Assistant Professor of Art & Design - Ceramics (27/28)

About the role

The Art and Design Department in the College of Liberal Arts at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, seeks a full‑time, academic‑year, tenure‑track Assistant Professor of Art and Design in Ceramics, with an anticipated start date of approximately August 12, 2027. The successful candidate will lead the development of an interdisciplinary ceramics program that integrates traditional and contemporary ceramics practices, research‑based conceptual inquiry, and relevant histories and theories of clay, craft, material culture, and contemporary art. The typical teaching load is 12 units per semester, with a reduction in course load during the first two years to support the establishment of an active research and professional‑development program. Subject to further planning, the university may transition to a semester‑based year‑round model, under which faculty may teach two consecutive semesters each year and optionally a third semester for additional compensation.

Responsibilities

• Teach courses across the ceramics curriculum, including beginning ceramics, intermediate ceramics, advanced ceramics or topics courses, and 3D/4D design as part of the Foundations/Core curriculum.
• Depending on departmental needs and expertise, may also teach intermediate sculpture, advanced selected topics in sculpture, critique and discourse, visual culture and society, junior studio art practice, senior studio art practice, and senior portfolio courses.
• Maintain an active research‑based creative practice in ceramics or an interdisciplinary practice that substantially engages ceramic materials and ideas.
• Contribute to curriculum development in ceramics, Foundations, and Studio Art.
• Mentor undergraduate students.
• Participate in departmental, college, and university service activities.
• Balance teaching with an active program of research/professional development (including publication), student supervision and advising, and service at the department and college/university level.

Requirements

• MFA in Ceramics, Studio Art, or a closely related field from an accredited institution or international equivalent, completed and awarded by the time of appointment.
• Demonstrated university‑level teaching experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of ceramic processes and studio practices, including hand building, wheel throwing, glaze and surface development, firing, kiln operation, and studio safety.
• Evidence of an active, research‑based creative practice in ceramics or an interdisciplinary practice that substantially engages ceramic materials and ideas.
• Evidence of expertise in contemporary art discourses and practices, including the histories and theories of ceramics, craft, material culture, installation art, time‑based art, and/or three‑dimensional art.
• Demonstrated experience developing curriculum and teaching courses that combine technical skill, conceptual inquiry, critique, and professional practice.
• Demonstrated experience and commitment to student‑centered learning and teaching.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary settings.
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive environment.
• Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language.

Qualifications

• Two or more years of college‑level teaching experience in ceramics, three‑dimensional foundations, sculpture, or closely related areas.
• Experience teaching ceramics at beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels.
• Experience teaching or developing courses in sculpture, installation, performance, visual culture, or interdisciplinary three‑dimensional art.
• Experience with sustainable materials research, experimental firing, or environmentally conscious ceramic studio practices.
• Experience with ceramics studio management, including kiln operation, glaze areas, ventilation, safety procedures, equipment maintenance, and student‑worker supervision.
• Interest in cross‑disciplinary collaborations and connections to broader art communities.
• Evidence of mentoring students toward graduate study, professional practice, exhibitions, residencies, or other career pathways.

Pay

Anticipated hiring range: $90,276 – $98,244 per year ($7,523 – $8,187 per month).