What will you do?
The Master Interior Architecture: Research + Design (MIARD) at the Piet Zwart Institute invites qualified candidates to apply for a core tutor position to head a practice-led research studio examining ecology, post-natural conditions, and interspecies relations. The studio critically investigates spatial environments entwined in the complexities of human and non-human relations, ecosystems, material cultures, and technological infrastructures. The research produced operates as a relational framework for students to develop their self-directed practice, and explore spatial imaginaries, ecological futures, and artistic expression.
MIARD is a nationally accredited program with a focus on practice-based research and critical spatial strategies in the field of interior architecture. For more information on the program, visit the MIARD Archive and the PZI website.
The position carries a high degree of responsibility and influence, with the opportunity to align your own practice and research with a broader community of professionals and students. You will guide students in their learning process and contribute to a coherent educational practice, ensuring that your teaching is embedded in the programme’s learning pathway and supports the development of their independent, research-driven practice.
Responsibilities Include:
- Program and teach a practice-led research studio;
- Organize a lecture series and activities related to the content of the studio;
- Participate as a design critic in the program;
- Collaborate professionally with colleagues and participate in program activities;
- Manage administration, attend staff meetings and coordinate with other faculty;
- Contribute to the reputation and public profile of the program.
Willem de Kooning Academie
The Willem de Kooning Academy (WdKA) is a leading international academy for Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs in media, art, design, leisure and arts education. WdKA pays attention to ecology in the broadest sense: social, cultural, technological and economical. Students are being prepared to find their way as creative professionals within the arts and the cultural field and to contribute to social challenges such as climate change, migration and inequality.
Within WdKA we work from a culture in which ingenuity is central and where learning takes place through making. We encourage an environment in which there is room for experimentation and new ideas. We work from mutual trust and confidence in one another’s expertise and actively seek collaboration with respect for diverse perspectives. Within the academy, we provide an inclusive and inspiring learning and working environment in which everyone feels seen and welcome.
Team
The intimate scale of the MIARD program nurtures a unique teaching-learning community, bringing together students and staff to exchange ideas, learn and teach in distinct environments, while enriching professional relationships. The core design tutor works collaboratively with members of the MIARD teaching team.
Are you the one we are looking for?
We are seeking a spatial practitioner, researcher, and educator who aligns with the multidisciplinary, research-intensive approach of the program. You hold a professional practice and network engaged with ecology, post-natural research, and interspecies relations, grounded in architecture, design, or an artistic practice. As a studio leader, you will critically and speculatively explore how contemporary spatial practices move beyond anthropocentric perspectives to engage with emergent temporalities, socio-political interdependencies, and material agencies.
You approach students with an open mind and recognise their individual talents and learning abilities. Furthermore, you are resourceful and enjoy finding creative solutions, contributing to a safe, open and inspiring learning environment. At the same time, you have strong communication skills and connect easily with students, colleagues and external partners. Moreover, you are reliable and take responsibility for your work and for the people around you.
Qualification requirements:
- Master-level degree in a relevant field;
- Prior experience in teaching and supervising within the field of art, design or multidisciplinary spatial practice (preferably on MA level) with a student-centered approach;
- Excellent English language proficiency. Proficiency in Dutch is an advantage, a willingness to learn Dutch is essential;
- Demonstrable didactic and pedagogical skills, such as inclusive communication and creating a healthy and safe learning environment;
- Valid Work permit for employment in the Netherlands;
- Preferably a BKE certificate.
What do we offer?
- A one-year contract upon starting employment (D4 CAO HBO). The preferred start date is 1 December 2026
- Salary in scale 11: € 4.632,17 - € 6.677,44 gross per month (based on full-time employment, depending on experience and qualifications)
- A contract of 6 hours per week, the design studio is scheduled for January - July
- 8% holiday allowance + 8,3% year-end bonus
- Up to 9 weeks of vacation (based on full-time)
- 45 sustainable employability hours
- Excellent pension scheme (ABP)
- Bicycle scheme with tax benefits
- Compensation for internet, commuting, and working from homeExtensive training and development opportunities
Location
You will work at the Blaak/Wijnhaven location of the Willem de Kooning Academy in Rotterdam. This location is easily accessible by public transport.
Our organisation
At Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, we work together on the future. With 39.000 students and 4.200 employees, we are a knowledge institution that provides practice-oriented solutions to social issues. Our aim is to prepare students for the jobs of today and tomorrow. We support (young) people in their professional development, with student success at the centre of everything we do.
Would you like to apply?
Do you have questions about this role and/or about the selection procedure? Please feel free to contact Alex Augusto Suárez, Course Director, via a.a.suarez@hr.nl
We’d rather hear from you than have you miss out on this opportunity.
Are you enthusiastic? We look forward to receiving your application.
Your application should include the following:
- Curriculum Vitae containing a PDF or link to a compact portfolio of professional practice, research and teaching examples. Include two professional references.
- A letter of motivation: teaching methods, pedagogical and research position
During the application process, internal candidates will be given priority over external candidates.
The selection procedure will take place in two phases. A short list of applicants will be drawn based on CV, letter of motivation and portfolio, followed by interviews.
Application deadline: October 27, 2026
Applications can only be submitted via our own website.
Please note: Being able to provide a Certificate of Good Conduct (Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag (VOG)) is a condition of employment as well as a valid EU work permit if you are from outside the EU.
Reference checks with current and/or former employers are part of the recruitment and selection process. An assessment or assignment may also form part of the procedure.
At Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, everyone is welcome. We see talent as the foundation and diversity as a strength. An inclusive working environment is, for us, a condition for creating a strong learning environment for our students. Diverse teams perform better. We consider recognizable diversity within the composition of our teams to be important, and we take this into account during the selection procedure.
Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.