Adjunct Lecturer, Physical Computing

The School of Architecture seeks an instructor to develop and teach a seminar in physical computing for architecture students. The course introduces students to embedded sensing, actuation, and microcontroller programming as design tools, and pairs this work with parametric modeling in Rhino and Grasshopper. Students will move between digital simulation and physical prototyping across the semester, building working assemblies that respond to environmental or user input.

This is a hands-on, studio-adjacent seminar. Students are expected to leave the course able to wire a circuit, program a microcontroller, and connect that behavior back into a computational design workflow.

Course Focus

• Sensor and actuator fundamentals (light, proximity, temperature, motion, load);

• Microcontroller programming (Arduino or comparable platform) for architectural applications;

• Rhino and Grasshopper as an interface for parametric control and data visualization;

• Integration of physical prototypes with digital models, including live data feedback loops;

• Basic circuit design, breadboarding, and soldering;

• Fabrication methods appropriate to small-scale working prototypes (3D printing, laser cutting, basic CNC); and

• Final deliverable projects: responsive or interactive architectural assemblies.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver weekly seminar sessions combining lecture, demonstration, and hands-on labwork;

• Develop a sequence of exercises building from single-sensor circuits to integrated, Grasshopper-linked assemblies;

• Advise students on final projects, including technical troubleshooting;

• Maintain lab safety standards for electronics and fabrication equipment; and

• Coordinate with school fabrication staff on shop access and material budgets.

USC reserves the “Adjunct” appointment for faculty teaching less than full-time at USC, who are employed full-time in a primary profession or career elsewhere. Adjunct faculty typically teach only one course per year but, in exceptional cases, may teach one course per semester, if approved by the dean.

Compensation and rank to be commensurate with experience. The core salary range for this position is $50.75 - $75 per hour. This is a part-time, 27.5% position. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Art, Engineering, Computer Science, Industrial/Product Design, or a related field; equivalent professional experience may substitute for the degree requirement;

• Professional or research experience in physical computing, interactive architecture, kinetic systems, or a closely related field;

• Working fluency in Rhino and Grasshopper, including data-driven and sensor-linked workflows; and

• Demonstrated experience with microcontroller platforms (Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or similar) and basic circuit design.