UCSB PaCE Part-Time Instructor - UX/UI Design
University of California Santa Barbara
Position overview
Salary range: A reasonable estimate for this position is $2,000.00-$4,250.00 per course. Application Window
Open date: October 13, 2026
Next review date: Tuesday, Oct 27, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Wednesday, Mar 31, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position description
We are looking for an instructor who can create a studio environment where students learn by doing. Students will conduct research, develop concepts, build prototypes, test their ideas, respond to critique, and communicate their work. This is not a traditional lecture-based UX/UI course.
The instructor should be comfortable helping students navigate ambiguity rather than simply teaching a prescribed software workflow. The program emphasizes curiosity, evidence, experimentation, iteration, and the ability to identify opportunities that may not initially be obvious. By the end of the sequence, students will have developed a body of work including research, experience maps, UX/UI concepts, Figma prototypes, usability testing evidence, MVP work, and portfolio quality case studies.
Applicants should indicate areas of expertise such as front-end development, JavaScript programming, UI/UX design, or responsive web architecture.
Instructor duties include but are not limited to:
- Design course structure, including modules, lessons, and learning objectives
- Develop and refine instructional materials for online delivery, including video-based lessons, slides, and supporting content
- Develop hands-on coding projects and assessments aligned with course outcomes and real-world use cases
- Create engaging learning activities that support applied skill development
- Update course content periodically to reflect current web standards, tools, and professional practices
- Communicate learning objectives, course expectations, and grading policies clearly
- Respond to student questions and learning needs in a timely and professional manner
- Evaluate student performance and assign grades based on established learning outcomes
- Submit final grades within university timelines and maintain appropriate student records in accordance with University policies
The posting will remain open until March 31, 2027 to accommodate department needs. The pool will close on March 31, 2027; if you would like to continue to be considered after that time, and the pooled position is advertised again, you will need to submit a new application.
Please note: The use of an instructor pool does not guarantee that an open position exists at the time you are applying. See the review date specified in UC Recruit to learn whether the department is currently reviewing applications for an upcoming opening. If there is no future review date specified, your application may not be considered at this time.
Screening of applicants begins immediately after the Initial Review Date has passed; some appointments may begin as early as the 2027 Winter quarter. The number of these temporary, part-time, non-tenure track, academic positions varies from quarter to quarter, depending on the needs of the department. Appointments are offered on a course-by-course basis, and appointment length is based upon course section schedule(s). Appointments may be renewable based on need, funding, and performance.
Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
- A bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Web Development, Design, or a related discipline OR 4 years of experience in web development, software engineering, or UX/UI.
Additional qualifications (required at time of start)
- Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in UI/UX design, or related design experience.
- Professional UX/UI portfolio.
Preferred qualifications
- 5+ years of professional experience in UX/UI design.
- Experience with Figma.
- Experience conducting qualitative research and usability testing.
- Experience mentoring junior designers or students.
- Experience working on digital products or services from concept through testing.
- Experience incorporating AI tools into contemporary design workflows.
- Experience collaborating with external clients, stakeholders, or organizations.
- Experience with user-centered design and research.
- Graduate degree in UX, HCI, design, interaction design, human-centered design, or a related field is welcome but not required.
- The ability to explain complex design concepts clearly to students with different academic and professional backgrounds.
Application Requirements
Document requirements
Applicants should indicate their areas of professional expertise (e.g., front-end development, JavaScript, UI/UX design, or related areas). In the cover letter, please describe the specific course topics or subject areas you are most qualified to teach and/or develop.
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter
Statement of Teaching (Optional)
UX/UI Portfolio
Reference requirements
2-4 required (contact information only)
The department will conduct a reference check for the finalist before extending an offer.
Apply link:
Help contact:
About UC Santa Barbara
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.
- "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 or discrimination as defined by the employer.
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Additionally, you will be required to comply with the , as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
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 or federal law.
Job location
Santa Barbara, CA
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