Assistant Professor of Visual & Critical Studies

Position Summary

The College of the Arts and the Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design at Portland State University invite applications for the Assistant Professor of Visual & Critical Studies, beginning Fall 2026. This is a full-time, tenure-track (1.0 FTE, 9-month) position.

The Art Practice area offers an interdisciplinary education in contemporary art and socially engaged practice. Our students are passionate about exploring the cultural meanings through a diverse array of visual media and critical approaches that connect to social, economic, and material circumstances. Students are currently able to pursue a BA or BS in Art & Design, a BFA in Art Practice, and an MFA in Art & Social Practice.

We seek a dynamic and innovative scholar-practitioner who will support our undergraduate and graduate students in Art Practice to foster a contextual understanding of their practice in settings beyond the classroom. The ideal candidate would foster interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary, and post-disciplinary inquiry with a commitment to accessibility and social engagement. The candidate would also demonstrate a strong commitment to teaching and mentoring students working across media in rigorous academic and creative practices. We are particularly interested in candidates whose work addresses global approaches to visual literacy and relational aesthetics.

About the Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design

The Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design is a thriving community of creative thinkers, makers, and doers. Within our family of programs, youll find future-thinking innovation happening alongside deep, traditional studies. Youll find buzzing, interconnected social practice projects coexisting with contemplative, independent studio experimentation. Youll find deep art-historical research unfolding in parallel with experimental future-building.

Our undergraduate Art programs allow for the exploration of studio art experiences and processes with an emphasis on developing a unique creative vision. The program goes beyond the physical activities of making to include idea generation, influences, materials, tools, and methods. Our MFA in Art & Social Practice blends critical and professional practice, progressive pedagogy, collaborative social engagement, and transdisciplinary exploration to intersect art with immersive educational experiences. As part of a vibrant urban research university, we thrive from our location in Portlands design-rich culture and close connection to adjacent programs like Graphic Designand Art History. Our students benefit from cross-disciplinary opportunities, mentorship, and public-facing design work that connects classroom learning with real-world impact.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Teach 7 courses (28 credits) per academic year across three quarters, including undergraduate and graduate coursework as determined by the School Director.
• Maintain ongoing creative research or professional practice at local, national, and international scales.
• Participate in program and curricular development, focusing on courses that foster a contextual understanding of their practice in settings beyond the classroom.
• Advise and mentor undergraduate and/or graduate students with an emphasis on equity and access.
• Serve in coordinator roles that are responsible for key administrative duties within Art Practice.
• Participate in program activities and community outreach, especially those aligned with visual literary and critical inquiry.
• Collaborate across disciplines within the Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design and the broader university.
• Create an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates differences.
• Function and communicate effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds.
• Seeks opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive setting with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
• Adhere to all of PSUs policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.

Required / Minimum Qualifications

• MFA or PHD in Art, Design, Visual Studies, or related field (terminal degree).
• An active creative practice with evidence of professional accomplishments in interdisciplinary art making
• Experience with engaging students in innovative curatorial programming.
• Teaching experience at the college or university level beyond graduate assistantships.
• Demonstrated interest in both inclusive and interdisciplinary education.
• Strong foundation in two or more of the following areas: visual literacy, critical art theory, contemporary art history, and socially engaged work. Experience engaging students working across disciplines in thinking critically about their creative research and scholarship.
• Experience working with students to curate exhibitions and socially engaged programming.
• Focus on contemporary art research methods, interdisciplinary practice, and community outreach.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Experience working with and mentoring graduate teaching assistants.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive and equitable pedagogy.
• Experience with community-engaged design or collaborative projects.
• Experience with curriculum development and interdisciplinary initiatives.

To Apply submit the following:

• Letter of interest (upload under Cover Letter).
• Curriculum Vitae.
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy.
• Statement of Teaching Interest .
• Statement of Research (Creative Practice) Interest.
• Visual, written or creative works (7-15 uploads). Upload under Work Sample .
• 10 examples of student work (upload under Evidence of Teaching Effectiveness).
• Full information for three references, including name, email and phone number. (References will be contacted only if you are selected as a finalist).

Visual samples should be combined into a single, multipage PDF and include a URL to a single website.

This is a 1.0 FTE tenure track position that starts 9/16/2026. Review of applications begin on 11/17/2025 and will continue until finalist are identified. We anticipate closing/removing the posting around 01/16/2026. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. For a complete description and to apply please visit the PSU online portal at: https://jobs.hrc.pdx.edu/postings/48579

If you have questions:

• For questions concerning the position description, contact the Search Chair, Assistant Professor Kat Richards at katr@pdx.edu.
• For questions about the application process contact Ellen Wack at wacke@pdx.edu.
• For application upload issues contact Human Resource Center at askhrc@pdx.edu.

Portland State University is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Institution and welcomes applications from diverse candidates and candidates who support diversity.

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