Assistant/Associate Professor, Ceramics

Winthrop University • Rock Hill, SC

5d

About The Position

Winthrop University invites applications for an Assistant or Associate Professor of Fine Arts specializing in Ceramics. This full-time, nine-month, tenure-track position is housed in the Department of Fine Arts within the College of Visual and Performing Arts in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

The successful candidate will teach three courses per semester (3/3) across undergraduate levels, from foundational ceramics to advanced studio practices, and advise BFA students, including mentoring senior-level Bachelor of Fine Arts students. The position combines teaching, curriculum development, studio management, and program coordination. As the sole faculty member in ceramics, the candidate will lead curriculum development and oversee studio facilities, equipment maintenance, and safe studio operations.

The university seeks a dynamic, forward-thinking artist-educator committed to material exploration, technical excellence, and contemporary ceramic practices. The candidate should have expertise in traditional and contemporary approaches to ceramics and be able to teach techniques ranging from functional wheel-thrown vessels to large-scale sculptural forms. Candidates should demonstrate an active, nationally or internationally recognized studio practice through regular exhibitions, gallery representation, or juried shows. At least three years of higher-education teaching experience is preferred.

Requirements

• Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in a related area.
• Expertise in traditional and contemporary approaches to ceramics.
• Ability to teach a broad range of techniques, from functional wheel-thrown vessels to large-scale sculptural forms.
• Active studio practice demonstrated through regular exhibitions, gallery representation, or juried shows.

Nice To Haves

• At least three years of teaching experience in higher education.
• Knowledge of historical and contemporary ceramic practices and related three-dimensional art and design disciplines.
• Successful experience teaching ceramics at the undergraduate level.
• An active and sustained creative and scholarly practice in ceramics, demonstrated through exhibitions and other forms of professional engagement.
• Strong organizational, management, and communication skills.
• Experience managing and maintaining safe ceramics facilities, including expertise in kiln operation, firing processes, glaze formulation, and studio equipment.
• Knowledge of best practices in ceramics studio safety, including silica exposure prevention, material handling, ventilation, and studio housekeeping.
• Ability to teach foundational three-dimensional design courses or courses in jewelry and metalsmithing.

Responsibilities

• Teach three courses per semester across undergraduate levels, from foundational ceramics to advanced studio practices.
• Advise BFA students and mentor senior-level Bachelor of Fine Arts students.
• Lead curriculum development for the ceramics program.
• Oversee ceramics studio facilities and equipment maintenance.
• Ensure safe ceramics studio operations.
• Coordinate the ceramics program.
• Teach a broad range of ceramic techniques, from functional wheel-thrown vessels to large-scale sculptural forms.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior