The University of Washington’s Department of Human Centered Design & Engineering (HCDE) has announced a tenure-track Assistant Professor position for Autumn 2027. This opportunity is part of one of the most forward-thinking academic environments in the United States, focusing on sociotechnical systems, human-centered innovation, and interdisciplinary research.
Located in Seattle, Washington, this position is ideal for early-career researchers who are passionate about designing technology that meaningfully improves human life, supports sustainability, and addresses challenges in work, civic systems, and digital infrastructure.
Official department information can be explored through University of Washington HCDE and the broader university at University of Washington.
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Overview of the HCDE Assistant Professor Position
The HCDE department is seeking an Assistant Professor who will contribute to teaching, research, and service in a dynamic interdisciplinary environment. This is a full-time, tenure-track position with a 9-month academic appointment and a competitive monthly salary ranging from $12,500 to $15,500 depending on qualifications and experience.
The position begins in Autumn 2027, with a priority application deadline of October 15, 2026.
Faculty in HCDE are expected to:
- Teach undergraduate and graduate courses
- Supervise PhD students and research groups
- Conduct high-impact, peer-reviewed research
- Secure external research funding
- Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration across campus and industry
Research Areas in Demand
HCDE encourages applications from scholars working in all areas of human-centered design, with special interest in three emerging domains:
1. Environment and Sustainability
This area focuses on how technology interacts with natural ecosystems, climate systems, and communities. Researchers in this domain explore:
- Environmental sensing and monitoring technologies
- Climate resilience and adaptation systems
- Human-technology interaction with land, water, and air
- Sustainable design practices for long-term ecological impact
The goal is to develop systems that support environmental justice and community resilience in the face of global change.
2. Civic Infrastructure and Society
This research area examines how people interact with both physical and digital infrastructure. It includes:
- Urban and rural mobility systems
- Public interest technology and civic platforms
- Food, water, and energy systems design
- Digital infrastructure shaping civic participation
- Community-centered design for equitable access
Scholars in this field often collaborate with policymakers, urban planners, and technology developers to improve public systems and social equity.
3. Labor and the Future of Work
This area explores how AI, automation, and digital platforms are transforming work and employment structures. Key themes include:
- Human-centered AI in workplaces
- Gig economy and platform labor dynamics
- Worker dignity, rights, and agency
- Invisible labor and care economies
- Ethical design of automation systems
Researchers are expected to critically engage with how technology reshapes labor markets and develop pro-worker technological frameworks.
Teaching Responsibilities
Faculty members at HCDE are expected to maintain a strong teaching presence. The typical workload includes:
- One course per quarter (three courses annually)
- Teaching undergraduate and graduate students
- Supervising research projects and doctoral dissertations
- Developing curriculum aligned with emerging technological and social challenges
Courses may include topics such as human-computer interaction, user-centered design, AI ethics, data systems, and sociotechnical design methodologies.
Qualifications and Expectations
Applicants must:
- Hold a PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant field by the appointment date
- Demonstrate strong potential for research excellence
- Show evidence of teaching capability
- Present a clear plan for securing external funding
Competitive candidates often come from fields such as:
- Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
- Computer Science
- Information Science
- Design Studies
- Engineering
- Social Sciences with a technology focus
The department strongly values candidates who integrate technical innovation with social impact and inclusivity.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following:
- Cover letter describing interest and qualifications
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Research statement
- Teaching statement
- Up to three representative publications
- Contact information for three referees
Candidates are also encouraged to demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in academic environments.
Applications are submitted via Interfolio, and early submission is highly recommended due to the priority deadline.
Why This Position Matters
The HCDE department at the University of Washington is globally recognized for bridging technology and human experience. It sits at the intersection of engineering, design, and social science, making it one of the most influential programs in human-centered computing.
Seattle itself is a major technology hub, home to leading global companies and innovative startups. This creates opportunities for collaboration, industry engagement, and applied research impact.
Faculty also benefit from a diverse urban environment with strong connections to global health, sustainability initiatives, and civic innovation.
Career Impact and Opportunities
This position is not only a teaching role but also a platform for shaping the future of human-centered technology. Faculty are expected to contribute to:
- Cutting-edge research publications in top-tier venues
- External funding from national and international agencies
- Interdisciplinary collaborations across engineering and social science
- Policy-relevant research addressing real-world societal challenges
Graduates and faculty from HCDE often go on to leadership roles in academia, industry research labs, and public policy institutions.
Conclusion
The University of Washington HCDE Assistant Professor position represents a rare opportunity for scholars who want to merge technology, society, and design into impactful research and teaching. With a strong emphasis on inclusivity, sustainability, and human-centered innovation, this role is ideal for researchers ready to shape the next generation of sociotechnical systems.
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