Heriot-Watt University
Assistant Professor - Interior Architecture and Design in Digital and Analogue Making
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Assistant Professor - Interior Architecture and Design in Digital and Analogue Making
Role
Assistant Professor – Interior Architecture & Design: Digital and Analogue Making
Grade and Salary
Grade 7, £37,694 - £47,389 per annum
Contract and Working Pattern
- Full-time – 35 hours per week
- Open-ended
Reward and Benefits
- 33 days' annual leave, plus 9 closed buildings days
- Use the Total Rewards Calculator to explore benefits
About the Team
The Creative Environments team at the School of Textiles and Design fosters interdisciplinary research in spatial design. We focus on:
- Built and virtual environments and their impact on human experience
- Cutting-edge research in material practice, digital/analogue fabrication, circular design, and emerging tech (e.g. generative AI)
- Collaborations with industry, community projects, and international networks
- Educational and commercial interiors rooted in sustainability and wellbeing
We deliver the BA in Interior Architecture and Design and MA in Interior Architecture and Design across Edinburgh’s Scottish Borders and Dubai campuses.
Learn more about Creative Environments
Purpose of the Role
We are seeking an Assistant Professor (Grade 7) to join this dynamic team as a permanent role based at the Scottish Borders campus in Galashiels, with anticipated collaboration with Dubai. Reporting to the Global Head of Creative Environments, this appointment combines academic leadership and teaching with programme management.
The ideal candidate brings:
- Deep expertise in digital fabrication, analogue craft, and material intelligence for interior design
- A commitment to integrating hands-on making culture into education
- Leadership potential toward Programme Director for the BA Interior Architecture and Design
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A unique opportunity exists to:
- Lead and shape the School’s new Makers’ Lab, an experimental space for research and pedagogy
- Develop equipment, policies, and research engagement
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Teaching and Learning
- Serve as or develop into Programme Director for BA Interior Architecture and Design, overseeing outcomes at both campuses
- Lead curriculum development and programme administration (timetabling, assessments, reviews, external examiner liaising)
- Enhance student progress and experience via academic support
- Foster industry partnerships, maker networks, and cross-disciplinary collaborations
- Design and teach studio and theoretical content underpinning digital/analogue fabrication
- Supervise projects, field trips, and placements
- Use CNC, 3D printing, laser cutting, and material prototyping in studios
- Mentor colleagues and researchers on fabrication-pedagogical methods
Research and Scholarship
- Develop and publish world-class research in fabrication theory/techniques for interiors design
- Lead (or contribute to) granting efforts linked to circular design and sustainable materials
- Coordinate the Makers’ Lab’s research infrastructure and impact
- Present findings at conferences or exhibit work
Makers’ Lab Co-Direction
- Define the Lab’s strategic aims, equipment, and safety protocols
- Partner with the team to establish and expand a community of makers
- Identify external engagement opportunities (funders, community)
Note: The job description may evolve with team development or shifting institutional priorities.
Person Specification
Essential
- A PhD or demonstrated scholarly achievement in Interior Architecture, Architecture, Design, or Material Practice (or comparable professional impact)
- Expertise in either analogue or digital fabrication (e.g., laser cutting, 3D printing, model-making/prototyping) applied to interior design
- Strong studio teaching experience with a commitment to pedagogical excellence
- Emerging publication or program-level research track record
- Independent research vision backed by interrogating themes/problems
- Higher education teaching experience
- Experience, or potential, for programme leadership and administrative oversight
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Desirable
- recognised teaching qualifications (e.g., PG Cert; AHE Membership)
- Aligned with circular economy, sustainable fabrication, or material reuse research
- Experience establishing or leading fabrication labs, exhibition spaces, or workshops
- Higher ed curriculum design, accreditation, or oversight experience
- Track record of securing external funding for projects
- Collaborative work with industry or other institutions
- Familiarity with UK higher education QA frameworks
How to Apply
Submit via Heriot-Watt’s recruitment system with:
- Cover letter outlining interest and fit for the role
- Full CV
Closing Date: 23:55, Sunday 30th August 2026
About Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt values diversity and community and celebrates equitable contributions. Join a collaborative environment fostering real-world impact through creative solutions.
The University strives toward:
- Equality and inclusive hiring processes
- Cultivating well-being, flexibility, and contentment with work-life balance
For information on accessibility and other policies, visit: Equality, Diversity, Inclusion Disability & STEM Careers
Applications open under consideration of flexible working accommodations.
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