Portland State University, College of Urban and Public Affairs
Assistant Professor of Visual & Critical Studies
Portland State University, College of Urban and Public Affairs, Portland, Oregon, United States, 97204
Assistant Professor of Visual & Critical Studies
Portland State University, College of Urban and Public Affairs invites applications for a full‑time, 9‑month tenure‑track (1.0 FTE) position beginning Fall 2026. The appointment will be within the Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design.
Position Summary The Art Practice area offers an interdisciplinary education in contemporary art and socially engaged practice. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate courses, advise and mentor students, and develop a strong research program that engages with visual literacy, critical theory, contemporary art history, and socially engaged work. Emphasis will be placed on accessibility, equity, interdisciplinary inquiry, and community engagement.
Responsibilities
Teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses in Art Practice, including studio, theory, and related electives, with a typical load of 28 credits per year.
Advise and mentor students, with an emphasis on equity, access, and inclusive pedagogy.
Maintain ongoing creative research or professional practice at local, national, and international scales.
Participate in program and curricular development, including course design and program coordination.
Serve in coordinator roles and on school committees.
Collaborate across disciplines within the Schnitzer School and the broader university.
Participate in university committees and professional service activities related to visual literary and critical inquiry.
Engage in community outreach and program activities that highlight visual literacy and critical inquiry.
Qualifications
MFA or Ph.D. in Art, Design, Visual Studies, or a related field (terminal degree).
Active creative practice with evidence of professional accomplishments in interdisciplinary art making.
Experience engaging students in innovative curatorial programming.
Teaching experience at the college or university level beyond graduate assistantships.
Strong foundation in at least two of: visual literacy, critical art theory, contemporary art history, or socially engaged work.
Experience mentoring graduate teaching assistants and developing interdisciplinary curricula.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
Demonstrated commitment to inclusive and equitable pedagogy.
Experience with community‑engaged design or collaborative projects.
Active participation in curriculum development and interdisciplinary initiatives.
Key Cultural Competencies
Create an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates differences.
Communicate effectively and respectfully within diverse cultural contexts.
Proactively seek opportunities to work collaboratively in inclusive settings.
Adhere to PSU policies on prohibited discrimination, harassment, and professional conduct.
Environmental Stewardship Contribute to a culture of environmental stewardship, practice resource conservation, and work toward achieving long‑term sustainability goals.
Professional Standards of Conduct All employees must conduct themselves in a professional manner, maintaining a safe, respectful, and productive environment for faculty, students, and staff. Employees are required to comply with PSU’s
Professional Standards of Conduct .
Compensation & Benefits Salary starts at $74,016 and may increase with experience and tenure. Benefits include 95% premium‑paid healthcare, a generous retirement plan, vacation, and reduced tuition rates for employees, spouses, and dependents at Oregon University System schools.
Application Instructions Submit the following documents via the online portal by the application deadline:
Letter of interest (Cover Letter)
Curriculum Vitae
Statement of Teaching Philosophy
Statement of Teaching Interest
Statement of Research (Creative Practice) Interest
Visual or creative work samples (7–15 uploads) in a single, multi‑page PDF with a URL to a single website
Evidence of teaching effectiveness (10 examples of student work)
Contact information for three references
Application close date: January 16, 2026. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Contact Information Search Chair: Assistant Professor Kat Richards –
katr@pdx.edu
Application Query: Ellen Wack –
wacke@pdx.edu
Human Resources:
askhrc@pdx.edu
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Position Summary The Art Practice area offers an interdisciplinary education in contemporary art and socially engaged practice. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate courses, advise and mentor students, and develop a strong research program that engages with visual literacy, critical theory, contemporary art history, and socially engaged work. Emphasis will be placed on accessibility, equity, interdisciplinary inquiry, and community engagement.
Responsibilities
Teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses in Art Practice, including studio, theory, and related electives, with a typical load of 28 credits per year.
Advise and mentor students, with an emphasis on equity, access, and inclusive pedagogy.
Maintain ongoing creative research or professional practice at local, national, and international scales.
Participate in program and curricular development, including course design and program coordination.
Serve in coordinator roles and on school committees.
Collaborate across disciplines within the Schnitzer School and the broader university.
Participate in university committees and professional service activities related to visual literary and critical inquiry.
Engage in community outreach and program activities that highlight visual literacy and critical inquiry.
Qualifications
MFA or Ph.D. in Art, Design, Visual Studies, or a related field (terminal degree).
Active creative practice with evidence of professional accomplishments in interdisciplinary art making.
Experience engaging students in innovative curatorial programming.
Teaching experience at the college or university level beyond graduate assistantships.
Strong foundation in at least two of: visual literacy, critical art theory, contemporary art history, or socially engaged work.
Experience mentoring graduate teaching assistants and developing interdisciplinary curricula.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
Demonstrated commitment to inclusive and equitable pedagogy.
Experience with community‑engaged design or collaborative projects.
Active participation in curriculum development and interdisciplinary initiatives.
Key Cultural Competencies
Create an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates differences.
Communicate effectively and respectfully within diverse cultural contexts.
Proactively seek opportunities to work collaboratively in inclusive settings.
Adhere to PSU policies on prohibited discrimination, harassment, and professional conduct.
Environmental Stewardship Contribute to a culture of environmental stewardship, practice resource conservation, and work toward achieving long‑term sustainability goals.
Professional Standards of Conduct All employees must conduct themselves in a professional manner, maintaining a safe, respectful, and productive environment for faculty, students, and staff. Employees are required to comply with PSU’s
Professional Standards of Conduct .
Compensation & Benefits Salary starts at $74,016 and may increase with experience and tenure. Benefits include 95% premium‑paid healthcare, a generous retirement plan, vacation, and reduced tuition rates for employees, spouses, and dependents at Oregon University System schools.
Application Instructions Submit the following documents via the online portal by the application deadline:
Letter of interest (Cover Letter)
Curriculum Vitae
Statement of Teaching Philosophy
Statement of Teaching Interest
Statement of Research (Creative Practice) Interest
Visual or creative work samples (7–15 uploads) in a single, multi‑page PDF with a URL to a single website
Evidence of teaching effectiveness (10 examples of student work)
Contact information for three references
Application close date: January 16, 2026. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Contact Information Search Chair: Assistant Professor Kat Richards –
katr@pdx.edu
Application Query: Ellen Wack –
wacke@pdx.edu
Human Resources:
askhrc@pdx.edu
#J-18808-Ljbffr