Assistant Professor in Industrial Design

The University of Macau (UM) is a comprehensive research-oriented public university of international standing in the Macao Special Administrative Region, which is located in the western part of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), one of the world’s fastest-growing hubs for technology and innovation. UM is ranked 145th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and 267th in the QS World University Rankings. With a scenic campus of approximately 1 km² on Hengqin island, UM has achieved significant progress in the past decade as evidenced by its rising international repute, state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities, and the establishment of three State Key Laboratories in microelectronics, Chinese medicine, and internet of things for smart city. Committed to supporting Macao’s economic diversification and the development of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, UM actively advances frontier research and develops interdisciplinary programmes in a range of strategic areas, including precision oncology, advanced materials, regional oceanography, artificial intelligence and robotics, data science, cognitive and brain science, and economics and finance. Leveraging its ‘4-in-1’ model of education and residential college system, UM provides all-round undergraduate education, nurturing talent to support social and economic development of Macao and the wider GBA. As part of its continued development, UM is establishing a new campus in the Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, setting the stage for the university to become the first higher education institution in Macao to extend operations into the Cooperation Zone. Scheduled to commence operations in 2028, the Cooperation Zone campus will usher in the ‘one university, two campuses’ model, further strengthening UM’s capacity for teaching and research. With unprecedented growth and development, UM offers a wide range of opportunities for high-calibre talents at all levels to achieve their career goals. The university uses English as its working language and primary medium of instruction.

The Department of Industrial Design of the Faculty of Design invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor in Industrial Design. The Faculty of Design offers postgraduate degree programmes in Industrial Design, and will offer undergraduate degrees programme in Industrial Design according to the current plan.

Based in Macao, the Department of Industrial Design is committed to “integrated design-driven innovation”, supporting the appropriate economic diversification of Macao and cultivating top-tier design talent for the Greater Bay Area and beyond, including the global stage. Leveraging the industrial resources of the Greater Bay Area, the Department focuses on intelligent design methodologies and industrial processes, highly integrated smart product design, and comprehensive research and practice in sustainability. The curriculum emphasizes the integration of “design + technology + business,” covering areas such as user research, product development, digital manufacturing, ergonomics, human-computer interaction, and service design. Through studios, field research, and international exchange projects, students acquire solid professional skills and critical thinking abilities. We seek internationally minded faculty members with strong design portfolios, graduate teaching ability, and a commitment to mentoring students and contributing to the development of the Faculty of Design.

Qualifications

1. A doctoral degree (or equivalent terminal degree) in Industrial Design or a closely related field; 2. Demonstrated potential for excellence in teaching, research and application-based innovation, with expertise in one or more of the following areas: a. sustainable product-service-system design and circular innovation, including lifecycle thinking, sustainable materials, systems thinking and service-led strategies for ecological and social transformation; b. digital-physical design integration and intelligent product design, including smart and connected products, tangible interaction, physical computing, digital fabrication and responsive materials; c. advanced industrial design and product development, including product architecture, design for manufacturing, materials and CMF, advanced prototyping and human factors; d. advanced and emerging design methodologies, including research-through-design, practice-led and practice-based research, critical and speculative design, and responsible or more-than-human approaches; 3. A strong record or demonstrable potential in practice-led and application-oriented design, supported by real-world projects, impactful implementations or industry-academic collaborations; 4. Proficiency in mainstream industrial design software, prototyping tools and processes, including physical computing, additive and digital manufacturing, and experimentation with conventional, smart and sustainable materials; 5. Evidence of strong research and creative potential through peer-reviewed academic publications and, where applicable, recognized creative outputs such as design patents, curated exhibitions, funded projects or international design awards; 6. Experience teaching and mentoring in studio-based, transdisciplinary or research-intensive design courses, with the ability to contribute to postgraduate teaching and supervision; 7. Fluency in English is required. Proficiency in Chinese is considered an asset, particularly for cross-cultural communication, community- and industry-engaged research, and collaboration in Macao and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

The selected candidate is expected to assume duty subject to the mutual agreement of the both parties.

Remuneration

A taxable annual remuneration starting from MOP855,400 (approximately USD105,600) will be commensurate with the successful applicants’ academic qualification and relevant professional experience. The current local maximum income tax rate is 12% but is effectively around 5% – 7% after various discretionary exemptions. Apart from competitive remuneration, UM offers a wide range of benefits, such as medical insurance, provident fund, on-campus accommodation/housing allowance and other subsidies. Further details on our package are available at: https://career.admo.um.edu.mo/learn-more/.  

Application Procedure

Applicants should click on the ‘Apply’ button above for more details, and apply ONLINE. Applicant should submit a cover letter that addresses the academic qualifications and a detailed Curriculum Vitae with the contact information of three references (phone numbers and email addresses), research statement, teaching philosophy and a portfolio (for design practice categories). Additionally, applicants should provide no more than six samples of academic writing/publications/essays/catalogues, and sample syllabi of classes previously taught. Publication samples could be emailed to fds.enquiry@um.edu.mo if less than 20MB. Shortlisted candidates may be requested to submit additional materials. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Applicants may consider their applications not successful if they are not invited for an interview within 3 months of application.

Human Resources Section, Office of Administration

University of Macau, Av. da Universidade, Taipa, Macau, China

Email: vacancy@um.edu.mo

Tel: +853 8822 8699;  Fax: +853 8822 2412

The effective position and salary index are subject to the Personnel Statute of the University of Macau in force. The University of Macau reserves the right not to appoint a candidate. Applicants with less qualification and experience can be offered lower positions under special circumstances.

***Personal data provided by applicants will be kept confidential and used for recruitment purpose only***

** Under the equal condition of qualifications and experience, priority will be given to Macao permanent residents**