Assistant Professor of Sculpture and 3D Design

Union College•Schenectady, NY

11d•Onsite

About The Position

Union College invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Visual Arts - Sculpture and 3D Design, beginning September 1, 2027. The Department of Visual Arts seeks applications for a tenure-track position as Assistant Professor of Sculpture and 3D Design. A completed MFA from an accredited institution, at least three years of teaching experience at the college level, and a successful record of creative scholarship are required. A strong record of exhibition and evidence of an active ongoing studio practice are essential. Teaching responsibilities consist of six in-person classes per year over three 10-week trimesters, including introductory Sculpture and 3D Design courses, as well as advanced thematic or process-specific Sculpture courses. The candidate should be able to teach traditional sculpture practice, including molding techniques in plaster, additive and subtractive techniques in wood and stone, introductory to advanced welding, and advanced mixed media techniques. Proficiency with digital fabrication tools and workflows, including software such as Rhino, Illustrator, and SolidWorks, as well as hands-on experience with CNC routers, laser cutters, and 3D printers is expected. This position is intended to evolve the Sculpture curriculum to integrate these tools and pursue new opportunities for interdepartmental collaboration with Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, and Civil and Environmental Engineering, aiming to develop new interdisciplinary initiatives in fields like Digital Design, Industrial Design, or Architecture. The candidate will have the vision and experience to collaborate with faculty to conceive, plan, and create such initiatives. A robust and promising exhibition record with demonstrated potential for continued artistic success is expected. The area of scholarly art practice is open, but experience in fine art digital fabrication, industrial, or architectural design is welcomed. In addition to teaching, responsibilities include departmental and collegewide service, academic advising, work with senior majors, honors thesis students, and advanced independent study students. The successful candidate will join a dynamic department and will supervise a full-time Sculpture Studio technician and oversee the Sculpture budget for equipment and materials with the department chair. Faculty also rotate curatorial responsibilities for the college galleries. Faculty are eligible for funding to support creative scholarly work and new teaching initiatives. The department supports a General Education curriculum with a focus on Global Challenges and Social Justice. Candidates engaged with contemporary issues and diverse perspectives are encouraged to apply.

Requirements

Completed MFA from an accredited institution.
At least three years of teaching experience at the college level.
Successful record of creative scholarship.
Strong record of exhibition.
Evidence of an active ongoing studio practice.

Nice To Haves

Experience in fine art digital fabrication, industrial, or architectural design.
Engagement with contemporary issues and diverse perspectives in scholarly work and/or in the classroom.

Responsibilities

Teach six in-person classes per year over three 10-week trimesters, including introductory Sculpture and 3D Design courses, as well as advanced thematic or process-specific Sculpture courses.
Teach traditional sculpture practice, including molding techniques in plaster, additive and subtractive techniques in wood and stone, introductory to advanced welding, and advanced mixed media techniques.
Demonstrate proficiency with digital fabrication tools and workflows, including software such as Rhino, Illustrator, and SolidWorks, and hands-on experience with CNC routers, laser cutters, and 3D printers.
Pursue and develop new opportunities for interdepartmental collaboration between Visual Arts, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, and Civil and Environmental Engineering.
Conceive, plan, and create new interdisciplinary initiatives in fields like Digital Design, Industrial Design, or Architecture.
Contribute to the core Visual Arts curriculum.
Engage in departmental and collegewide service.
Provide academic advising.
Work with senior majors, honors thesis students, and advanced independent study students.
Supervise a full-time Sculpture Studio technician.
Oversee and work with the department chair on short and long-term planning of the Sculpture budget for equipment and materials.
Rotate curatorial responsibilities for the Crowell and West Galleries.