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FACULTY POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR IN BIO DESIGN IN TEXTILES & FASHION (TENURE-TRACK)
DEPARTMENT OF DESIGN
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS

The Department of Design at UC Davis invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Bio Design with a focus on Textiles and/or Fashion. This position is dedicated to advancing innovative and sustainable practices in textile and fashion design, research, and curriculum. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate courses, including studio-based design courses, mentor students in both research and creative practice, and pursue a robust creative research agenda that strengthens and contributes to the mission of the Maria Manetti Shrem Institute of Sustainable Design, Fashion and Textiles.
We seek a forward-thinking scholar-practitioner whose interdisciplinary research and creative practice address environmental and social sustainability while advancing innovation through critical methodologies, experimental design strategies, or emerging technologies. Areas of focus may include, but are not limited to: regenerative and alternative materials; bio-based materials and biofabrication; natural dyeing, printing, and sustainable coloration methods; alternative and heritage fibers; biophilic and biomimetic approaches to textiles/fashion; circular and sustainable textiles/fashion systems such as upcycling, zero-waste, and slow textiles/fashion; and explorations of environmental ethics and social responsibility in fashion and textile design.
Candidates must hold Ph.D. degree or equivalent terminal degree at the Master’s level in an area relevant to the Department of Design and demonstrate clear potential for excellence in research and creative practice, as evidenced through exhibitions, publications, or innovative projects. A strong portfolio of practice-based creative work is expected, along with evidence of teaching effectiveness in both studio and lecture formats at the undergraduate and/or graduate level. The position requires the ability to collaborate across disciplines, including sciences, humanities, and health fields, and a demonstrated commitment to excellence of inclusion and access in teaching, research, and service. We seek a colleague who will work collegially within the Department of Design and has the potential to assume a leadership role in the development of sustainable textile and fashion design at UC Davis. Appointment commences July 1, 2026.
The UC Davis Department of Design, which includes the UC Davis Design Museum, the California Lighting Technology Center, the Maria Manetti Shrem Institute of Sustainable Design, Fashion and Textiles is the only comprehensive academic design unit in the University of California system, one of the world’s leading public universities. The program offers a research-focused curriculum combining theoretical and humanistic study with innovation and practice.

Candidates begin the application process by registering online at https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07407 Submit a letter of interest, a CV, a brief statement of research plans and vision for the future of sustainable textiles/fashion and textile design, a brief statement of teaching philosophy along with descriptions of courses taught and/or proposed, images of creative works including examples of student work if available, and the names and contact details for four references. Review of applications begins January 5, 2026 and continues until the position is filled. Questions about the position may be addressed to Prof. Gozde Goncu Berk at ggoncuberk@ucdavis.edu.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

To implement this process, UC Davis requires all applicants for any open search to complete, sign, and upload the form entitled, "Authorization to Release Information" into UC RECRUIT as part of their application. If an applicant does not include the signed authorization with the application materials, the application will be considered incomplete, and as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration.

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus (http://breathefree.ucdavis.edu/).

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state for federal law.

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. More information is available at: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and students. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service are embodied by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values. A variety of resources and programs are available to academics, staff, and students that reflect the core values reflected in our strategic plan: “To Boldly Go,” our Principles of Community, the Office of Academic Affairs’ Mission Statement, and the UC Board of Regents Policy 4400.
UC Davis also is making important progress towards our goal of achieving federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). There are numerous links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our administration, campus rankings, locations, campus safety, sustainability, visiting UC Davis and UC Davis Health.

The university is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the world for campus sustainability practices by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings. UC Davis is focused on achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and repeatedly shown its commitment to preserving a healthy and sustainable environment for generations to come.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.