"Assistant Professor of Ceramics"

Job Details

The Department of Art & Design at East Tennessee State University seeks qualified candidates for a tenure track position of Assistant Professor in Ceramics. Position will begin August 15, 2026. We seek a creative and dynamic individual to join our multifaceted, cross-disciplinary program in studio art.

The successful candidate will have a broad range of technical experience and a thorough knowledge of ceramics procedures with the ability to teach wheel-throwing, hand building, ceramic sculpture, advanced and graduate ceramics. The department supports a rich history of traditional craft as well as innovative approaches of art making and encourages work that embraces technological investigation and conceptual practice.

Responsibilities

• Teach all levels of ceramics studio courses from beginning to capstone levels, teach occasional foundations, special topics courses, and graduate courses.
• Mentor students with an emphasis on artistic development and professional practice. Manage the ceramics facility, operation of the wood, electric, and gas-fired kilns, maintain equipment.
• Serve as the ceramics area coordinator with supervision of graduate assistants and arts technician.
• Maintain an active practice of creative research. To support this endeavor, the department provides travel funding for faculty to participate in professional conferences, as well as research and exhibition activities.
• Participate in department, college, and university service.

Required Qualifications

• MFA in Studio Art (must be completed by August 15, 2026).
• College teaching experience beyond graduate assistantships.
• Active studio practice as demonstrated by professional experience and exhibition record at a regional/national level.
• Ability to teach ceramics processes at all levels of both undergraduate and graduate courses.
• Ability to run a complex ceramics facility and equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates with a knowledge and appreciation for both traditional and contemporary ceramics that demonstrate the capacity to teach cross-disciplinary approaches in studio art. Expertise in wheel; hand building; sculptural ceramics; clay and glaze science; atmospheric firing processes including wood, soda and salt. Excellent exhibition record with continued evidence of artistic accomplishment.

About ETSU

East Tennessee State University is a vibrant and diverse academic community committed to excellence in education and research that prides itself on its local, regional, national, and international impact. Located in Johnson City, within the Appalachian Highlands, the University community benefits from big-city amenities and easily accessible outdoor recreation opportunities. The Department of Art & Design offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in studio art and graphic design and an undergraduate degree in art history. The department endeavors to foster a collaborative environment that encourages both innovative teaching and cutting-edge scholarship, which is supported by an exciting visiting artists program, two art galleries supporting award-winning exhibition programs, and community partnerships.

The department provides courses in the following areas: Art History, Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture, Ceramics, Jewelry Design & Metalsmithing, Photography, Fibers, Graphic Design, and Digital Material Studies.

For inquiries about the position, please contact Mindy Herrin-Lewis at herrin@etsu.edu.

Review of applications will begin on January 6, 2026. All completed applications received before this date will be considered. The starting salary of this position is $60,000.

Required documents

• Cover Letter Curriculum Vitae
• 20 Images of recent creative work
• 20 Images of student work with relevant prompts
• 2 Sample Syllabi: one each for introductory and upper-level courses that best reflect your teaching approaches
• Teaching Philosophy
• Full contact information of three confidential references

Please apply at the following link:

https://jobs.etsu.edu/postings/32657