Senior Lecturer in Design Thinking in Bristol

Within our multi-award-winning team at the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, we have a vacancy for a Senior Lecturer in Design Thinking. The Centre is a flagship component of the University of Bristol's strategy to further strengthen the links between education, research, design thinking and innovation, leveraging Bristol’s city and region as a unique asset on the international stage. Innovation is the application of creative solutions to real-world problems – and we are looking for individuals with practical industry experience who can guide, influence and inspire our innovators of the future.

The aim of our innovation programme is to produce a new kind of highly-skilled graduate whose training will enable them to change the world through new products, innovations and startups.

What will you be doing?

The role will involve supporting the development and delivery of design thinking education, and undertaking associated administrative duties as required. A key element of the role is to develop practical applied learning approaches that utilise team and project-based studio learning. The post holder will play a central role in helping students, both individually and in groups, develop innovative solutions to problems and enable change. You will teach at a variety of levels and collaborate with academic colleagues to contribute to curriculum development. We are constantly looking to evolve our teaching, learning and assessment strategies, and you will play a key role in that. You will use your knowledge, experience, qualifications and skills to inspire your students and to help them think differently. You will support the design and development of new or existing design thinking activities, initiatives and programmes, including specific projects and non-accredited courses.

You should apply if:

• You have expertise in one or more of the following areas: Design futures, regenerative design or service design, innovation and/or directing design research and strategy programmes.
• A portfolio demonstrating design expertise utilising human‑centred design thinking methodologies along with strong design and prototyping skills to solve complex organisational challenges.
• Significant experience of leading a relevant commercial/social environment.
• Teaching or training design leadership in a higher education institute or similar.
• Experience of current debates, trends and issues relating to the expanding fields of design, innovation or systems thinking.
• Evidence of excellent organisational and administrative skills.
• Evidence of ability to contribute effectively to the running of the University of Bristol’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
• Experience of fostering and developing creative cultures.

Benefits of working for the University include:

• 32 days of annual leave pro rata per year (plus bank holidays).
• Automatic entry to an extremely generous pension scheme, with substantial employer contributions.
• Hybrid working environment.
• Inclusive culture, valuing the diversity of thought, beliefs and background.

Additional information:

We welcome applications from anyone who meets the criteria and is enthusiastic about educating the next generation to bring about positive change. Applications should contain a covering letter (maximum two sides A4), a CV (maximum three sides A4) and, where appropriate, an example of your design portfolio (maximum ten sides A4). This is not a research focused role and applications should recognise this.

Contract type: Open ended from 01/04/2026

Work pattern: 1 FTE with possibility of part-time work for the right candidate

Grade: L

School/Unit: Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 15th February.

Our strategy and mission: The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.