Assistant Professor in Ceramics

Iowa State University - College of Design; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement benefits

Generous leave plans

Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)

Job summary

Iowa State University - College of Design in Ames, IA invites applications for a full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor in Ceramics starting August 16, 2027. The candidate will teach studio ceramics at undergraduate and graduate levels, contribute to scholarship, advise students, and maintain the ceramic studio and equipment.

The ideal candidate holds an MFA in ceramics or related field, demonstrates a strong studio practice, and can engage with interdisciplinary programs and diverse student

Qualifications

• MFA in ceramics or related field required.
• Portfolio with evidence of critical approaches to ceramic art and craft.
• Ability to collaborate with other disciplines and communities.
• Demonstrated professional accomplishments in exhibition, scholarship, or community-engaged practice.
• Knowledge of contemporary and traditional ceramic practices and related disciplines.
• Experience with ethical and environmentally responsible art and design practices.
• Experience maintaining a ceramics studio and related equipment.
• Ability to teach college-level introductory to advanced ceramics courses.

Responsibilities

• Teach studio ceramics at undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Engage in scholarship and research in area of expertise.
• Advise undergraduate and graduate students.
• Participate in department, college, and university service.
• Maintain the ceramic studio and related equipment.

Skills

Studio ceramics

Ceramics processes

Sculptural ceramics

Teaching ceramics

Education

MFA in ceramics or related field

Tools

Ceramics studio equipment

Job description

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities

The Department of Art and Visual Culture in the College of Design at Iowa State University is offering a full-time tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in Ceramics starting August 16, 2027.

Qualified candidates for this studio-based position will bring an in-depth knowledge in ceramics arts, including processes, histories, and related materials and practices. Areas of expertise will include contemporary and traditional techniques embracing sculptural, functional, and installation-based approaches to making. Special attention will be given to candidates who bring an innovative and/or community-engaged approach to ceramic art, along with a critical knowledge of related materials to their teaching and creative work. Candidates with ethical and environmentally responsible approaches to their discipline and teaching are strongly encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will contribute to teaching in the department of Art and Visual Culture and have opportunities to contribute to the interdisciplinary collegiate programs in the College of Design. The position includes working with students from a broad range of disciplinary backgrounds and abilities, including graduate students. Pedagogically adaptive and innovative approaches in teaching are expected. The position responsibilities also include scholarship and research in the area of the candidate's expertise; undergraduate and graduate student advising; service on department, college and university committees; and maintenance of the ceramic studio and related equipment.

The Department of Art and Visual Culture is committed to sustaining a collegial, positive, and productive environment for each individual and the collective benefit of all. All faculty members are expected to exhibit and convey good citizenship within department, college and university activities, interact collegially and maintain the highest standards of integrity and ethical behavior.

Position Title

Assistant Professor in Ceramics

Appointment Type

Faculty

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree or equivalent in ceramics or related field

Preferred Qualifications

• Portfolio with evidence of critical approaches to ceramic-based art and craft
• Ability to work collaboratively with other disciplines and/or communities
• Demonstrated evidence of professional accomplishment, such as exhibition record, scholarship, and/or community-engaged practice
• Knowledge of contemporary and traditional practices in ceramic art and related art and design disciplines
• Experience in ethical and environmentally responsible art and design practices
• Experience maintaining a ceramics studio and related equipment
• Demonstrated ability to teach college-level introductory to advanced ceramics courses

Department/Program & College Description

As a land grant and Research institution, Iowa State University upholds and advocates for the impact of creative activities, scholarship, and education both on-and off-campus. We embrace and value community and the people and knowledge that preceded the formation of our institution and that inform our current-day practices. The College of Design celebrates and builds on long-standing success as a comprehensive design school that embodies knowledge-sharing and innovation.

The Department of Art and Visual Culture exemplifies these qualities through the creativity and entrepreneurship of its community of makers, educators, and scholars. With an integrated and cross-disciplinary approach to teaching and collaborating, we are committed to contributing to the excellence of the academic community and to building a culturally vibrant environment. We are especially seeking candidates who uphold and promote this purpose and who apply the above qualities in their teaching and research practice.

Department Unit/Website

Department of Art and Visual Culture Website: http://www.design.iastate.edu/academics/departments/art-visual-culture/

Department of Art and Visual Culture - Ceramics: http://www.design.iastate.edu/academics/departments/art-visual-culture/avc-art-studios/ceramics/

Proposed Start Date

August 16, 2027

Number Of Months Employed Per Year

09 Month Work Period

Time Type

Full time

Why Choose ISU?

• Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

Original Posting Date

July 29, 2026

Posting Close Date

Job Requisition Number:

R19688

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. [phone], email [e-mail].

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.