applicants with prior teaching experience: instructional materials such as sample syllabi, in-class activities, and assignments with associated evaluation and/or grading rubrics. If available, course evaluations that provide both quantitative and qualitative evidence of teaching and mentoring effectiveness. Optionally, applicants may choose to address course and curriculum design.
University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status.
Commitment to Diversity
The University of Washington is committed to building diversity among its faculty, librarian, staff, and student communities, and articulates that commitment in the UW Diversity Blueprint (http://www.washington.edu/diversity/diversity-blueprint/). Additionally, the University's Faculty Code recognizes faculty efforts in research, teaching and/or service that address diversity and equal opportunity as important contributions to a faculty member's academic profile and responsibilities (https://www.washington.edu/admin/rules/policies/FCG/FCCH24.html#2432).
COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements and Information
Under Washington State Governor Inslee's Proclamation 21-14.1, University of Washington (UW) workers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof thereof, or receive a UW-approved medical or religious exemption. This requirement will be a condition of any offer associated with this recruitment. For more information, please visit https://www.washington.edu/coronavirus/vaccination-requirement/.
