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 

Position: 

The Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) is seeking an individual to work in partnership with the Endowed Chair of Biodesign to develop MICA’s 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 MICA’s 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.

Job Description:

The Biodesign Curriculum Development Partner will work with MICA’s Endowed Chair of Biodesign (ECB) to develop the curriculum for the Undergraduate Biodesign Co-Major and the proposal for the Biodesign Graduate program. They will serve as a thought partner for imagining the future of Biodesign education, and will contribute to the planning, proposal, course development, and launch of these new programs. 

Responsibilities Include:

• 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 MICA’s Centers for Excellence including: the Ratcliffe Center for Entrepreneurship, Career Development, and others at MICA 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.

Salary: Commensurate with experience with salary range from $15,000-$25,000 during the appointment term - Part Time/Exempt

Apply: The College will review applications as received. Materials received before November 21st, 2025 are best assured of receiving full consideration. The position will remain open until filled. All inquiries, nominations, and applications will be held in the strictest confidence.

Application Instructions:

Submit a single PDF document that including:

• Cover Letter identifying your qualifications, experience, and what interests you about this position

• Comprehensive CV

• 1-3 Example syllabi written by the applicant 

• Optional: 

  • Portfolio of related work – website link or PDF

  • Portfolio of student work – website link or PDF

Conditions of Employment:

• Conditions: 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

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• 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. The employee must occasionally lift up to (amt) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. (may be adjusted depending on position)

• 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). Furthermore, 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 Maryland Institute College of Art, including but not limited to admission, educational programs, and employment.

Applicants must apply online for each job in which they are interested. You will not be considered for any job for which you have not specifically applied. We do not accept applications via email, U.S. mail, or fax. Successful candidates for any staff or faculty positions will be subject to a pre-employment background check.

MICA provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact Human Resources at 410-225-2363.