Teaching Assistant Professor in Foundations

Teaching Assistant Professor in Foundations

Studio Arts – Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh – (24008723)

The Department of Studio Arts at the University of Pittsburgh invites applications for a full-time Assistant Teaching Professor in Foundations who may teach in the areas of Painting, Drawing Visual Thinking, Photo or Sculpture beginning Fall 2025, pending budgetary approval. The position will focus on teaching foundation-level courses and may include upper-level courses as needed. This full-time position is an appointment stream (outside the tenure stream), a one-year position with the possibility for renewal. It cannot be held simultaneously with other full-time employment, either on or off-campus. The teaching load is 3/3 plus expected service such as committee work, student mentoring, and the shared governance in the department as the Assistant Chair. The department currently offers hands-on undergraduate courses in Visual Thinking, Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Installation, Printmaking, Digital Photography, Digital Imaging, Animation, Computation and Video. You can read more about the program on our website, https://www.studioarts.pitt.edu/. We seek a colleague whose teaching, studio support, and service will extend our mission by contributing diverse perspectives and experiences to program and departmental initiatives.

The Department of Studio Arts emphasizes integrative art-making that relates to all realms of our complex contemporary world. We are committed to providing our students with a variety of perspectives, mentors, and role models. As a department that values inclusive and welcoming environments in which to work and learn, we are interested in hearing from candidates whose lived experiences would prove resourceful in mentoring students of diverse backgrounds, including students of color, LGBTQ+ students, first-generation college students, and students with disabilities. We seek a colleague whose teaching will extend our department mission by contributing these diverse perspectives and experiences. 

Duties 

1. Teach 3 courses per semester in foundations and upper-level courses as needed, which may include: Visual Thinking, Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, Photo, and/or Digital
2. Meet with students beyond the classroom as may be appropriate to their educational needs
3. Work closely with other faculty to coordinate curricular plans
4. Expected service that supports direct teaching, studio areas, and the department, including committee work, student mentoring, and affiliated events and activities including the annual student exhibition
5. Participation in shared governance which may include a rotating position as Assistant Chair or Department Advisor
6. Support the department and the university through shared and rotating service efforts

Minimum Requirements 

1. Graduate degree (MFA or equivalent)
2. Broad knowledge of a variety of media including but not limited to – painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, color theory, printmaking, new media
3. Experience fostering creativity and critical approaches to visual culture and creative expression
4. Expansive knowledge of art history, contemporary issues, and critical dialogue in the visual arts
5. Effective communication, collaborative and organizational skills, and participation within the community of the department with faculty and students
6. Commitment to the values of equity, inclusion, accessibility, and diversity

Preferred Requirements

1. Preferred University-level teaching experience
2. Preferred commitment to a professional exhibition record
3. Preferred knowledge of Canvas or other online LMS

Applications should include:

1. Letter of interest addressing skills and experience
2. A Curriculum Vitae
3. Teaching and diversity statement (1-2 pages)
4. Artist Statement (1 page)
5. 15-20 samples of each of the candidate’s creative work in a single PDF document accompanied by a descriptive list
6. 15-20 samples of each of the candidate’s student work in a single PDF document accompanied by a descriptive list
7. Contact information (full name, title, and email) for three persons able to provide confidential professional letters of recommendation. We do not need the letters themselves at this time, only the contact information

Applications are due on January 31, 2025. Questions may be directed to Krystina Primack, Department Coordinator, Department of Studio Arts (knp53@pitt.edu). 

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.

• Teaching and diversity statement (1-2 pages)
• Artist statement (1 page)
• 15-20 samples each of candidate’s creative work in a single pdf document accompanied by a descriptive list.
• 15-20 samples each of candidate’s student work in a single pdf document accompanied by a descriptive list.
• Contact information (full name, title, and email) for three persons able to provide confidential professional letters of recommendation. We do not need the letters themselves at this time, only the contact information.

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.

Assignment Category: Full-time regular

Bargaining Unit Eligibility: This position may be bargaining unit eligible

Campus: Pittsburgh

Required Attachments: Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae, Teaching Statement, Other (see posting for additional details)

Optional Attachments: Other (see posting for additional details)

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