City : Surrey, BC

Category : 2414-Front-end Development for Interactive Applications

Industry : Education

Employer : Kwantlen Polytechnic University - KPU

Kwantlen Polytechnic University

FACULTY POSITION TITLE: FRONT-END DEVELOPMENT FOR INTERACTIVE APPLICATIONS (FDIT) PROGRAM INSTRUCTOR - Computer Science and Technology (CSIT) related courses 
Competition ID: 3700
Start Date: see calendar descriptions
POSITION TYPE: Qualified Faculty List (QFL)

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) proudly offers all learners opportunities to achieve success in a diverse range of programs that blend theory and practice, critical understanding, and social and ethical awareness necessary for good citizenship and rewarding careers.

KPU takes its name from the Kwantlen First Nation. We work, study, and live in a region south of the Fraser River which overlaps with the unceded traditional and ancestral lands of the Kwantlen, Musqueam, Katzie, Semiahmoo, Tsawwassen, Qayqayt, and Kwikwetlem peoples.

FACULTY OVERVIEW:
Imagine working in a new, cutting-edge facility backed by a 30-year history as an industry leader. The Wilson School of Design (WSD), located on our Richmond campus, has eight different programs that encourage students to take risks and innovate in small, personalized classes offering intensive hands-on learning experiences and state-of-the-art equipment.

The discipline of Front-End Development for Interactive Applications (a collaboration between the Wilson School of Design and the Melville School of Business) occupies a pivotal role in digital technology, serving as a crucial bridge between designer and developer.  

Professionals in this discipline are trained to translate static design concepts into dynamic, functional realities, creating responsive websites, mobile applications, and software interfaces that resonate with end-users. Can you picture yourself working with dedicated students and colleagues integrating fusion of artistry and technical expertise, emphasizing effective communication, adaptability, critical thinking, and precision in a collaborative classroom? Come and be a part of our team. 

POSITION OVERVIEW
The FDIT program is seeking to hire candidates for our Qualified Faculty List (QFL) to be part of a dynamic team in two distinct, yet related areas: Design-related courses and Computer Science and Technology (CSIT) courses within the Front-End Development for Interactive Applications program. In the design-related courses, we are looking for individuals with expertise in visual communication, user experience design, and design thinking. These positions will focus on fostering creativity and innovation in areas such as graphic design, branding, and design strategy. 

For the CSIT courses, we seek candidates with a strong background in software development, web development, and computer programming. These positions will involve teaching courses in programming languages, software engineering, and emerging technologies, with an emphasis on hands-on learning and practical application. While the two roles are distinct, they are interconnected, with opportunities for collaboration and interdisciplinary coursework to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the intersection between design and technology (also see the FDIT PROGRAM INSTRUCTOR – Design-related courses posting).

Qualified Faculty List (QFL) is utilized for Non-Regular type 1 contracts as they become available. A non-regular Type 1 faculty member is a non-regular faculty member who is hired for a defined period, to teach specific courses or perform specific work such as substitutions, vacation coverage, short-term emergency hires and other work that is not expected to be ongoing. The FDIT program is also vetting current instructors from across KPU to be inventoried for our QFL. Calendar descriptions for each course are included at the end of the posting. We are seeking applicants who are qualified to teach one or a selection of the following courses:

Computer Science and Technology (CSIT) - Year 1 | Term 1 & 2

• FDIT 1100: Web Development Foundations
• FDIT 1110: Web Systems Development Methodologies
• FDIT 1200: Front-End Web Programming - (Start date: Jan 2025)
• FDIT 1210: Back-End Web Programming - (Start date: Jan 2025)
• FDIT 1220: Front-End Development Frameworks and Libraries I - (Start date: Jan 2025)

Computer Science and Technology (CSIT) - Year 2 | Term 1 & 2

• FDIT 2100: Front-End Development Frameworks and Libraries II - (Start date: Sep 2025)
• FDIT 2120: Web Applications Development Project - (Start date: Sep 2025)
• FDIT 2200: Special Topics in Web Development - (Start date: Jan 2026)

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:
Faculty members of FDIT are also expected to contribute and participate in any of the following: 

• Curriculum development and review.
• Assisting students outside of scheduled class time.
• Preparation processes and site visits.
• Service and representation of the programme on various university committees, internally and externally.

QUALIFICATIONS: (COMPUTER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY)

• Minimum qualifications include a Master’s degree in Computer Science or related discipline. 
• Post-secondary teaching experience is preferred, experience in a teaching-intensive post-secondary institution is an asset.
• Three years of software development experience is required, preferably in the last 5 years. 
• Specialized knowledge in Front-End and Back-End Web Programming and Development. 
• Extensive experience with software development frameworks and libraries, and the ability to adapt to emerging technologies.

APPLICATION:
Applications must include:

• Include your resume and cover letter (include evidence of teaching/design experience and scholarly/industry accomplishments) preferably as a PDF file. 
• All applicants must include a link to their portfolio and teaching portfolio (if applicable). 
• In addition, elaborate on the relevance of your academic &/or professional qualifications for EACH of the courses you are applying to teach. 

CALENDAR DESCRIPTIONS:

• COMPUTER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (CSIT) - Year 1 | Term 1 & 2

FDIT 1100: WEB DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATIONS - Term 1
Students will learn the foundational knowledge for web development including the history of the Internet and World Wide Web (WWW), the technologies for the web, and the range of careers in web development. Students will also learn the basics of Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) which form the structure and visual presentation of web pages.

FDIT 1110: WEB SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT METHODOLOGIES - Term 1
Students will learn the current methodologies, techniques, and tools for web systems analysis and design. Students will learn how to determine and analyze user requirements, and perform logical and physical design of a web system using an object-oriented approach. Students will also learn to use the Unified Modeling Language (UML) to document the deliverables of each phase in the web systems development life cycle.

FDIT 1200: FRONT-END WEB PROGRAMMING - Term 2 (Start date: Jan 2025)
Students will learn the core programming concepts and skills for creating a visual and interactive front-end for web applications. Students will learn to use Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) and JavaScript to create dynamic webpage content. Students will also learn jQuery, which is a lightweight, cross-platform and feature-rich JavaScript library, to improve interactivity of front-end applications.

FDIT 1210: BACK-END WEB PROGRAMMING - Term 2 (Start date: Jan 2025)
Students will learn the programming concepts and skills for creating back-end web applications. Students will learn to use server-side scripting and packages to build software programs to handle requests from client-side programs. Students will also learn to use Application Program Interfaces (APIs) to allow database access at the back-end of web applications.

FDIT 1220: FRONT-END DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORKS AND LIBRARIES I - Term 2 (Start date: Jan 2025)
Students will learn front-end web development frameworks and libraries for building component-based web applications. Students will learn the component life cycle and various types of components and their usage. Students will also learn the basics of JavaScript Syntax Extension (JSX) and use it to create front-end applications and reusable components.

• COMPUTER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (CSIT) - Year 2 | Term 1 & 2

FDIT 2100: FRONT-END DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORKS AND LIBRARIES II - Term 1 (Start date: Sep 2025)
Students will learn to create modern web designs and user interfaces for various deployment platforms using component-based frameworks and libraries. Students will learn advanced techniques in JavaScript Syntax Extension (JSX) and use them in manipulating the Document Object Model (DOM) which defines the logical structure of front-end applications. Students will also learn to implement event handlers and apply routing libraries to enhance user experience when interacting with front-end applications.

FDIT 2120: WEB APPLICATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROJECT - Term 1 (Start date: Sep 2025)
Students will work as a group to develop a full-stack web application which includes a front-end, a back-end and a database. They will integrate the concepts and skills learned in the first two semesters of the program to analyze project requirements and design the solution using an object-oriented methodology. Students will also learn to use version control systems to manage the programming codes for their web application projects.

FDIT 2200: SPECIAL TOPICS IN WEB DEVELOPMENT - Term 2 (Start date: Jan 2026)
Students will investigate selected topics in web development. Topics include performance optimization, serverless architecture, custom Application Programming Interface (API), web security, and software design patterns. The student experience will be a combination of hands-on labs, seminar presentations and class discussions.

CANDIDATE PROFILE: 

• Student-focused: Demonstrates appreciation for students and the role of a learner-centered institution.
• Collaborative: provides evidence of strong interpersonal communication and embracing a collaborative style of working.  A team player committed to fostering consensus building towards the success of the program. Demonstrated teamwork abilities in a creative and collaborative working environment.
• Leader: Strong academic leadership qualities and experience 
• Organizational skills: diplomatic, consultative, and democratic. Organized, pays attention to details and is a multi-tasker; able to manage and prioritize multiple demands and various levels of accountability.  Understands institutional policies and procedures.
• Strong communicator: effective written and oral communication skills
• Interpersonal skills: dedicated and reliable; positive and eager; flexible, open-minded, adaptable, and resilient.  Confident, self-directed, proactive, action-oriented, ‘can-do’ personality.  Embraces diversity. Has a sense of humour.  Dedicated to creating and maintaining a motivational climate and work closely with other faculty. 
• Innovative: a broad, innovative, creative, and big-picture thinker 

Candidates will be required to demonstrate an understanding Front-End Development for Interactive Applications as well as their interest and abilities to consult with and represent the program.

SALARY INFORMATION:

Placement on the salary scale will be dependent on level of education and relevant teaching experience.  Advancement up the pay scale is based on FTE and employment status. 

Why Join KPU?

• Recognized as one of B.C.'s Top Employers  
• KPU is committed to actively fostering an equitable and inclusive working environment
• Hybrid environment
• Defined Benefit Pension Plan – College Pension Plan
• Extended Medical, Dental, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, Optional Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment, Emergency Travel Assistance, Employee and Family Assistance Program, Teledoc
• Vacation, Professional Development and Accountable Time 
• Maternity and parental leave top-up
• Campus work environment, outdoor sitting areas and nearby walking trails
• Campus athletic and fitness centers with a variety of instructor-led classes
• Tuition waiver program – eligible to waive tuition costs of courses at KPU equivalent to 3 credits per semester
• Inhouse training and development
• Networking and social events such as KPU Day, Holiday Social etc.
• Intercampus shuttle
• Access to automotive, horticulture, brewery and other programs’ services
• Clubs: Jeopardy, E-sports, Ted Talks etc.
• Library and Bookstore (discounts)  

Note to Applicants:

Kwantlen Polytechnic University welcomes and encourages applications from equity deserving groups and diverse experiences including, but not limited to, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, and members of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community.

If there are any barriers that you are experiencing or an accommodation that we can provide to support you through the application process, please reach out to us at humanresources@kpu.ca.

We thank all applicants for their interest in employment with KPU. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. 

Kwantlen Polytechnic University is committed to protecting the safety and welfare of employees, students, and the general public, and upholding the reputation and integrity of the University. For this reason, final applicants will be asked to undergo a background check.