Asst Professor of Sculpture

UMass Amherst•Amherst, NY

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Art at the University of Massachusetts Amherst seeks a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Sculpture to begin September 1, 2027. The successful candidate will lead the department’s sculpture and 3D program, maintain an active and evolving creative practice, teach four courses per academic year, advise students, serve on BFA and MFA thesis committees, and contribute service to the department, university, and community. Teaching will include Introduction to Sculpture, Moldmaking, and electives in sculpture or courses serving the broader department, such as Professional Practices and Graduate Seminar. The role may also expand instruction in design-oriented applications of sculptural production, including prototyping and fabrication. The candidate will maintain, operate, and provide instruction in the woodshop, digital fabrication facilities (laser cutter and CNC router), moldmaking, and metalwork areas. They will collaborate with Environmental Health and Safety to ensure safe and compliant operation of sculpture facilities. The position requires an active exhibition and research record appropriate to an R1 research university, with potential for continued artistic growth and regional, national, and international recognition. Commitment to students’ academic success and strong departmental citizenship are essential. The appointment is for a nine-month academic year at 100% full-time equivalency and includes full benefits. Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion. The position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval. Applications should include a cover letter, portfolio, teaching philosophy, curriculum vitae, examples of student work, academic transcripts, three course syllabi, and contact information for three professional references. The priority application deadline is December 1, 2026; the search remains open until filled.

Requirements

MFA or similar terminal degree in Art, Sculpture, or a related field from an accredited institution.
At least two 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.
Commitment to the academic success of all students and strong departmental citizenship.

Nice To Haves

Specialized expertise in three-dimensional production and fabrication in an interdisciplinary program.
Ability to maintain, operate, and provide instruction in the woodshop, digital fabrication, moldmaking, and metalwork areas.
Commitment to inclusive, student-centered pedagogy and 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.

Responsibilities

Lead the department’s sculpture and 3D program.
Maintain an active and evolving creative practice and exhibition and research record.
Teach four courses per academic year, including Introduction to Sculpture, Moldmaking, and relevant electives or broader departmental courses.
Develop or expand instruction in design-oriented sculptural production applications such as prototyping and fabrication.
Advise students and serve on BFA and MFA thesis committees.
Provide service to the department, university, and community.
Maintain, operate, and teach in the woodshop, digital fabrication facilities, moldmaking, and metalwork areas.
Collaborate with Environmental Health and Safety to ensure safe and compliant operation of sculpture facilities.