Reader in Design

The Design Department at Manchester School of Art is renowned for its award-winning pedagogy in collaborative Design practice and world-class research in transdisciplinary Design Innovation with Sustainability; Community and Heritage; Making and Materiality; and Design for Health and Wellbeing.

We aim to create a viable future by facilitating responsible cultural, social, material, and technological transformations and we place value on responding to the needs of industry and society to address critical challenges. Our ambition is to be internationally recognised for employing design intelligently to address global challenges, whilst seeking to push the boundaries of research informed design and pedagogy to create the agenda setters of the future.

Our research and teaching builds on extensive heritage and connection to the creative industries which has enabled us to become one of the leading providers of design education nationally, and our research and education are consistently highly ranked in subject league tables. Through this, we provide unique opportunities for collaborative co-creation across our global network of educational partners, research associations and industry professionals.

The department now seeks Readers on both academic career pathways to help lead and support our future Research and Education ambitions.

The role of Reader is an academic distinction conferred by the University and post holders are expected to develop their personal distinction in their field whilst making a sustained and innovative contribution to its advancement through scholarship and research.

It is expected that post holders will be working towards a promotion to Professor typically within a period of four to five years.

Research Pathway
The ideal candidates will be research active in one of our thematic strengths with a track record of high-quality publications. They will also offer a substantial contribution to the department's research community, with a proven track record of leadership, grant applications and mentorship of mid and early career researchers. Expertise in Practice led research is desirable.

Candidates should also have teaching experience in the following areas of Textiles, Craft, Product Design, Interior Design, Illustration with Animation or Graphic Design and be able to contribute to the overall leadership and management of the department.

You can find out more about our REF 2021 success here and our Research specialisms here.

Education Pathway
The ideal candidate will have a strong national Design education profile with a proven track record of Excellence in Educational Leadership; Transforming Educational Outcomes; Outstanding Educational Practice; or High-Quality Educational Scholarship in one or more specialisms of Textiles; Craft; Product Design; Interior Design; Illustration with Animation or Graphic Design.

They will also offer substantial experience of delivering pedagogic and curriculum innovation through high quality teaching across BA and MA programmes, together with mentorship of mid and early career educators and ability to contribute to the overall leadership and management of the department.

How to apply
Applications should include a full CV and covering letter, setting out which career pathway you are applying to, your interest in the role and details of how your knowledge, skills and experience match the essential criteria.

For any informal enquiries, please contact Shelley McNulty, Head of Department of Design (s.mcnulty@mmu.ac.uk) or Professor Kristina Neidderer, Professorial Research Lead for Design (k.niedderer@mmu.ac.uk).

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