What are the responsibilities and job description for the Adjunct Instructor in Information Architecture position at Brandeis University?
Brandeis University invites applications for Graduate Professional Studies, Online Adjunct Faculty in the Rabb School, Graduate Professional Studies (GPS) to teach RUCD 130: Information Architecture starting in the spring semester of 2026.
RUCD 130: Information Architecture: Course Description
Information Architecture (IA) is defined as “the art and science of organizing and labeling shared information environments (websites, intranets, online communities and software) to support usability and findability.” (source: iainsitute.org). This is a required course in the User-Centered Design MS program. This course balances theoretical grounding of IA with practical design work. We will cover principles of IA as a professional practice and how to design effective, research-supported, user-centered information systems. Students will understand and apply information organization concepts; design and apply appropriate assessment techniques; and develop strategies to effectively communicate design rationale and advocate for users.
GPS Faculty instructors are active practitioners in the industries that align with our programs and have the professional expertise to bring to course discussions and threads. Instructors are part time and work remotely, with no requirement to appear on campus. All courses are taught asynchronously, but require faculty to be available for live office hours and to provide student feedback throughout the semester. Our faculty have earned at least a master's degree with many holding terminal academic degrees and industry-specific credentials. Previous experience teaching online is not required; GPS offers a comprehensive training program for qualified applicants.
Essential & Non-Essential Job Functions:
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For new courses requiring development:
- Design a syllabus following program chair guidance and the syllabus template
- Create content that aligns with course outcomes and offers the author’s experiences and perspectives on key points
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For all courses:
- Develop and deliver the course according to our teaching standards, which include actively facilitating online discussions, providing relevant and timely feedback on student work, reporting grades, and discussing student issues with staff
- Create or refine and facilitate the course site in the Moodle learning management system
- Strong interpersonal skills when relating to students
- The ability to communicate effectively in writing, including conveying complex information and promoting in-depth engagement on course topics
- The ability to devote adequate time to courses, including responding to students and providing meaningful feedback in a timely manner
Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:
- Current, active employment in the Human Factors, HCI, User Experience field or related industry
- Master’s degree in Human Factors, HCI, User Experience, or related discipline
- 5 years of experience in UX roles, with an emphasis on Information Architecture
- Applied knowledge of information architecture and user experience design
- Applied knowledge of design and prototyping tools relevant to information architecture
- Applied knowledge of IA user research methods, including card sorting and tree testing
Preferred:
- Background in information science or library science
- Experience with both formal and rapid UX processes
- Leadership/Management experience
- Teaching experience; online teaching or learning experience
Applicants should include with their application a resume or CV that highlights their subject matter qualifications. We will begin reviewing applications on October 15.
This appointment is to a position that is in a collective bargaining unit represented by SEIU Local 509.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Brandeis University is an equal opportunity employer which does not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religious creed, gender identity and expression, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, caste, military or veteran status or any other category protected by law (also known as membership in a "protected class")
