Assistant Research Professor of Architecture

Position Title:

Assistant Research Professor of Architecture

Compensation:

$60,000 - $65,000

Department:

Architecture

Start Date:

08/16/2026

About this opportunity:

The Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning (CAP) at Ball State University has a rich history in community engaged, professionally grounded, innovative and impactful design education.

The Department of Architecture at Ball State University seeks applicants for one “Design Innovation Fellow,” full-time contract faculty position available for an initial two-year term starting with the academic year 2026-27,(starting August 24, 2026) with the possibility to be renewable for an additional year upon favorable intermediate review. The fellowship intends to support individuals committed to expanding and advancing the culture of architecture and design through creative practice or research. The primary emphasis of the position is centered on innovative research within the field of architectural design.

The Department of Architecture offers undergraduate and graduate Architecture programs that emphasize the education of architecture and historic preservation students through design studio, immersive and experiential learning, design computation, digital fabrication, engagement with social and environmental justice issues, and critical practice in pursuit of preparing the next generation of leaders in architecture and historic preservation. We are committed to reaffirm the values of social equity and environmental responsibility, in particular as they relate to the design of the built environment.

Candidates for searches must have current authorization to be employed in the United States without employer sponsorship.

What you'll do and what you will bring:

Position Function:

Design Innovation Fellows develop a unique design research project and pedagogy throughout their fellowship.

Duties & Responsibilities:

The fellowship includes developing and teaching studios and seminars related to the candidate’s area of interest. Over the course of the appointment, fellows deliver a public lecture and prepare an exhibition based on their design research. Ball State welcomes innovative cross-disciplinary thinking that expands contemporary architectural discourse and practice.

A 25% release for research will be available to assist the Fellow’s pursuit of a vigorous design/research agenda that culminates in an exhibition, public lecture or exhibit, and potential publication of work at the conclusion of the fellowship.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master’s degree in Architecture or related field from an accredited college or university required by date of appointment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Evidence of excellence in contemporary design, technologies, systems, visualization and fabrication methods;
• Design research, design methodologies and scholarship;
• Ability to articulate agenda for fellowship duration;
• Potential to take on a leadership role in shaping the future discourse of design disciplines.

How to apply:

For inquiries, please contact:

Sean Burns - sfburns@bsu.edu

Please following upload instructions to attach all for the required supporting documents listed below. Note: Do not use the Auto fill feature for resume:

• Cover Letter
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Link to Portfolio (If a link to your portfolio is not available, please upload your portfolio in the application.)
• Licenses/Certifications if available (optional)

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by July 9, 2026.

(Applications will continue to be accepted after the full consideration date of 7/9/26 until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the position is filled. The closing date is subject to change without notice.)

What we offer:

At Ball State University, we understand the importance of balancing professional responsibilities with personal well-being. That's why we offer 12 paid sick days and 10 holidays a year. Plus, our paid parental leave (6 weeks) is there for life's most significant moments. We offer affordable health and dental insurance, robust long-term disability and life insurance plans, as well a range of retirement benefits to provide financial security to you and your family. These benefits ensure that you can focus on your work and personal growth without worrying about the unexpected.

When you work for us, you are family. And to show our support of your family, we will cover 90 percent of your child's (or children's) undergraduate college tuition at Ball State. This offer is good from the very first day you start. It's just one way we do our part to uplift you.

Let's fly together toward a secure and prosperous tomorrow.

Curious about our excellent benefits package?

We have developed a calculator that shows you the value of our core benefits.

Select the Total Compensation Calculator - Faculty and download our calculator spreadsheet.