Assistant Professor of History of Photography, College of Arts and Sciences, Department of History of Art & Architecture

Boston University • Boston, MA

7d • $94,000 - $100,000

About The Position

Boston University’s Department of History of Art & Architecture invites applications and nominations for a renewable four-year tenure-track Assistant Professor of the History of Photography position beginning in academic year 2027–2028. The successful candidate will research the role of photographic images in the modern and contemporary periods in any region of the world, with close attention to photography’s global dimensions and transcontinental circulation. The department seeks an exceptional scholar and teacher with broad knowledge of modern and contemporary photography and visual culture, and an interest in developing pedagogies that encourage full participation. Preference will be given to applicants able to teach European and American modernism at the undergraduate level.

The appointee will teach two undergraduate lecture courses per year, including one on the History of Photography, and two upper-level seminars for undergraduate and graduate students. They will conduct research in their area or areas of specialization, engage with the undergraduate History of Art & Architecture track, advise its majors, and advise graduate students in the history of modern art and, if appropriate, contemporary art. The position requires a PhD in hand by the start of the appointment; teaching experience and publications are preferred. The starting salary range is $94,000–$100,000.

Applications should be submitted in PDF or Word format through AcademicJobsOnline and include a curriculum vitae, names of three recommenders, and a cover letter detailing research accomplishments and plans and teaching principles and approaches. Review begins December 1, 2026. First-round interviews will be conducted virtually. Boston University emphasizes academic freedom, free inquiry, the exchange of ideas, and a diverse community of teachers and researchers. It is an equal opportunity employer and conducts background checks for final candidates for certain faculty and staff positions.

Requirements

• PhD in hand by the start of the appointment.
• Research exploring the role of photographic images in the modern and contemporary periods in any region around the world, with attention to photography’s global dimensions and transcontinental circulation.
• Broad knowledge of modern and contemporary photography and visual culture.
• Interest in developing pedagogies that encourage full participation.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to teach European and American modernism at the undergraduate level; preference will be given to applicants with this qualification.
• Teaching experience.
• Publications.

Responsibilities

• Teach two undergraduate lecture courses per year, including one on the History of Photography.
• Teach two upper-level seminars for undergraduate and graduate students per year.
• Conduct research in the candidate’s area or areas of specialization.
• Engage with the undergraduate History of Art & Architecture track.
• Advise undergraduate History of Art & Architecture majors.
• Advise graduate students in the history of modern art and, if appropriate, contemporary art.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree