Lecturer in Fashion Design (0236-26) – Derby, DE22 1GB
About the University
We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.
The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.
We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes.
Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.
About the College/Department
At the heart of shaping future professionals and creative thinkers, the College of Health and Humanities brings together three dynamic and diverse schools:
School of Nursing and Midwifery Preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals through hands-on learning, expert teaching, and strong industry partnerships. Our courses are designed to meet the demands of real-world practice and improve the health and wellbeing of our communities.
School of Health, Sport and Rehabilitation
From state-of-the-art clinical simulation suites and specialist sport facilities to valuable placement opportunities, the School of Health, Sport and Rehabilitation focuses on ensuring our student graduate ready for the challenges of modern healthcare, sport and rehabilitation. Our career-focused courses are designed with industry partners and delivered by experienced academics and practitioners.
Through an integrated approach to learning and professional development, our students are equipped with the knowledge, values, and skills to thrive in their chosen fields and make a lasting impact.
School of Humanities, Law and Creative Arts Celebrating creativity, critical thinking, and cultural exploration. This school nurtures writers, performers, thinkers and artists, offering opportunities to grow intellectually and creatively across subjects like English, History, Creative Writing, Fine Art, and Media.
The School brings together a wide range of subjects, including:
- Humanities
- Law
- Journalism and Media
- Policing, Criminology and Social Sciences
- Creative Arts
Whether exploring the past, shaping future policy, telling powerful stories, or creating inspiring work, our students develop the skills and confidence to contribute meaningfully to society and the creative industries.
Together, the College of Health and Humanities delivers a rich, interdisciplinary environment where students gain the skills, experience, and inspiration to make a meaningful impact in society.
About the Role
We are seeking a highly skilled, forward-thinking Lecturer in Fashion Design who also holds specialist skills in CAD to join our team and inspire the next generation of creative professionals across our Fashion and Textiles and Fashion Communication and Promotion programmes.
You will develop and deliver innovative, inclusive and industry-relevant learning and teaching, equipping students with the creative, technical and digital skills, confidence and contextual understanding needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving fashion industry. With employability and real-world learning at the heart of the curriculum, you will bring contemporary industry practice, digital innovation and professional insight into the student experience.
A key focus of the role will be supporting students to develop their expertise in CAD (such as the Adobe Creative Suite, Gerber, XD, Express, Procreate, Fresco, O3D, Style3D Browzwear, Blender, and Daz3D) and other digital design technologies. Alongside strong knowledge of core CAD tools, you will demonstrate an awareness of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI solutions for ideation and visualisation in textiles), and understand how these can be integrated appropriately, creatively and ethically into design workflows. You will help students explore the opportunities and challenges presented by digital innovation, ensuring they develop future-ready skills that support professional success, creativity and the sustainable development of the fashion and textiles industry.
You will contribute to module and programme development, assessment and quality assurance, using innovative pedagogic approaches and learning environments to engage and challenge students and develop the skills and attributes of the ‘Derby Graduate’. You may also undertake module or programme leadership responsibilities, contributing to programme development, marketing, recruitment and delivery.
Research and scholarly activity will be an important part of the role. You will engage in research that informs and enhances your teaching, influences leading-edge practice and contributes to the University's research profile and REF activity. You will have opportunities to collaborate with internal and external partners, publish and present your work, contribute to research bids and develop relationships with professional, research and industry organisations.
Alongside teaching and research, you will support students as a personal tutor, providing academic guidance and pastoral support throughout their studies. You will also contribute to student recruitment, outreach, placements and the development of external partnerships that create valuable opportunities for students and strengthen the University's links with industry.
This is an exciting opportunity for a Fashion Design and CAD specialist who is passionate about creative education, digital innovation, research and industry engagement, and who wants to help shape a future-focused curriculum that prepares students to lead with creativity, sustainability and technical excellence.
Please note that this role is a 0.5FTE; 24 month Fixed Term Contract.
Working Pattern
Semester 1 Friday 10-12, 1-3pm,
Semester 2 Thursday 2-6pm.
Further working hours to be discussed at interview.
The anticipated interview date is 11th November.
About You
We are looking for an innovative, creative and forward-thinking academic with expertise in textiles, fashion or a closely related discipline, who is passionate about inspiring the next generation of students and preparing them for a rapidly evolving industry. You will have a good Honours degree or equivalent professional experience, alongside relevant subject-specific knowledge and experience.
Digital innovation will be central to your approach. You will have practical experience of using digital technologies to enhance learning, teaching and research, with knowledge of relevant creative and CAD software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Gerber, CLO3D, Style3D Browzwear, Blender, Procreate, Fresco and related digital design and visualisation platforms. You will also have experience or an interest in using AI for ideation and visualisation within textiles, alongside an appreciation of both traditional and immersive approaches to visualisation.
You will be an excellent communicator and relationship builder, able to explain complex and conceptual ideas clearly to a diverse range of audiences. You will be comfortable working independently and collaboratively, managing competing priorities and meeting deadlines, while building effective relationships across the University and with external partners.
Above all, you will share our commitment to delivering an outstanding student experience and demonstrate the values, professionalism and behaviours expected of a Higher Education professional. You will be flexible in your approach and willing to travel between sites, occasionally overseas, and contribute to activities such as Open Days, Graduation and occasional evening or weekend teaching.
Benefits
- Generous annual leave entitlement of 47 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
- Teacher’s Pension Scheme
- Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
- Discounted onsite gym
- Cycle to Work scheme
- A flexible working environment
- A commitment to personal and professional development
Key Contact
For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Dr Ben Harbisher, Subject Lead for Creative Arts, via (b.harbisher@derby.ac.uk).
For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@derby.ac.uk
Important Information
The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
Please visit our website for more information.
The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern.
Please find our Safeguarding pages including our Safeguarding Policy here.
Closing Date: 25 Oct 2026
Area: Teaching and Research
Salary: £39,560 to £46,970 per annum pro rata
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