Title: Asst Professor of Sculpture

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: Humanities & Fine Arts

Department: Art

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Summary

The Department of Art at the University of Massachusetts Amherst invites applications for a full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor of Sculpture to begin September 1, 2027.

Essential Functions

The successful candidate will lead the department's sculpture and 3D program, demonstrate an active and evolving creative practice, advise students, serve on BFA and MFA thesis committees, and provide service to the department, university, and community. Additionally, the position requires maintaining safe and compliant operation of sculpture facilities in collaboration with Environmental Health and Safety. Teaching responsibilities will include Introduction to Sculpture, Moldmaking, and electives serving the Sculpture area or additional courses serving the broader department, such as Professional Practices and Graduate Seminar. The position also offers an opportunity to expand instruction in the growing demand for design-oriented applications of sculptural production methods, such as prototyping and fabrication. Successful candidates must be able to maintain, operate, and provide instruction in the woodshop, digital fabrication (laser cutter and CNC router), moldmaking, and metalwork areas. The teaching load consists of four courses per academic year.

The candidate must maintain an active exhibition and research record commensurate with expectations at an R1 research university, with clear potential for continued artistic growth and recognition at regional, national, and international levels. A commitment to the academic success of all students and strong departmental citizenship is essential to a successful candidacy.

Minimum Qualifications

MFA or similar terminal degree in Art, Sculpture, or related field from an accredited institution.

At least 2 years of experience teaching college-level courses beyond graduate school.

Demonstrated record or strong potential for creative scholarship appropriate to a tenure-track appointment, including an active and ongoing studio practice and a record of exhibition or other professional creative activity.

Preferred Qualifications

Ability to contribute specialized expertise in three-dimensional production and fabrication in an interdisciplinary program.

Able to maintain, operate, and provide instruction in the woodshop, digital fabrication, moldmaking, and metalwork areas.

Commitment to inclusive, student-centered pedagogy and to advancing contemporary topics impacting the field of visual arts.

Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.

Commitment to departmental citizenship and equitable labor practices.

Commitment to contributing to a diverse and inclusive academic community, recognizing diversity as a factor in academic excellence.

Additional Details

The Department of Art at the University of Massachusetts Amherst offers post-secondary education in a full range of studio disciplines that include Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, Ceramics, Print Media, Animation, Intermedia, Design and Technology, and Art Education. Interdisciplinary study is at the core of our philosophy, and we encourage students to pursue experience across art disciplines, as well as exploring the diverse fields of arts, humanities, and sciences open to them at this premier research university. We offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts Program tailored to students who plan to become 21st century professional artists and designers, and a Bachelor of Arts degree for majors seeking the broadest available liberal arts education. Future primary and secondary school art teachers are comprehensively prepared in our Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education program.

The UMass Amherst Master of Fine Arts Degree in Art program is a three-year immersive course of study for post-graduates who wish to expand their critical thinking and disciplinary techniques, and develop the experience needed for careers in academia. We also offer a Master of Arts Degree in Art Education for prospective and current teachers to engage in advanced professional development.

This position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Salary Information

The University expects to pay within an approximate range between $79,350 and $106,218 for this position. Salary is commensurate with experience. This position is a 9-month academic year appointment at 100% full-time equivalency with full benefits.

Please note: The low end of this range is based on the minimum salary for the rank included in the collective bargaining agreement between the University and the Massachusetts Society of Professors, UMass Amherst/MTA/NEA. The high-end of the pay range reflects an increase above the median salaries at this rank within the department for faculty who may have multiple years of faculty experience. The specific pay for this position will be determined by the University based on consideration of all relevant factors, including faculty rank and required relevant certifications, when and if it decides to extend an offer of employment.

Special Instructions for Applicants

In addition to a full application for employment, please submit:

Cover Letter

Portfolio of recent creative/professional work (up to 20 images and/or 5 total running minutes of videos)

Teaching philosophy statement

Current curriculum vitae

Examples of student work (up to 20 images and/or 5 total running minutes of videos)

Academic transcripts

Three examples of course syllabi

Name, title, and full contact information of three professional references who will provide letters of reference upon request

Additional supporting materials may be requested from finalists

To receive full consideration, submit your application materials by December 1, 2026. The search will remain open until it is filled; however, applications received after the priority deadline of December 1 may not be reviewed.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.