Faculty Position in Transdisciplinary Design

The College of Architecture, Art, and Design (CAAD) at the American University of Sharjah (AUS) invites applications for a regular faculty position in the history of art, and design at the assistant or associate professor level in the Department of Art and Design. The position provides an opportunity to contribute to a dynamic and diverse learning environment with students from approximately 90 countries. CAAD has established a reputation as a leader in design education in the region. Its alumni have gone on to study at top graduate programs worldwide and have established themselves as experts in the region's creative industries.

Acclaimed for its academic excellence and multicultural environment, AUS has been ranked among the top 10 universities in the Arab world and the world’s top 50 universities under 50 years of age (QS World University Rankings, 2021). With approximately 90 nationalities represented on campus, AUS is among the world’s top five universities with the highest percentage of international students (Times Higher Education, 2023). AUS offers 33 majors and 46 minors at the undergraduate level, 17 master’s degrees, and five PhD programs. The university’s 123-hectare, full-service campus features experiential learning and research facilities, sports and recreational facilities, as well as student and faculty accommodations.

CAAD offers five undergraduate programs leading to degrees in architecture, interior design, graphic design, film & new media design and design management, along with a Master of Urban Planning and a Master of Fine Arts in Transdisciplinary Design. The Department of Art and Design also offers minors in design management, film, illustration and animation, photography and product design. The curriculum is grounded in an American liberal arts model integrated with professional education. All courses are taught in English.

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Samples of student work can be found at

All positions come with a competitive salary and an attractive benefits package, which includes free housing, generous retirement contributions, and funding for annual return airfare, school tuition for dependents, and health insurance. The successful candidate for the visual communication position is expected to assume duties in January 2027 or August 2027, subject to budgetary approval.

The successful candidate will teach lecture-based courses across the undergraduate programs, including a first-year course in the history of art and design, as well as required and elective courses in history, theory, critical discourse, design and ethics. The candidate may also contribute to the MFA in Transdisciplinary Design, particularly in courses related to art and design history and theory, critical discourse, and research methodologies, as well as to the university’s General Education requirements in Arts and Literature. A PhD in art and design history or a related area is required. Candidates should have the proven ability to teach large-enrollment courses and a publication record appropriate to their rank.

In addition to teaching, faculty are required to mentor students, engage in scholarly activities (including creative work, published research, or both), and participate in service activities for the college, university, and community. Creative work and publishable research are important for the department and the university. Successful candidates will have access not only to excellent research opportunities but also to generous financial support from the university to develop their scholarship. Applicants should have an excellent record of teaching and scholarship from a reputable university or demonstrate the potential to develop one.

Interested applicants must submit the following:
1) a letter of application that describes one’s suitability for the position and provides the names and contact information of three referees;
2) a curriculum vitae; and
3) a digital portfolio of scholarly/professional/teaching activities (as a single PDF file, not exceeding 50 pages).

Submit applications in confidence for the History of Art and Design position by visiting:

Please note: To apply, you must have a Google account.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Applications received before January 7, 2027, will be given full consideration.