"Assistant Professor in Painting (Studio Area)"

The Department of Visual Arts and Art History in the School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design at York University invites highly qualified applicants for an Assistant Professor in Painting (Studio Area). This is a tenure-track appointment to the Professorial Stream to commence July 1, 2026.

We seek a practicing artist with a primary focus on painting. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical, conceptual, and historical grounding in the medium and its relation to broader contemporary cultural production and discourses.

The Department of Visual Arts and Art History is one of the leaders in art history and art practice in Canada. Recent renovations of undergraduate studio spaces, expansion of the MFA studios, and creation of a visual art study centre have contributed to the growth of the department. We are committed to teaching critical issues in art and art history, and to the ongoing development of programs in all areas of studio and studies.

Candidate Qualifications:

• Degree: MFA with a substantial record of professional experience in painting is required.
• Scholarship:
  • A coherent and well-articulated program of professional practice with a specialization in painting.
  • A record or evident promise of generating innovative, substantive, rigorous, and as appropriate, externally funded research creation.
  • A record or evident promise of making influential contributions and demonstrating excellence in the field (e.g. regional, national, and international exhibitions and awards, commissions, reviews, collections).
• Teaching:
  • A record or evident promise of excellence in teaching and dedication to students (e.g., innovative course syllabi, student and peer assessments, etc.).
  • A minimum of two years post-secondary teaching is required.
  • Suitability for prompt appointment to the Faculty of Graduate Studies, given that the position will involve graduate teaching and supervision.
• Additional: The successful candidate will join collaborative and committed peers who share administrative duties and responsibilities such as departmental governance and committee work.

Hiring Policies:

• Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• All York University positions are subject to budgetary approval.
• York is an Affirmative Action (AA) employer and strongly values diversity, including gender and sexual diversity, in its community. Details of the AA Program, which applies to women, members of racialized groups, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQ+, can be found here or by contacting Aqsa Ahmed, EDI Program Manager (aqsa517@yorku.ca).
• York welcomes and employs scholars from all over the world. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
• York has a policy on Accommodation in Employment for Persons with Disabilities and is committed to working towards a barrier-free workplace and expanding the accessibility of the workplace to persons with disabilities. Applicants who require accommodation are invited to contact Patrick Legris, Administrative Assistant of the Department of Visual Art and Art History, vaah-search@yorku.ca.

Application Process:

• Due date for completed applications: November 10, 2025.
• Required materials: 1) up-to-date CV highlighting record of professional exhibitions, research presentations, awards and accolades; 2) portfolio of relevant work; 3) letter of application articulating your experience, research agenda and approach to teaching excellence, including accomplishments and pedagogical innovations; 4) names and contact information of three professional references.
• Provide required information regarding your Canadian work status and optional self-identification for Affirmative Action purposes as part of the online application.
• Questions about the position can be directed to Patrick Legris, Administrative Assistant of the Department of Visual Art and Art History, vaah-search@yorku.ca.
• Submit materials: at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AMPD_Paint