Teaching Professor of Studio Arts

JOB TITLE

Teaching Professor of Studio Arts

LOCATION

Worcester

DEPARTMENT NAME

Humanities & Arts

DIVISION NAME

Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Department of Humanities and Arts at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) invites applications for a Teaching Professor of Studio Arts (non-tenure track) at the rank of Assistant or Associate, beginning in August 2027. The Teaching Professor track at WPI is a full-time faculty position and affords the possibility of reappointment and promotion.

We seek candidates grounded in traditional studio art practices who also engage with contemporary technological tools and methods. We are looking for an excellent teacher whose primary responsibilities include instructing courses for first- and second-year students, such as Essentials of Art and Topics in Studio Art, as well as more advanced classes in areas such as figurative studies and thematic inquiry. Experience in curriculum development is preferred, as there will be opportunities to rethink our current offerings and develop new ones based on student needs and faculty expertise. The position also involves establishing and cultivating relationships with local art organizations and institutions. Activities will take place in our newly opened art studio, so candidates should be able to help supervise and manage facilities and programming. We seek those who prioritize accessibility, sustainability, health, and safety.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job responsibilities:

• Teach 8 courses per academic year: two courses per 7-week term (2 terms per semester)
• Advise student projects 
• Contribute to the initiatives of the Humanities and Arts Department and the University. 

Qualifications:  

• MFA or Ph.D in Studio Arts or a closely related field
• Three years of successful classroom teaching and advising experience at the university level 
• Record of exhibition and/or projects including exhibition development experience
• Skills teaching a variety of studio media

As part of your application, please submit:  

• Cover letter that describes interests, values, and practices as an artist, scholar, and teacher 
• CV that includes academic and professional experience, as well as the names and contact information of three professional references  
• A statement of teaching philosophy
• A PDF portfolio of professional work includes 15-20 high-quality images with information about each work including title, date, size, and medium (limit PDF to 30 mb) 
• A PDF portfolio of student works of 15-20 high-quality images with information about each work including date, size, medium, and a short description of each assignment (limit PDF to 30mb).   

We will request letters of reference, writing samples, and a full teaching portfolio for short-listed candidates only. 

Application review will begin October 19 and will continue until filled.

WPI 

Worcester Polytechnic Institute, founded in 1865, is one of the nation’s oldest technological universities. WPI’s mission is to create and convey scientific and technical knowledge in ways that benefit society. Education in the humanities and arts, which includes history, is central to this societal connection. The Humanities and Arts Department is home to more than ten historians and includes more than sixty faculty in Philosophy, Religion, Literature, Languages, Writing, Music, Theatre and Art. WPI encourages collaborations not only within multidisciplinary departments like HUA but throughout the university. Faculty members, students, and other partners work together on real-world projects and purposeful research that are hallmarks of the WPI experience. We are proud of our No. 1 ranking for “faculty who best combine research and teaching” (Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Ed, 2016).  Located one hour west of Boston, the university’s campus is in Worcester, Massachusetts, a thriving 21st-century college city recognized as a growing hub of scientific and technological innovation.  

Salary: $85,000 - $88,000. Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity. WPI’s benefits package includes a robust retirement match, wellness perks, tuition assistance and more.

FLSA STATUS

United States of America (Exempt)

WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. It seeks individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making. It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.