About Anant National University

Anant National University, India’s first DesignX university, is dedicated to training students to devise solutions for global problems. The X in Design X is the symbol drawn from mathematics, representing enhancement. This new learning approach multiplies traditional design pedagogy with liberal arts disciplines, emerging technologies and knowledge drawn from hands-on community experiences to help understand our world better and to devise impactful solutions.

Our multidisciplinary undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes in design, architecture, climate action and visual arts harness knowledge from various disciplines and traditional practices to integrate it with cutting-edge technology to address diverse challenges. We train our designers to become solutionaries — revolutionary thinkers with a solution-oriented mindset.

About the School

Anant’s Foundation Programme is the starting point for design and architecture students. It lays a robust groundwork for students’ academic journey, equips them with essential skills, develops critical thinking and cultivates their capacity to thrive in interdisciplinary settings. The year-long introductory session aims to foster both tangible and intangible values, enhancing their capacity to observe comprehensively, understand deeply, analyse critically and synthesise meaningfully. This is achieved through a multidisciplinary approach while meaningfully engaging with community stakeholders.

Job Type

Fulltime, On campus

Reporting to

Provost

Term

Three-year, extendable based on performance and institutional needs.

Required Education qualifications

  • Doctoral/Master’s or equivalent in sustainability, architecture, design, urban planning, technology, management, humanities or related disciplines.
  • 15-20 years in senior academic leadership roles in an educational setting in India or abroad with proven experience in working with undergraduate students, faculty and accreditation bodies to promote research and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Key Responsibility Areas (KRAs)

Academic Leadership & Curriculum Development
 

  • Lead the design, implementation, and continuous enhancement of the Foundation Studies curriculum to ensure a strong interdisciplinary base for all students.
  • Foster innovative teaching methodologies, including experiential, project-based, and inquiry-driven learning.
  • Ensure alignment of the foundation curriculum with the university’s broader academic goals and evolving global education standards.

Faculty Development & Mentorship
 

  • Recruit, mentor, and support faculty members in adopting best pedagogical practices and interdisciplinary approaches.
  • Facilitate regular faculty development programmes, workshops, and peer-learning initiatives.
  • Encourage faculty to engage in research, academic writing, and thought leadership in foundational education.

Student Experience & Academic Support
 

  • Ensure a seamless transition for first-year students into university-level education, equipping them with critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  • Oversee academic advising and mentoring structures to support student learning and success.
  • Foster an inclusive, engaging, and inspiring learning environment that nurtures curiosity and intellectual growth.
  • Collaborate with the admissions and marketing teams to effectively communicate the value of Foundation Studies to prospective students and parents.
  • Participate in outreach events, open houses and orientation programmes to engage with incoming students.
  • Support the development of promotional materials, digital content and information sessions to attract high-calibre applicants.

Collaboration & Cross-Disciplinary Engagement
 

  • Work closely with other academic departments to ensure a smooth transition from foundation studies to specialised disciplines.
  • Facilitate interdisciplinary projects and collaborations between faculty and students across different schools.
  • Build partnerships with external institutions, industry experts, and thought leaders to enrich the foundation programme.

Research & Innovation in Foundational Education
 

  • Encourage and support research in pedagogy, cognitive development, and interdisciplinary education.
  • Experiment with and implement innovative assessment methods that go beyond rote learning.
  • Stay updated on emerging trends in foundation studies globally and integrate relevant best practices.

Governance, Policy, & Administration
 

  • Establish academic policies and frameworks to enhance the effectiveness of foundation studies.
  • Ensure smooth academic operations, including scheduling, faculty workload management, and student performance tracking.
  • Lead the development of policies on academic integrity, student evaluation, and faculty performance within Foundation Studies.

Resource & Budget Management
 

  • Develop and oversee the Foundation Studies budget, ensuring optimal resource allocation for faculty, research, and student initiatives.
  • Identify and secure funding opportunities for academic innovation, faculty development, and student scholarships.

Institutional Representation & Thought Leadership
 

  • Represent the Foundation Studies programme in university-wide academic committees and external forums.
  • Advocate for the importance of a strong foundational education in shaping future designers, architects, and leaders.
  • Publish research, articles, and thought pieces on foundation education and its impact.

Other Responsibilities
 

  • Undertake any duties and deliver any other responsibilities assigned by the Provost, the President or the Academic Council / Board of Management / Governing Body contributing to the University’s strategic growth plans.

Key Skills

  • Demonstrated experience in promoting research and innovation, educational leadership, higher education administration, managing budgets, optimising resources and related disciplines.
  • Excellent communication skills to engage with students, faculty, management and partner organisations, ensuring a supportive and inclusive student experience.
  • Ability to write quality proposals/policies/reports, and ability to work effectively in teams.

Note

Interested candidates must submit a Statement of Vision for the Foundation Studies at Anant National University. This should be uploaded in the Portfolio section of the Application Form.

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