Assistant Professor, Painting

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

Job summary

A prominent arts university in Calgary is seeking an Assistant Professor in Painting to begin in August 2026. This role involves teaching courses and engaging in creative research. The ideal candidate will have a terminal degree and demonstrate commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the academic environment. The position offers competitive compensation in line with faculty agreements.

Qualifications

• A terminal degree in a related field is required.
• Experience teaching at the post-secondary level is necessary.
• Must demonstrate an active creative and scholarly practice.

Responsibilities

• Teach introductory and advanced courses in Painting.
• Participate in university governance activities.
• Design and revise curriculum according to field developments.

Skills

Teaching experience

Active creative practice

Technical skill in Painting

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Education

Terminal degree (PhD, MDes, 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 #2426-OC-FP-11

The School of Visual Art at Alberta University of the Arts invites applications for a permanent faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor, Painting 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 Visual Art (SVA) at AUArts

Undergraduates in the School of Visual Art (SVA) pursue a 4-year Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art. AUArts offers Painting students a rigorous studio education that emphasizes relationships between ideas, materials, and processes. BFA students specializing in Painting may combine this concentration with another from one of more than a dozen areas of study including Fibre, Glass, Jewellery & Metals, Media Arts, 3D Object Design & Fabrication, Ceramics, Drawing, Sculpture, Print Media, Photography and others.

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
• Have opportunities to teach in the MFA Craft Media program
• 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 Painting
• 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 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 the Application FAQ's 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.