Junior Professor / Researcher (RTD Junior) in Product Design (in its expanded interpretation) / Digital & Materials

Faculty of Design and Art Junior and Senior University Researchers with fixed-term contract (RTD) in Design and Art - Product Design (at large) / Digital & Materials Position type: Full time, 3-Year Contract Scope: Academic Teaching and Research Call for Applications - Junior Professor Positions in Design and Art The Faculty of Design and Art at the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano (Italy) is opening an exciting junior academic position for outstanding candidates in the fields of Design and Art. We invite applications from artists, and designers holding a PhD (or equivalent international doctorate), who are passionate about innovative teaching, research, and artistic/designerly practice in a highly interdisciplinary, trilingual and international environment. Profile: we invite applications from candidates specializing in innovative product design (in its widest sense), focusing either on cutting-edge digital fabrication and computational design (e.g. CAD-CAM workflows, AI-supported prototyping, physical computing), or on progressive material-driven design ranging from bio-based and regenerative materials to speculative material futures both with strong ties to maker culture, distributed production, and experimental processes. Research and Teaching Focus: This position's research activities are embedded within the Design Friction Lab (), a design research lab exploring speculative, critical, and experimental approaches to design in digital and material contexts. Advanced product design, computational design, AI-augmented workflows, robotic fabrication, and distributed rapid manufacturing OR Next-generation material innovation emphasizing regenerative systems, bio-fabrication, and speculative material ecologies Open-source micro-production and experimental design approaches Participation in the Faculty's research clusters and interdisciplinary projects Teaching within the Bachelor and Master programs in Design, in either digital fabrication-related design or material-based design. Requirements: PhD or equivalent international doctorate in relevant fields Proven experience in academic teaching environment Strong design and research Portfolio demonstrating original, innovative and interdisciplinary design approaches Active participation in international design communities Contract: Fixed-term, full-time position (3 years) Teaching load: 60-120 hours/year Workplace: Bolzano - Bozen, Italy Selection includes evaluation of qualifications, portfolio, publications, and language exam. Languages: Discussion in English, German, or Italian. Why Join Us? The Faculty of Design and Art offers a vibrant academic environment with excellent facilities and strong international networks. Located at the crossroads of Italian and German-speaking cultures in South Tyrol, our university offers unique opportunities for intercultural and interdisciplinary work, in one of Europe's most fascinating Alpine regions. Further details on our faculty and programs: Application Process: Applications must be submitted following the instructions provided on our official calls webpage: