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- Tasks: Inspire students through design thinking education and develop innovative solutions.
- Company: Join the University of Bristol's award-winning Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
- Benefits: Enjoy 32 days annual leave, a generous pension scheme, and hybrid working.
- Why this job: Shape the next generation of innovators and make a real impact in education.
- Qualifications: Expertise in UX, visual, product, or service design with teaching experience.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture that values diverse thoughts and backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Within our multi-award-winning team at the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, we have a vacancy for a 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. You may be a successful design professional looking to give something back, or an innovator with a proven track record of contributing to successful businesses. You could also be an educator with a higher education background looking for your next exciting, inspiring position.
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 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: UX, visual, product, 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 working in a relevant commercial/social environment or teaching experience in a higher education institute.
- Experience of current debates, trends and issues relating to the expanding fields of digital 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.
For more detailed information about the role: www.bristol.ac.uk/jobs
For more information about the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship: www.bristol.ac.uk/innovation
For informal enquiries please contact: Tom Ellson, Director of the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Tom.ellson@bristol.ac.uk
Contract type: Open-ended from 01/04/2026
Work pattern: 1 FTE/Full-time. Part-time hours may be considered for the correct candidate
Grade: K
School/Unit: Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 15th February
Our strategy and mission: We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.
Lecturer in Design Thinking employer: University of Bristol
Contact Detail:
University of Bristol Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lecturer in Design Thinking
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the design thinking space. Attend workshops, seminars, or even casual meet-ups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work in UX, visual, product, or service design. Make sure it’s easy to navigate and showcases your human-centred design thinking methodologies. This is your chance to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply – engage! When you find a role that excites you, reach out to the hiring manager or someone in the department. Ask questions about the role and express your enthusiasm. It shows initiative and can help you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep an eye on our website! We regularly post new opportunities at the University of Bristol. Applying directly through our site not only makes it easier for us to find your application but also shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our innovative team.
We think you need these skills to ace Lecturer in Design Thinking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your practical industry experience and how it aligns with our mission at the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Keep it engaging and personal – we want to see your passion for design thinking!
Showcase Your Portfolio: Don’t forget to include a portfolio that demonstrates your design expertise! We’re looking for examples of human-centred design thinking methodologies, so make sure your best work is front and centre. Remember, quality over quantity – ten sides A4 is plenty!
Tailor Your CV: Your CV should reflect your relevant experience in UX, visual, product, or service design. Be sure to emphasise any teaching experience and organisational skills, as these are key for the role. Tailoring your CV to match the job description will help us see why you’re the perfect fit!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s super easy and ensures your application gets to the right place. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our Centre there!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Bristol
✨Know Your Design Thinking Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in design thinking methodologies. Brush up on human-centred design principles and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in real-world scenarios. This will show your practical experience and ability to inspire students.
✨Showcase Your Portfolio Effectively
Prepare a concise yet impactful portfolio that highlights your best work. Focus on projects that demonstrate your design expertise and problem-solving skills. Be ready to explain the thought process behind each piece, as this will illustrate your teaching potential.
✨Engage with Current Trends
Stay updated on the latest trends in digital design and innovation. Be prepared to discuss how these trends can influence your teaching and curriculum development. This shows that you’re not just knowledgeable but also passionate about evolving education.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Spirit
Since collaboration is key in this role, think of examples where you’ve worked effectively in teams. Highlight your experience in fostering creative cultures and how you can contribute to the Centre’s mission of innovation and entrepreneurship.
