Lecturer Photography NTT

UMass Amherst•Amherst, NY

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Art at the University of Massachusetts Amherst seeks an experienced photographer or artist working in lens-based media and an educator committed to teaching for a full-time, benefited, academic-year (nine-month), non-tenure-track Lecturer position in Photography. The initial appointment is for two years. Reappointments during the first four years are at the Dean’s discretion and depend on funding availability and satisfactory performance. The expected start date is September 1, 2027. The successful candidate will teach all levels of analog processes and digital photography, develop foundational and advanced courses in photography and lens-based media, and bring expertise in traditional and innovative approaches to photography, including interdisciplinary contexts. Additional expertise in other media or experimental, cross-disciplinary approaches is welcome. The position initially teaches three courses per semester and participates in departmental service during the academic year. Core teaching is in photography, with possible interdisciplinary introductory, upper-level, and graduate seminar courses rotated among department faculty. Other duties include mentoring students preparing for photography-related careers, serving on BFA and MFA thesis committees, advising students, and helping oversee photography facilities and equipment. The faculty member will oversee shared instructional facilities, including the darkroom and lighting studio, coordinating with technical staff to maintain safe, functional, well-equipped spaces. Responsibilities also include course scheduling, curriculum review and revitalization, and management of instructional materials and equipment. A commitment to student success, inclusive and student-centered teaching, and departmental citizenship is essential.

Requirements

MFA in Art or a similar terminal degree by the time the position starts.
Two years of full-time college-level teaching beyond graduate school, or the equivalent of eight college-level courses.
Strong background in photography and related visual arts fields.
Knowledge of or experience teaching analog and digital photography.
Ability to develop new courses in lens-based practices and/or transmedia.
Record of professional activity demonstrated through creative practice, research, exhibitions, publications, or industry work.
Familiarity with Mac OS and Windows operating systems.
Commitment to mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.
Commitment to inclusive, student-centered pedagogy and advancing contemporary topics impacting the visual arts.
Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
Commitment to departmental citizenship and equitable labor practices.
Must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Nice To Haves

Additional expertise in cross-disciplinary practice in photo-based print media, or incorporating photography in installation art or performance.
Competency in Adobe Creative Suite.
Experience managing an analog darkroom.

Responsibilities

Teach all levels of analog processes and digital photography.
Develop foundational and advanced courses in photography and lens-based media, including new courses in lens-based practices and/or transmedia.
Initially teach three courses per semester and participate in departmental service during the academic year.
Teach photography courses and potentially interdisciplinary introductory, upper-level, and graduate seminars rotated among Art Department faculty.
Mentor students preparing for careers in photography-related fields, including developing portfolios and other professional materials.
Serve on BFA and MFA thesis committees and advise students.
Help oversee photography facilities and equipment.
Oversee shared instructional facilities, including the darkroom and lighting studio, coordinating with technical staff to maintain safe, functional, well-equipped spaces.
Schedule courses, review and revitalize curriculum, and manage instructional materials and equipment.
Stay current with trends and practices in photography and apply photographic skills and concepts in interdisciplinary contexts.
Contribute to student academic success, inclusive student-centered pedagogy, departmental citizenship, and equitable labor practices.