Jobs
The Design Lab is dedicated to pushing boundaries with human-centered design. Join the team in using education and imagination to address the most pressing societal challenges.
Located within the dynamic UC San Diego campus, the Design Lab actively collaborates with various divisions of the university, including the School of Arts and Humanity, Engineering, Social Science, Medicine, Public Health and Human Longevity, Computing, Information, and Data Sciences, and Rady School of Management. Discover how you can contribute to design-driven transformation.
Non Discrimination Statement
In accordance with applicable Federal and State law and University policy, the University of California does not discriminate, or grant preferences, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and/or other protected categories.
More information about Proposition 209 can be found here.
More information about the University of California Anti-Discrimination Policy can be found here.
Open Positions
Faculty Positions
All current positions are filled. Check back for future openings.
Staff Positions
All current positions are filled. Check back for future openings.
Postdoctoral Fellow Positions
All current positions are filled. Check back for future openings.
Research Assistant Positions
If you are interested in working as a research assistant, please review the Design Lab Research page and reach out directly to the research director to inquire about joining their team.
Undergraduate Internships
The UC San Diego Design Lab is seeking to recruit undergraduate interns for our Summer Internship Program. We have a variety of roles available for research and/or human-centered design on different projects. Design Lab Summer Internship Program 2026 participants will have the opportunity to interact with faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and other interns through professional skills training during the program. Most projects will take place in San Diego in our newly built Design and Innovation Building (DIB) or across campus in one of the Design Lab's partner departments. Some virtual (Zoom) internships may be available.
Applications for Summer 2026 are closed.
Student Positions
Design Lab Ambassadors
The Design Lab recruits several work-study positions during the calendar year (Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring Quarters) for an exciting opportunity to serve as a Design Lab Ambassador.
As a Design Lab Ambassador, you will represent the Design Lab for any external or internal guests and support the daily operations of the Lab. Ambassadors will have the opportunity to engage with Lab faculty, staff, students (graduate and undergraduate), and researchers to enhance visitors’ experience with the Design Lab.
Tasks include:
- Managing multiple projects related to Design Lab programs, events, and daily operations, including developing and maintaining program logistics, brochures, signage, etc.
- Supporting the Design Lab’s programs and events, including set-up and breakdown for in-person events.
- Representing the Design Lab by greeting visitors and valued guests and providing tours of the Design Lab spaces.
- Provide daily operations assistance with other tasks assigned by the Design Lab Operations team.
Qualifications:
- Excellent organizational and communication skills
- Strong enthusiasm for Design Lab initiatives
- Ability to work well with individuals and groups in a public environment
- Effective communication skills with a diverse population
- Must be able to work on campus at the Design and Innovation Building (DIB)
- Must be enrolled in Work-Study for the quarter(s) you are working
For more information on work-study, please refer to:
Applications are continuously accepted and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. You will be contacted for an interview as a position becomes available.
How to Apply
Please take some time to learn about the Design Lab, our people, and the work we do.
Watch our videos on YouTube and follow our social media profiles.
If you are passionate about this work and interested in this position, please apply on Handshake. Every application will be reviewed, and students meeting our requirements will be contacted for an interview.
Design Lab Communications Assistants
The Design Lab is recruiting students to help with general Communications in the Lab. We are recruiting for two different positions. Links to apply in the job titles below.
Design Lab Social Media Student AssistantThe Design Lab seeks a student social media assistant to support content development for LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. The ideal candidate is passionate about social media, digital marketing, and content creation. Tasks Include:
- Assist in content creation and copywriting for the Design Lab social media channels
- Support in-house organic content development
- Develop and pitch exciting and unique ideas to build following and engagement
The Design Lab is seeking student graphic design and multimedia assistants to provide support for Design Lab marketing & communications needs. Please submit a portfolio of your work along with your application. Tasks include:
- Produce high-quality graphics that align with Design Lab visual standards
- Attend Design Lab events to take candid photos and video (some nights/weekends)
- Photo/video editing & post-production - Prepare files for print or web utilizing appropriate procedures and software