Tenure-Track: Assistant Professor for 2D Design Foundations

The School of Performance, Visualization & Fine Arts at Texas A&M University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position with research and creative works interests in the art or design field and teaching expertise in design foundations. The school’s strength is in the merging of art, science, and technology across a broad range of creative pursuits, with this position emphasizing a curriculum of visual literacy, visual design communication skills, and the application of industry standard software tools as well as traditional media and drawing. This faculty position will fall into the Art and Design Section, which is the home for studio artists and designers within the interdisciplinary school. This is a nine-month academic appointment, with an expected start date of Fall 2023.

Successful applicants will teach Design Foundations at the undergraduate level to students with varied levels of experience and background in art and design. Additional teaching responsibilities at the upper division and graduate levels will be commensurate with the applicant’s expertise and the goals of our academic programs. There are opportunities to contribute to the school’s curriculum, as well as impact the culture of the growing artist community at Texas A&M. Candidates are expected to teach at the graduate and undergraduate levels and must have a rigorous creative research practice that will inform and advance the field. Related teaching duties include mentoring undergraduate and graduate students of diverse backgrounds within the interdisciplinary programs of the school. Candidates will be expected to gain visibility through invited or peer-reviewed exhibitions and creative works, and/or public artwork commissions. Preference will be given to faculty members who are actively pursuing external grants and fellowships. ​Service consists of participating in all aspects of the school’s activities, including student exhibitions and special events, and service to the professional community.

The School of Performance, Visualization & Fine Arts is a new school within the Texas A&M University System and has a diverse and dynamic mission with 60 faculty and over 15 staff members and a projected exponential growth in the next 5 years. The school was formed from three departments/programs spread across the university: the Department of Visualization, the Department of Performance Studies and the Dance Science Program. The mission of the school places a heavy emphasis on faculty and student collaboration and interdisciplinary work in both scholarly and creative research. Texas A&M University leadership has charged the new School with developing innovative research and creative works, public performances, and degree offerings at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels that build upon our strength in merging art and science. The new school is projected to move into a new, $175m state-of-the-art visual and performing arts center. Construction is slated to begin in 2024.

Applicants should consult the school’s website to review our academic and research programs (pvfa.tamu.edu), paying particular attention to our historically groundbreaking BS, MS, and MFA programs in visualization, whose graduates populate key positions across the film, visual effects, computer animation, and electronic games industries.

Qualifications

Candidates must hold an MFA or PhD in a related field, and show evidence of a strong professional record, teaching experience, and portfolio. Candidates must show ability, experience, and willingness to connect design principles directly to the main areas of student interest which include animation, gaming, interactive and graphic design, illustration and concept art. The candidate also must evidence a willingness to collaborate with other foundation faculty in a team-teaching environment. Desired qualifications include proficiency in the Adobe Suite and/or a 3D modeling package like Maya, Blender, or Zbrush.

Application Instructions

Interested individuals should apply through http://apply.interfolio.com/116460 and submit the following materials:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Artist Statement
• Creative works portfolio (Maximum of 20 selected works compiled into one .pdf or weblink)
• Student work portfolio (Maximum of 20 selected works compiled into one .pdf or weblink)
• Teaching Statement
• Contact information for at least three references including postal addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses

Review of applications will begin 30 days from posting beginning December 2022. Applications will continue to be considered until the position is filled. Questions should be directed to Dr. Sarah Misemer, Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs (email: smisemer@tamu.edu). For additional application information, please contact the search committee chair Felice House, flh93@tamu.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment for all visitors, students, faculty, and staff by promoting a culture that embraces inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability. Diverse perspectives, talents, and identities are vital to accomplishing our mission and living our core values.

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