Assistant Professor, Object Design and Digital Fabrication

Alberta University of the Arts; Calgary; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading arts university in Calgary seeks an Assistant Professor for Object Design and Digital Fabrication. The role involves teaching, conducting research, and curriculum design in an inclusive environment. Applicants should have a terminal degree and experience in creative practices. The deadline for applications is January 18, 2026, with reviews starting January 30, 2026.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in teaching at the post-secondary level.
• Evidence of active creative and scholarly practice.
• Demonstrated technical skill in object design and digital fabrication.

Responsibilities

• Teach introductory and advanced courses in expertise.
• Pursue an active creative and scholarly research agenda.
• Partake in university governance activities.
• Design and revise curriculum.

Skills

Teaching experience at post-secondary level

Active creative and scholarly practice

Technical skill in object design and digital fabrication

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Education

Terminal degree in related field (PhD, MDes, or MFA)

Job description

Why AUArts?

Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) is situated on the ancestral land of the Siksikaitsitapi - Blackfoot Confederacy which includes the Siksika, Kainai, Piikani Nations and the shared territories of the Tsuut’ina Nation as well as the Iyarhe Nakoda‑Stoney which includes Bearspaw, Chiniki, Good Stoney Nations and also the home of the Métis Nation of District 5 and 6. The City of Calgary has long been called Moh’kins’tsis by the Siksikaitsitapi, Guts’ists’i by the Tsuut’ina, and Wîchîspa by the Nakoda.

The Alberta University of the Arts is one of only four major art, craft and design focused Universities in Canada. Our internationally recognized programs and state-of-the-art facilities offer our 1,100 students a hands‑on, studio-based education that leads to a Bachelor of Fine Arts, a Bachelor of Design, and an MFA in Craft Media. AUArts has deep roots in Calgary’s creative community and our alumni have had an impact on creativity around the world. Alberta University of the Arts will be celebrating its centennial in 2026.

Do you believe in the power of ideas, possibility, and in building community? AUArts is a community of thinkers, shapers, makers, and risk takers. We are students, faculty, staff, and alumni rich in diversity of culture and thought, challenged to fearlessly explore what moves us, drives us, and implores us to see the world differently.

The Opportunity

Competition #2526‑OC‑FP‑12

Permanent Faculty, School of Craft and Emerging Media – Object Design and Digital Fabrication

The School of Craft and Emerging Media at Alberta University of the Arts invites applications for a permanent faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor, Object Design and Digital Fabrication starting August 2026.

Assignment of academic rank will be commensurate with educational credentials, teaching, and professional experience, as well as the candidate’s record of research and creative activities.

About the School of Craft and Emerging Media (SCEM) at AUArts

Undergraduates in the School of Craft and Emerging Media (SCEM) pursue a 4‑year Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art. AUArts offers Object Design and Digital Fabrication (OBDF) students a rigorous studio education in established and emerging skill sets and 3D modeling and fabrication technologies. OBDF curriculum is highly complementary to other BDes and BFA disciplines. BFA students specializing in OBDF have the option of combining their OBDF concentration with another from one of more than a dozen areas of study including Fibre, Glass, Jewellery & Metals, Media Arts, Ceramics, Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, Print Media, Photography, Animation and others. BDes students specializing in Advertising and Graphic Design or Illustration and Character Design frequently supplement their learning with OBDF electives. SCEM also anchors the AUArts MFA in Craft Media, a rigorous 20‑month graduate program established in 2015.

AUArts is committed to reducing barriers and building an equitable, accessible and inclusive community of respect.

As a part of our team, you will work closely with colleagues from a diversity of academic and studio disciplines and contribute to an interdisciplinary and collaborative environment committed to developing new and innovative curriculum.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will :

• Teach introductory and advanced courses in their area(s) of expertise
• Pursue an active creative and scholarly research agenda
• Participate in university governance activities
• Design and revise curriculum to address changes in the field and emerging opportunities

Qualifications

The following qualifications have been determined to promote likelihood of

success in the role. In alignment with the principles of inclusion, individuals with an alternative equivalent qualification may be considered.

• A terminal degree in a related field (PhD, MDes, or MFA)
• Demonstrated experience teaching at the post‑secondary level
• Evidence of an active creative and scholarly practice
• Demonstrated technical skill and theoretical currency in object design and digital fabrication
• Demonstrated commitment to principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in teaching and curriculum development, and in academic life
• Demonstrated ability to work in and/or in collaboration with other creative disciplines is an asset

Compensation

Compensation is commensurate with skills and experience, and follows the AUArts Faculty Association (AUAFA) Collective Agreement under Salary Schedule A for Assistant Professors.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted as a single PDF document and should address the candidate’s expertise in the areas of teaching, research, and professional practice; and include:

• A cover letter
• A current curriculum vitae (CV)
• A statement of planned research/creative activity (1‑page)
• A statement of pedagogy (1‑page)
• Two sample syllabi
• Two sample assignments
• A portfolio of up to 10 images of recent work. Links to websites are encouraged.

Please visit our Application FAQs page to ensure your application is complete prior to submission.

The deadline to apply is January 18, 2026. Review of applications will begin January 30, 2026. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Further information about AUArts is available on our website at www.auarts.ca.

AUArts is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to fostering inclusion and belonging within our community.

We welcome applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

We recognize the legitimate and potential impact that career interruptions (maternity leaves, leave due to illness) can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement. Applicants are encouraged to identify in their application the impact that career interruptions may have had on their record of practice and achievement; this will be taken into consideration during the assessment process.

We are committed to making our recruitment, assessment, and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities. If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact [e-mail]. All requests for accommodation will be treated confidentially.

Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. All successful candidates must demonstrate that they are legally entitled to work in Canada.

The personal information collected through this website will be used for the purpose of determining eligibility and suitability for employment, as well as immigration requirements and reporting. This collection is authorized by section 4 (c) of the Protection of Privacy Act (POPA) and will be protected by section 10. For questions about the collection of personal information, contact [e-mail], or the University Secretary at [e-mail] or 403.284.7647.