Instructional Designer for Learning Innovation (Open Rank) | Hilary Ballon Center for Teaching and Learning

The Instructional Designer (Teaching & Learning Innovation) works in close partnership with the Teaching and Learning Specialist and faculty and academic staff to design, implement, and evaluate innovative teaching and assessment practices. The role supports the thoughtful integration of AI and other emerging technologies as part of a broader effort to enhance student learning and advance discipline-specific thinking. Central to the role is ensuring that technology is used in ways that complement and augment, rather than replace, student learning, motivation, and intellectual effort.

Grounded in evidence-based teaching and learning principles, this position focuses on translating pedagogical strategies into practical course designs, assignments, and assessments that strengthen foundational skills, critical thinking, and student engagement. The role emphasizes hands-on collaboration with faculty to pilot new approaches, adapt assignments and assessments in response to evolving learning contexts, and develop scalable models of instructional innovation.

The Instructional Designer for Learning Innovation reports to the Director of the Hilary Ballon Center for Teaching and Learning.

The Hilary Ballon Center for Teaching and Learning (HBCTL) partners with faculty, academic staff, and collaborators across NYU Abu Dhabi to advance inclusive, innovative, and evidence-informed teaching that supports student learning, belonging, and success. Through support for faculty innovation in the classroom, interdisciplinary exchange, teaching communities, and the scholarship of teaching and learning, HBCTL fosters reflective teaching practice and advances pedagogical approaches that respond to evolving educational challenges and emerging technologies within a global liberal arts context.

Key Responsibilities

1. Instructional Design & Faculty Collaboration

• Partner with faculty to redesign courses, assignments, and assessments that integrate AI and other learning technologies
• Translate teaching and learning theory into practical, discipline-specific instructional strategies
• Support faculty in aligning learning outcomes, activities, and assessments in technology-enhanced environments

2. AI Integration & Assessment Transformation

• Help faculty adapt and redesign assessments in response to AI-enabled student practices
• Develop AI-integrated, AI-cognizant, and AI-resistant assignment strategies
• Support ethical and pedagogically meaningful uses of AI in coursework

3. Pilot Projects & Innovation

• Co-design and implement pilot initiatives exploring new models of teaching and learning with AI and emerging technologies
• Iterate on designs based on feedback, student performance, and faculty input
• Contribute to scaling successful innovations across programs

4. Learning Science & Student Experience

• Apply principles from the learning sciences, including motivation, cognitive load, and skill development, to instructional design
• Ensure that course designs promote deep learning, critical thinking, and sustained student engagement
• Evaluate how technology impacts student effort, persistence, and learning behaviors

5. Evaluation, Metrics & Impact

• Develop and apply metrics to assess the effectiveness of instructional and technological interventions
• Analyze student learning data and feedback to inform continuous improvement
• Contribute to evidence-based decision-making around teaching innovation

6. Tools, Resources & Capacity Building

• Develop practical guides, templates, and examples for faculty integrating AI and technology into teaching
• Support workshops and training sessions focused on instructional design and AI in education
Stay current with emerging technologies and evaluate their relevance for teaching and learning

About NYU Abu Dhabi
https://nyuad.nyu.edu/en/
NYU Abu Dhabi is the first comprehensive liberal arts and research campus in the Middle East to be operated abroad by a major American research university. Times Higher Education ranks NYU among the top 30 universities in the world, making NYU Abu Dhabi the highest-ranked university in the UAE and MENA region. NYU Abu Dhabi has integrated a highly selective undergraduate curriculum across the disciplines with a world center for advanced research and scholarship. The university enables its students in the sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and arts to succeed in an increasingly interdependent world and advance cooperation and progress on humanity’s shared challenges. NYU Abu Dhabi’s high-achieving students have come from over 120 countries and speak over 100 languages. Together, NYU's campuses in New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai form the backbone of a unique global university, giving faculty and students opportunities to experience varied learning environments and immersion in other cultures at one or more of the numerous study-abroad sites NYU maintains on six continents.

NYUAD is committed to upholding a culture of non-discrimination, anti-harassment, dignity, and mutual respect; providing equal access and opportunity; and fostering academic excellence in learning, research, and teaching. Students are drawn from among the world’s best. They are bright, intellectually passionate, and committed to building a campus environment anchored in mutual respect, understanding, and care. The NYUAD undergraduate student body has garnered an impressive record of scholarships, graduate-school admissions, and other global honors. Graduate education is an area of growth for the University; the current graduate student population of over 100 students is expected to expand in the next decade as doctoral programs are developed.

Working for NYUAD
At NYUAD, we recognize that Abu Dhabi is more than where you work; it’s your home. In order for faculty/academic staff to thrive, we offer a comprehensive benefits package. This starts with a generous relocation allowance; educational assistance for your dependents; access to health and wellness services; and more. NYUAD is committed to faculty/academic staff success throughout the academic trajectory, providing support for ambitious and world-class research projects and innovative, interactive teaching approaches. Support for dual-career families is a priority. Visit our website for more information on benefits for you and your dependents.

Key Qualifications
Education:
Master’s degree in Instructional Design, Learning Sciences, Educational Technology, Education, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience

Experience & Expertise:

• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in instructional design, educational technology, or teaching and learning support in higher education

• Demonstrated experience designing or redesigning courses, assignments, and assessments in collaboration with faculty
• Strong understanding of learning sciences, including motivation, cognitive processes, and development of foundational skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving

• Experience applying evidence-based pedagogical practices to technology-enhanced learning environments

AI & Technology Integration

• Understanding of generative AI and other emerging technologies and their implications for teaching, learning, and assessment

• Experience or demonstrated ability to integrate AI and digital tools into course design in ways that enhance (not replace) student learning

• Ability to critically evaluate AI-facilitated applications and align their use with learning outcomes and academic integrity

Assessment & Evaluation

• Experience designing and evaluating assessments aligned with learning outcomes

• Ability to develop and use metrics to assess student learning, engagement, and the effectiveness of instructional interventions

• Experience analyzing student data and feedback to inform iterative course and assessment design

Skills & Competencies

• Strong collaboration skills, with the ability to work closely with faculty across disciplines

• Ability to translate theory into practical, discipline-specific teaching strategies
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to create clear, actionable guidance and resources

• Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously

Commitment & Orientation

• Commitment to inclusive and student-centered teaching practices

• Interest in innovation in teaching and learning within a global liberal arts context

• CV
• Cover Letter
• List three professional references, including their names and email addresses. They may be contacted at a later stage of the process.

We will begin reviewing applications on June 8th. If you have any questions, please e-mail nyuad.academicrecruitment@nyu.edu.

NYUAD is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and seek individuals who will contribute to the excellence and vibrancy of our academic community.

Join NYU Abu Dhabi, an exceptional place for exceptional people.

NYUAD values belonging and respect; such principles are fundamental to the university’s commitment to excellence. NYUAD is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and seek individuals who will contribute to our vibrant, multidisciplinary research and teaching community. Multidisciplinary research and exceptional teaching in a global campus community are hallmarks of the University’s mission.

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