Assistant Lecturer in Design - Job Opportunity at South East Technological University

Carlow, Ireland
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: July 14, 2025
On-site
EUR 45,000 - 55,000 per year, reflecting typical assistant lecturer compensation in Irish higher education institutions, with potential for progression based on qualifications and research output

Benefits

Academic career development opportunities with potential for tenure track progression
Access to international collaborative networks spanning design education and research institutions
Professional development support through curriculum and programme development involvement
Research capacity building opportunities within established design research programs
Academic freedom to contribute to curriculum innovation and new programme development

Key Responsibilities

Deliver comprehensive educational content across undergraduate and postgraduate design programmes, directly shaping the next generation of design professionals
Drive curriculum development initiatives that will influence the strategic direction of design education at the institution
Lead new programme development projects that expand the university's academic offerings and market position
Engage in cross-departmental collaboration to enhance the Faculty's overall academic reputation and research output
Contribute to the institution's 50-year legacy in industrial and product design while advancing modern design disciplines

Requirements

Education

Relevant Honours degree (First or Second class) or equivalent, plus a relevant higher qualification (Masters or PhD) or equivalent professional qualification. A Level 10 qualification in the related field is strongly preferred.

Experience

At least three years relevant postgraduate experience

Required Skills

design discourse materials knowledge 3D modelling and visualisation design presentation design communication human-centred design understanding design research capabilities interaction design knowledge
Advertisement
Ad Space

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The design education sector is experiencing a significant shift toward human-centred design methodologies, reflecting industry demands for designers who can address complex social and environmental challenges through empathetic problem-solving approaches. There is growing integration of digital technologies in design education, with institutions increasingly emphasizing 3D modeling, visualization, and interaction design skills to prepare students for the evolving digital design landscape. Design research is becoming more prominent in academic institutions, with universities seeking faculty who can bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application, contributing to evidence-based design practices. International collaboration in design education is expanding rapidly, with institutions forming global partnerships to enhance research capacity and provide students with diverse perspectives on design challenges.

Role Significance

Typically part of a 8-12 member academic department, collaborating closely with 3-5 other design faculty members while potentially supervising teaching assistants and graduate students in research projects.
This mid-level academic position represents a crucial bridge between junior and senior faculty roles, offering substantial autonomy in curriculum development while building toward potential senior lecturer or professorial positions. The role carries significant influence over programme direction and student outcomes.

Key Projects

Development of new undergraduate and postgraduate design modules incorporating emerging technologies and methodologies Research projects exploring human-centred design applications in Irish and European contexts International collaboration initiatives with partner institutions in design education and research Industry partnership projects connecting academic research with real-world design challenges

Success Factors

Strong balance between theoretical knowledge and practical design experience, enabling effective translation of complex design concepts to students across multiple programme levels Demonstrated research capability that can contribute to the institution's growing design research capacity while maintaining excellence in teaching delivery Collaborative mindset essential for cross-departmental work and international partnership development, reflecting the interconnected nature of modern design education Adaptability to evolving design disciplines, particularly in emerging areas like interaction design and design research methodologies

Market Demand

Moderate to high demand, as design education positions require specialized expertise combining academic credentials with practical design experience, particularly in institutions with established design programmes

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Design discourse expertise is essential for academic credibility and effective communication with students, peers, and industry partners, enabling contribution to scholarly conversations that advance the field 3D modelling and visualisation skills are increasingly vital as design education integrates digital technologies, requiring faculty who can teach both traditional and digital design methodologies Design research capabilities are crucial for contributing to the institution's research capacity and maintaining relevance in evidence-based design education Design communication skills are fundamental for effective teaching across diverse student populations and successful collaboration with international partners

Beneficial Skills

Industry experience in human-centred design provides practical context that enhances teaching effectiveness and research relevance International experience or connections that can strengthen the institution's global collaboration network Grant writing and project management skills that support research funding acquisition and programme development initiatives Digital design tools proficiency beyond basic 3D modeling, including emerging technologies like VR/AR and AI-assisted design tools

Unique Aspects

Access to a 50-year legacy in industrial and product design, providing rich historical context and established industry connections that enhance both teaching and research opportunities
Integration across multiple design disciplines from traditional industrial design to cutting-edge interaction design, offering diverse teaching and research possibilities
Strong international collaboration network providing opportunities for global research partnerships and student exchange programs
Location in Ireland's southeast region offers unique positioning for European design research collaborations and access to growing tech industry presence

Career Growth

Typically 4-6 years to senior lecturer level with consistent research output and teaching excellence, with potential for accelerated progression based on research impact and international collaboration success

Potential Next Roles

Senior Lecturer in Design with expanded research responsibilities and programme leadership opportunities Programme Director roles overseeing specific design degree programmes Research Centre leadership positions focusing on design research initiatives External consultancy opportunities with design firms and government agencies

Company Overview

South East Technological University

South East Technological University (SETU) is a relatively new technological university formed through the merger of Waterford Institute of Technology and Institute of Technology Carlow, representing Ireland's commitment to advancing technological education and research capabilities in the southeast region.

SETU holds a strong regional position in technological education with growing national recognition, particularly in applied research and industry partnerships, positioning itself as a key player in Ireland's technological university sector.
The Carlow campus serves as a significant educational hub in the southeast, with strong connections to local industry and government, offering faculty opportunities for community engagement and applied research partnerships.
The institution promotes a collaborative, research-focused environment that values both academic excellence and practical application, with emphasis on innovation, international partnerships, and student-centered learning approaches.
Advertisement
Ad Space
Apply Now

Data Sources & Analysis Information

Job Listings Data

The job listings displayed on this platform are sourced through BrightData's comprehensive API, ensuring up-to-date and accurate job market information.

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Our advanced AI system analyzes each job listing to provide valuable insights including:

  • Industry trends and market dynamics
  • Salary estimates and market demand analysis
  • Role significance and career growth potential
  • Critical success factors and key skills
  • Unique aspects of each position

This integration of reliable job data with AI-powered analysis helps provide you with comprehensive insights for making informed career decisions.