Professor of the Practice in Painting or Drawing

Tufts University • Boston, MA

14h

About The Position

SMFA at Tufts University seeks a full-time Professor of the Practice in drawing or painting, beginning September 1, 2027. Drawing is considered a distinct discipline, and applicants specializing in drawing are welcome, as are applicants in painting and expanded approaches.

SMFA is part of Tufts University’s School of Arts and Sciences and grants BFA, MFA, and MA degrees. Students do not major in a single studio practice or area. Faculty are practicing artists and researchers, and maintaining an active creative and research practice alongside teaching is an ongoing expectation. The successful candidate will understand and work within SMFA’s cross-disciplinary structure.

The position calls for disciplinary expertise in drawing and/or painting, with an approach that may encompass broad contemporary understandings of these fields and intersect with other areas of study. The candidate will teach strong foundational drawing and painting skills and engage students in contemporary and global conversations at advanced and graduate levels. They should also bring a broad understanding of art practice and theory applicable to visual art fields beyond painting, support students working across media and disciplines, and contribute depth through their own practice. Academic leadership experience and interest are sought; relevant experience may include service as a department chair, director of graduate studies, or leadership of curricular or governance work.

The position is open rank. An MFA or equivalent terminal degree, at least three years of university-level teaching experience including both beginning-level and graduate instruction, an active practice, and a significant record of professional accomplishments and exhibitions are required.

Requirements

• MFA or equivalent terminal degree.
• At least three years of university-level teaching experience, including both beginning-level and graduate instruction.
• Active artistic practice.
• Significant record of professional accomplishments and exhibitions.
• Disciplinary expertise in drawing and/or painting.
• Broad understanding of art practice and theory applicable to visual art fields beyond painting.
• Ability to teach foundational drawing and painting skills and engage advanced and graduate students in contemporary and global conversations.
• Understanding of and ability to work within SMFA’s cross-disciplinary structure.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated knowledge of interdisciplinary approaches to drawing or painting in teaching and practice.
• Experience mentoring and advising undergraduate and graduate students.
• Demonstrated experience in curriculum development.
• Experience and interest in academic leadership, such as department chair service, directing graduate studies, or leading curricular or governance work.

Responsibilities

• Teach drawing and/or painting, including strong beginning-level skills and advanced and graduate-level engagement with contemporary and global conversations.
• Maintain an active creative and research practice alongside teaching.
• Mentor and advise undergraduate and graduate students.
• Support students whose work crosses media and disciplines.
• Contribute to academic leadership, including curricular or governance work as applicable.

What This Job Offers

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