Tenure Track Assistant Professor in Photography

Pitzer College invites applications for a full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor in Photography to begin in academic year 2027-2028.

About the Role

The successful candidate will have an active professional practice, deep knowledge of contemporary art and theory, and a demonstrated record of excellence in teaching undergraduate photography. The Art Field Group seeks a broad thinker and technically accomplished photographer who is well-versed in both contemporary and historical photographic practices. The ideal applicant will be engaged with critical discourses related to the medium and committed to teaching both traditional and innovative approaches across all levels.

We welcome applications from candidates with diverse perspectives who are adept in the use of both analog and digital photography, comfortable integrating the two in their teaching, and capable of mentoring students in an interdisciplinary studio practice. The artist's interests might include (but are not limited to) social practice, questions of intersectional identity, archival investigation, eco-criticism, and the exploration of photography through performance or installation art.

An interest in and the ability to teach specialized seminars or studio courses in the broader social and historical dimensions of photography, as well as contributing to programming associated with the Pitzer Art Galleries, would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Teach five courses per year over two semesters, including regular contributions to the Art major and First Year Seminar Program.
• Oversee and maintain studio laboratories with the assistance of a part-time technician and work-study students.
• Contribute to the College’s mission of promoting interdisciplinary perspectives, intercultural understanding, and social responsibility.

Requirements

• MFA required before the start date.
• Demonstrated record of excellence in teaching undergraduate photography.
• Active professional practice in photography.
• Proficiency in both analog and digital photography, with the ability to integrate the two in teaching.

Preferred Qualifications

• Engagement with critical discourses related to photography.
• Experience or interest in teaching specialized seminars or studio courses on the social and historical dimensions of photography.
• Ability to contribute to programming associated with the Pitzer Art Galleries.
• Potential to collaborate with interdisciplinary programs such as Africana Studies, Asian American Studies, Chican@/Latin@ Studies, the Intercollegiate Feminist Center, the Robert Redford Conservancy for Southern California Sustainability, the Institute for Global-Local Action and Study, the Community Engagement Center, and the CASA Pitzer program.

Application Materials

• Letter of application
• Curriculum vitae
• Selected evidence of excellence in teaching (including 20 images of student work)
• Statement of teaching philosophy
• Description of research (including 20 images of personal work)
• Statement addressing how your cultural, experiential, and/or academic background contributes to Pitzer College’s mission, educational objectives, and core values

Electronic documents must be submitted in MS Word or PDF format.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plans
• Generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.)
• Tuition reimbursement and tuition exchange program participation

Pay

Compensation range: $93,000—$95,000. The salary of the finalist(s) selected will be set based on internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training.