Biodesign Curriculum Development Partner

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Position: Biodesign Curriculum Development Partner (Temporary)

Department: Biodesign

FLSA Status: Exempt/Staff

Position: $15,000-$25,000

Reports to: Endowed Chair of Biodesign

Work Schedule: Temporary, Part-time, option for partially remote

Job Description

The Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) is seeking an individual to work in partnership with the Endowed Chair of Biodesign to develop MICAs new undergraduate Biodesign Co‑Major, launching Fall 2026, and Biodesign Graduate program, launching Fall 2027 (pending approval). This is a contracted position with a preferred start date of January 2026 and an end date of August 2026 with the possibility of reappointment.

Candidates who are interested in teaching Biodesign at MICA are encouraged to note this in their application.

About Biodesign at MICA

The Biodesign program at MICA consists of three interrelated elements: Undergraduate Co‑Major, a Graduate Degree, and a Research Agenda. The Undergraduate Biodesign Co‑Major is built upon 10+ years of Biodesign teaching at MICA and has been fully approved for launch AY27. It is situated within the Design and Innovation program which also includes Co‑Majors in Architectural Design, Product Design, and Graphic Design. The Biodesign Graduate Degree is currently under development, with internal and external approvals targeted for AY26, and planned launch in Fall 2027. The Biodesign Research Agenda supports extra‑curricular and co‑curricular R&D regarding novel biomaterials, biofabrication technologies, and their applications, supported through millions of dollars in government and private funding.

The Biodesign Program explores and teaches methods of working with living organisms from across the more‑than‑human world to create novel materials, objects, and approaches to living and working together on our shared planet. Courses introduce new approaches to making from, like, with, and for other living beings. In MICAs state‑of‑the‑art Biodesign Lab, students learn tools and techniques of biotechnology that expand the scope and possibilities of a contemporary art and design practice. The curriculum explores a broad range of theoretical perspectives and modes of practice, enabling each student to establish their own approach to Biodesign. Courses centered on Creative Experiential Learning build real‑world skills and help students find career paths where they can most meaningfully contribute to this emerging transdisciplinary field.

Responsibilities

• Build an understanding of the existing and thus‑far planned Biodesign program at MICA.
• Serve as a thought partner for imagining the future of Biodesign education.
• Engage with the external Biodesign Advisory Board to gain additional input and perspective regarding program objectives and content, and make recommendations for potential board members.
• Work with internal partners from other academic departments and MICAs Centers for Excellence—including the Ratcliffe Center for Entrepreneurship and Career Development—to develop thoughtful curricular integrations.
• Fully develop up to six courses in the approved Biodesign Undergraduate Co‑Major curriculum to be offered in Academic Year 2026‑2027, creating for each course a detailed syllabus with weekly course outline, compiled and newly‑written learning resources, list of materials and resources required to run the course, and other related content.
• Assist the ECB in developing the structure and content of the Biodesign Graduate program.
• Contribute materials required for internal and external approval of the Biodesign Graduate program.
• Develop information for select Graduate courses as required for creating the course listing and degree plan template, including course title, description, etc.
• Advise on Lab facilities and space requirements for the Undergraduate Co‑Major and Graduate degree.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• Masters degree or higher in art, design, bio‑science, or other relevant field (or commensurate experience).
• 1+ year experience teaching in higher education, beyond graduate assistantships.
• 1+ year experience teaching biodesign (or closely related field).
• Demonstrated experience writing courses.
• Demonstrated experience in curricular development.
• Demonstrated understanding of the field of biodesign.
• Demonstrated technical understanding of biodesign laboratory practices.
• Demonstrated experience working in art and design educational context.
• Demonstrated strength in written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• A terminal degree in art, design, bio‑science, or other relevant field (or equivalent professional experience).
• Contributions to the field of biodesign and/or biodesign education through publication, presentations, and other modes of public engagement.
• Experience working in art/design educational context and science/engineering educational context.

Conditions of Employment

• Satisfactory Background Check.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Remote or hybrid work options are available for this role. A minimum of three on‑site work periods will be required, spread throughout the development process.
• Part‑Time schedule, with flexible working hours, aligned to a calendar of deliverables.
• Physical Demands: While performing the duties of a job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; talk or hear; and occasionally lift up to a weight. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Work Environment: While performing the duties of the job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually minimal.
• Required Training: Handbook orientation, Anti‑Harassment, Hazard Communication, Emergency Plans & Fire Prevention, Personal Protection Equipment (additional training may be added, see EHS Manager training schedule).

Maryland Institute College of Art is committed to its policy of providing equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or veteran status (disabled, Vietnam‑era, or otherwise). The College does not tolerate any form of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment or sexual violence. This policy applies to all programs, facilities, and activities provided by MICA, including admission, educational programs, and employment.