Assistant/Associate Professor, Human-Centered Information Design & Technology

The Department of Human-Centered Information Design & Technology offers undergraduate and graduate programs that prepare students for careers in technical, professional, digital, and user-centered communication. Located within the School of Engineering, the department provides a distinctive interdisciplinary environment at the intersection of communication, design, technology, and applied problem-solving.

The department offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, as well as minors in technical communication, user experience, and artificial intelligence, and it provides service courses that support students across the School of Engineering. Faculty also contribute to a two-course sequence in professional and technical communication required for all engineering students.

We seek a faculty member who will contribute to a collaborative, collegial, and innovative department and help shape curricula for rapidly changing professional and technological contexts.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in the department’s programs
• Contribute to service and support courses for the School of Engineering
• Teach in face-to-face, hybrid, and online environments as needed
• Maintain an active agenda of scholarship, creative activity, and/or professionally engaged work appropriate to rank
• Contribute to curriculum development and revision in areas such as AI, UX, accessibility, content strategy, and digital communication
• Advise and mentor students
• Support student engagement in applied, research, and professional development opportunities
• Participate in departmental, school, and university service, including assessment and committee work
• Contribute to a team-oriented academic culture

Faculty in the department typically teach three courses each semester. Graduate teaching will include online delivery using university-supported platforms and tools. The department’s laboratories, including usability and digital media labs, support teaching, student collaboration, and faculty-student research and applied project experiences., Additional materials may be requested from finalists, including unofficial transcripts, teaching materials, and/or samples of scholarly or professional work. Official transcripts will be required of the successful candidate.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Selection of the final candidate is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.

A PhD in technical communication, professional communication, rhetoric, human-centered design, information design, UX, HCI, instructional design, or a closely related field from an accredited institution is required by the time of appointment.

Additionally, candidates should also have:

• Evidence of or strong potential for excellence in teaching
• Expertise in one or more of the areas listed above
• Ability to teach effectively at the undergraduate level
• Ability to teach graduate students, including in online or technology-supported environments
• Ability to work collaboratively in a collegial department
• Familiarity with current and emerging professional tools, practices, and technologies relevant to the field
• An interest in engaging contemporary developments in AI and related communication technologies, * A record of scholarly, professional, or applied work that demonstrates clear engagement with contemporary communication practice
• Industry or other professional experience in technical, professional, digital, UX, or content-focused communication settings
• Experience with accessibility standards, content systems, web technologies, technical editing, or AI-supported communication practices
• Experience in curriculum innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, or program development

Areas of emphasis should align with the department’s strengths in technical communication, user experience, and artificial intelligence and may include one or more of the following:

• Accessibility and inclusive design
• Artificial intelligence and emerging communication technologies
• Collaborative workflows and project management
• Content strategy and User experience (UX)
• Human-computer interaction (HCI) and/or human-robot interaction (HRI)
• Information design and digital content practices
• Instructional design and learning experience design
• International and intercultural communication
• Technical and professional communication in high-tech environments
• Technical writing and editing
• Web design, development, and docs as code

Mercer University is one of the few institutions with technical and professional communication offerings situated within a School of Engineering. This setting creates distinctive opportunities for interdisciplinary teaching, applied collaboration, and innovative program development. The department values human-centered approaches to communication and technology and is committed to preparing students for leadership in contemporary workplaces., Founded in 1833, Mercer University is a distinguished private institution recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, leadership development, and community engagement. With campuses across Georgia, Mercer’s twelve schools and colleges offer a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. The university cultivates a close-knit, student-centered environment where innovation, service, and personal growth are deeply valued. Mercer’s employees are at the heart of its mission, dedicated to advancing innovation, supporting student success, and strengthening both our local and global communities through service. At Mercer, we believe in the power of relationships and the importance of in-person collaboration. Accordingly, our employees are expected to serve in-person as it fosters real-time problem solving, mentoring, and the meaningful connections that strengthen both our work and service to our students and the broader university community.

Why Work at Mercer University

Mercer University offers a variety of benefits for eligible employees including comprehensive health insurance (for self and dependents), generous retirement contributions, tuition waivers, paid vacation and sick leave, technology discounts, schedules that allow for work-life balance, and so much more!

At Mercer University, a Bear is more than a mascot: it’s a frame of mind that begins with a strong desire to make the most out of your career. Mercer Bears do not settle for mediocrity or the status quo. If you’re seeking an environment where your passion and determination are embraced, then you want to work at Mercer University.