"Assistant Professor, Interdisciplinary Artist/Designer (T/TE)"

Position Highlights

The School of Art at the University of Arizona invites applications for an interdisciplinary artist or designer whose practice bridges material exploration, object-making, 3D fabrication, and sculpture.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong research-based approach that aligns with the mission of the School and the broader goals of the University of Arizona.

We seek someone who will contribute meaningfully to our BA, BFA, and MFA programs through both their creative practice and their engagement with students.

We welcome applicants whose work may intersect one or more of the following practices: design, socially engaged art, video, installation, sound, performance, emerging technologies, research-driven projects, digital and analog fabrication, foundry work, interdisciplinary collaboration, and public art.

The successful candidate will be a versatile, forward-looking educator committed to fostering innovation, critical inquiry, and inclusive practices within an evolving creative landscape.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; sick leave and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please

Duties & Responsibilities

• Teach two 3-credit courses per semester.
• Contribute to curriculum development that reflects current and emerging professional practices in the field.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students in support of their artistic, academic, and professional growth.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues across diverse backgrounds and disciplines.
• Participate in faculty governance and service at the program, school, college, university, and professional levels.
• Engage in outreach, student advising, recruitment, and other activities that strengthen student engagement, increase variety, and cultivate partnerships with community collaborators.
• Develop and sustain a strong research agenda supported by an active creative practice.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proficiency with fabrication-related industry-standard software and equipment (e.g., Maya, Blender, laser cutting, CNC tools, standard woodshop equipment, metal fabrication, welding).
• Ability to situate creative research within an AAU/R1 research university ecosystem.
• Skilled and familiarity with metal and wood fabrication, foundry work, and digital fabrication methods.
• Knowledge of expanded and interdisciplinary approaches to contemporary art and design.
• Ability to shape a forward-looking curriculum that integrates artistic rigor, conceptual exploration, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
• Ability to commit to cultivating a culture of collaboration, creativity, integration, and community engagement.

Minimum Qualifications

• MFA, PhD, or equivalent terminal degree in Sculpture, Animation, Design, Digital Media, Interdisciplinary Art, or a related field by the start date.
• Evidence of an active creative research practice with an interdisciplinary emphasis.
• Experience teaching at the college or university level.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience mentoring and teaching graduate students.
• Experience in curriculum development and program growth.
• Demonstrated success in collaborative and interdisciplinary research projects.

Rank: Assistant Professor

Tenure Information: Tenure Track (T/TE)

FLSA: Exempt

Full Time/Part Time: Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week: 40

Job FTE: 1.0

Work Calendar: Academic

Job Category: Faculty

Benefits Eligible: Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay: DOE

Compensation Type: salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies: 1

Contact Information for Candidates

Maria Sanchez
mariasanchez@arizona.edu

Open Until Filled: Yes

Documents Needed to Apply: Curriculum Vitae (CV), Cover Letter, and Two Additional Documents

Special Instructions to Applicant

General application materials will be submitted through the University of Arizona Talent website. Be prepared to electronically attach:
1. Curriculum Vitae
2. A cover letter/ letter of interest
3. Teaching philosophy
4. Portfolio

Portfolio Submission:
For the portfolio submission, you will need to provide both Personal and Student Work Samples.
You can either submit:
- A single PDF document containing the Personal and Student work portfolios or;
- A link to an single online "curated gallery" containing both.

The Personal Work Samples should include documentation of 15 to 20 recent works. The Student Work Samples should include documentation of 20 recent student works. If video and/or audio is necessary you can either embed links in the PDF, or you can embed the video and audio into your online gallery. Supporting videos will be previewed, but may not be watched in their entirety due to the expected high number of applications-so excerpts and or a low overall running-time may be the most appropriate route forward. Please clearly label all personal work with the title, media, and year of creation. Label all student work with the year of creation and a brief one or two-sentence description of the assignment.

Letters of reference will be required for finalists.