Adjunct Instructor in Technology Futures

Job description

Brandeis University’s Rabb School is seeking an Adjunct Faculty member for RUCD 135: Technology Futures, for the 2027 Spring 2 session. This 3-credit asynchronous online course is an 8-week requirement for the Master of Science in User-Centered Design and Masters Certificate in Technology Futures.

Course Description:

Equips students with the methods and mindsets of strategic foresight—the ability to anticipate, analyze, and design for emerging technologies and societal trends shaping the future of user experience. Students will learn to identify weak signals, map potential futures, and create speculative design artifacts that inform long-term product and service strategy. The course develops adaptive thinking, storytelling, and communication skills that prepare graduates for leadership roles at the intersection of design, innovation, and technology.

Core Course Responsibilities Summary:

• Course Logistics and Facilitation: Focuses on the organized and timely rollout of course content, maintaining consistent communication through weekly announcements, and ensuring all instructional activities occur within university-approved digital platforms.

• Instructor Presence and Engagement: Centers on building an active teaching persona by hosting live introductory sessions, facilitating weekly academic discourse in forums, and maintaining regular availability for student consultation.

• Individual Feedback and Grading: Emphasizes the professional obligation to provide transparent, rubric-based evaluations and supportive commentary on student work within a standardized weekly timeframe.

• Professional Conduct and Standards: Requires adherence to university communication protocols, the promotion of respectful online "netiquette," and ensuring the course meets accessibility and technical visibility standards before and during the term.

Qualifications:

• Required:

  • Master’s degree with specialization in Futures Thinking, Technology Innovation, Strategic Foresight, or related discipline

  • Current, active employment in Futures Thinking, Technology Innovation, Strategic Foresight, or related discipline

  • 5+ years of professional experience in Strategic Foresight or related disciplines

  • Applied experience driving strategy for innovative products or user experiences

  • At least 1 year of teaching or training experience (preferably online/asynchronous)

  • Proficiency with LMS platforms and digital authoring tools

  • Familiarity with analytical tools, collaborative platforms, and interdisciplinary teamwork

  • Strong communication, organization, and independent work skills

• Preferred:

  • Experience teaching or developing graduate-level online courses

  • Prior online teaching experience at the graduate level 

  • Knowledge of global learner personas and culturally responsive pedagogy

  • Familiarity with Moodle LMS and digital authoring tools (e.g., H5P)

Application Process: Interested candidates should submit:

A cover letter highlighting relevant qualifications and teaching experience.

A current CV or resume.

Contact information for three professional references.

Application review begins 9/15/2026 though we will continue to accept submissions on an ongoing basis.

This appointment is to a position that is in a collective bargaining unit represented by SEIU Local 509.

Compensation for this position is $6573.15

Pay Range Disclosure

The University's pay ranges represent a good faith estimate of what Brandeis reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of posting. The pay offered to a selected candidate during hiring will be based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience and education/training, internal peer equity, and applicable legal requirements.

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").