Assistant Professor of Practice, Fashion Merchandising & Design

Blacksburg, VA - USA

Yearly Salary: $ 65000 - 75000

Posted on: 30+ days ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Job Description

The School of Design is seeking applications for a non-tenure track Assistant Professor of Practice in Fashion Merchandising and Design (FMD). The applicants for this position must have expertise in textiles fashion design product development and/or textile or design technology. The FMD major at Virginia Tech emphasizes the integration of design product development and merchandising of apparel products. Graduates work in product development as creative designers technical designers or product developers using their creative skills to conceptualize couture and ready-to-wear lines presented around the globe. Graduates may also work as retail buyers store managers website developers internet merchants or visual merchandisers for national and international companies. All FMD students graduate with a solid foundation in the fashion industry including design retail and textiles.

The successful candidate will be required to provide transcripts of the highest level of academic achievement and a portfolio of work as appropriate. The starting date is August 2026. Review of applications will begin January 5 2026 and continue until a suitable candidate is appointed. This is an academic year (9-month) position with an initial contract for three years with the opportunity for renewal.

Responsibilities include:
Teach undergraduate studio lab and/or lecture courses
Teach a combination of the following undergraduate courses: introduction to textiles textile evaluations fashion drawing (hand and digital) apparel production/assembly technical design draping flat pattern and grading product development 3D apparel design using CLO3D and/or fashion promotions and visual merchandising
Maintain functionality of design textile and/or technology studio assets. This may include textile-testing laboratory equipment plotters printers dress forms sewing machines and other textile and apparel related equipment and supplies
Supervise student internships with fashion retail merchandising design textile companies and other fashion industry-related firms
Participate in curriculum development
Direct and participate in recruitment activities to enhance enrollments in the Fashion Merchandising and Design major including weekend and off campus activities
Engage in outreach and advancement activities with fashion merchandising and design industry and alumni such as securing speakers arranging study tours
Supervise and facilitate the FMD Advisory Board
Provide service to the university and profession
Participate in occasional travel to attend professional meetings

Required Qualifications

Graduate or professional degree in apparel design textiles or related field professional certification(s) if relevant and/or significant professional experience. Experience and demonstrated competence in practice of the profession are expected.
Significant work experience in the apparel design textiles or apparel manufacturing industry
Ability and willingness to collaborate effectively with various campus units and external industry groups

Preferred Qualifications

Teaching experience in a university program in fashion design textiles or experience in providing training in fashion industry settings
Experience managing supplies/materials and other studio resources
Knowledge of undergraduate policies in higher education
Proficiency in flat patternmaking draping and garment construction and/or in textile technologies and textile laboratory work
Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator and CLO3D or other design technologies
Experience with plotting and poster production

Submission Materials

For full consideration interested applicants are required to submit the following:

Letter of application
Curriculum Vitae
Portfolio of design work as appropriate for classes to be taught
Contact information for three professional references and
A one-page personal statement of teaching philosophy including the candidates ideas for supporting an educational environment consistent with the Virginia Tech Principles of Community.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

Salary range is $65000 - $75000 per year

Hours per week

40 evenings & weekends as needed

Review Date

January 5 2026 - Review of submissions will commence on this date and continue until position is filled

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its mottoUt Prosim(That I May Serve) Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world Virginia Tech is aninclusive communitydedicated to knowledge discovery and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36000 undergraduate graduate and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges a school of medicine a veterinary medicinecollege Graduate School and Honors College.The university has a significant presence across Virginia including Blacksburg the greater Washington D.C. area the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke sites in Newport News and Richmond and numerous Extension officesand research institutes.A leading global research institution Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees students or applicants on the basis of age color disability sex (including pregnancy) gender gender identity gender expression genetic information ethnicity or national origin political affiliation race religion sexual orientation or military status or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about discuss or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation please contact Julie Weaver at during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Job DescriptionThe School of Design is seeking applications for a non-tenure track Assistant Professor of Practice in Fashion Merchandising and Design (FMD). The applicants for this position must have expertise in textiles fashion design product development and/or textile or design technology. The F...