#139456 Instructional Designer 3
Filing Deadline: Wed 5/13/2026
UC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.
This is a 100% Contract position for 1 year with the possibility of extension or conversion to career status.
Description
Department Overview:
UC San Diego’s Jacobs School of Engineering is leading a bold effort to transform how problem solving is taught through the Problem Solving Like an Expert (PSLAE) initiative—an effort to expand access to engineering-derived thinking skills and better prepare a broader, more diverse technical workforce. PSLAE teaches students how to identify, frame, and solve complex, real-world problems using structured strategies drawn from engineering practice, and embeds these approaches into required high school science courses (physics, chemistry, and biology). The initiative has already reached thousands of students across regional school districts and is now scaling through teacher training, curriculum partnerships, and broader dissemination. In parallel, PSLAE is also being developed and delivered at UC San Diego as a general education course open to students across all majors, extending the impact beyond K–12 and reinforcing the goal of making problem-solving a universal, transferable skill.
Position Overview:
Reporting to the Executive Director of Student Success, the incumbent uses skills of instructional design and multimedia development as an experienced professional to help shape curricular content into coherent instructional modules that employ multimedia and a variety of interactive, web-based tools aimed at encouraging the engagement of students and other learners in knowledge acquisition. This role is central to that effort and focuses on designing, deploying, and scaling hands-on, project-based learning experiences that teach students how to identify, frame, and solve complex problems. The Instructional Designer will translate expert-level problem-solving frameworks into accessible, scaffolded curriculum that integrates concept introduction, case-based learning, team challenges, and reflection. Responsibilities include developing engaging instructional materials such as lesson plans, facilitator guides, multimedia content, and digital learning assets that are ready for classroom implementation.
Working closely with high school teachers, the incumbent will prototype and test curriculum in live classroom settings, gather feedback on student engagement and learning outcomes, and rapidly iterate to improve effectiveness and usability. The role requires addressing complex instructional and implementation challenges through creative, learner-centered solutions. The Instructional Designer will also design and deliver teacher training that equips educators with the tools and confidence to implement PSLAE curriculum, including developing training materials for dissemination through established networks such as NSTA and the California Science Project. This includes designing assessments aligned with learning objectives to evaluate student understanding and the development of problem-solving skills.
In addition to curriculum and training development, the Instructional Designer will help coordinate and operationalize program activities across curriculum pilots, teacher trainings, and partner schools. This includes managing timelines, organizing training events, overseeing logistics such as scheduling, communications, and procurement of instructional materials, and collaborating with internal teams and external partners to ensure alignment and effective implementation. The role also involves collecting, analyzing, and reporting program data—including student outcomes, teacher feedback, and participation metrics—to support continuous improvement and meet reporting requirements, as well as developing documentation and workflows that enable consistency and scalability.
Operating with a high degree of independence, the Instructional Designer will work across multiple stakeholders and initiatives to drive progress and maintain momentum. The role also leverages learning management systems (LMS) and digital platforms to support curriculum delivery, teacher training, and course deployment, and provides guidance to instructors using these tools. This position contributes to building a scalable, high-impact model for teaching problem solving across educational systems.
~ Cover letter required for a complete application.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
- Thorough knowledge of instructional design principles and learning strategies, including needs analysis, backwards design, learning outcomes and assessment design, and instructional approaches including lecture, discussion, activities, projects, etc. Demonstrated ability to apply instructional design methodology in the development of classroom-based training.
- Thorough knowledge of the technical tools and platforms required to achieve the delivery of engaging and media-rich online learning content, and of trends in the use and effectiveness of educational technology and learning.
- Thorough knowledge of e-learning strategies including but not limited to courses (e.g., processes and technologies, etc.). Knowledge of instructional design, learning sciences, and assessment, with demonstrated ability to design and deliver learner-centered, project-based learning experiences.
- Demonstrated ability to translate complex science and engineering concepts into accessible, engaging learning experiences for diverse audiences.
- Strong analytical, verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills and strong collaboration and negotiation skills. Ability to work across diverse stakeholders and drive projects forwards.
- Knowledge to conduct appropriate job and task analyses in the context of instructional design of technical or specialized training.
- Thorough knowledge of applying adult learning theories and educational methodologies.
- Thorough knowledge of functional area and understands how work within one course may impact work being done on other courses or in other areas.
- Thorough analytical skills to conduct analysis and develop recommendations, demonstrating organization and problem-solving skills. Experience using data to inform instructional improvements.
- Proficient knowledge of educational technologies and Learning Management Systems (LMS) for developing and delivering digital and blended learnings.
- Thorough knowledge of organization policies and procedures, including policies that impact online course development.
- Thorough knowledge and skills with relevant business software systems.
- Advanced level skills in application of planning, resourcing and monitoring of effective design life cycles of training and other learning and performance solutions to support the organization.
- Experience leading the end-to-end design and implementation of instructional initiatives, project planning, coordination, and execution across timelines and stakeholders.
- Experience facilitating trainings or instruction for diverse audiences, including educators or instructors.
- Ability to operate with a high degree of independence, manage multiple priorities, and navigate ambiguous, evolving environments.
Special Conditions
- Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.
- Must be willing and able to travel.
- Must have access to reliable transportation.
- Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.
- Cover letter required for a complete application.
Pay Transparency Act
Annual Full Pay Range: $71,600 – $127,400 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)
Hourly Equivalent: $34.29 – $61.02
Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).
If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.
“Misconduct” means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
