Assistant Professor of Visual & Critical Studies Job at American Association of

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Portland State University

Position Details

• Proposed Start Date: 09/16/2026
• Rank: C - Assistant Professor
• Working Title: Assistant Professor of Visual & Critical Studies
• Position Number: D99370
• Representation: AU - AAUP
• Faculty Type: Tenure Track
• Position FTE: 1.0
• Term of Service: 9 month

Position Summary

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, you'll find future-thinking innovation happening alongside deep, traditional studies. You'll find buzzing, interconnected social practice projects coexisting with contemplative, independent studio experimentation. You'll 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 Portland's design-rich culture and close connection to adjacent programs like Graphic Design and Art History. Our students benefit from cross-disciplinary opportunities, mentorship, and public-facing design work that connects classroom learning with real-world impact.

The College of the Arts and the Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design at Portland State University invites 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.

Faculty Responsibilities

Instructional Activities

• The typical teaching load at present in the School of Art + Design is 28 credits (about 7 classes) per year, although this may vary, and is assigned across three quarters, including undergraduate and/or graduate coursework as determined by the School Director.
• Advise and mentor undergraduate and/or graduate students with an emphasis on equity and access.

Research/Scholarly Activities

• Maintain ongoing creative research or professional practice at local, national, and international scales.

University Service Activities

• Participate in program and curricular development, focusing on courses that foster a contextual understanding of their practice in settings beyond the classroom.
• Serve in coordinator roles that are responsible for key administrative duties within Art Practice.
• Collaborate across disciplines within the Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design and the broader university.
• Serve on School committees.

University

• In addition, you will be called upon to do service for the University by participating on University committees.

Professional Service Activities

• Participate in program activities and community outreach, especially those aligned with visual literacy and critical inquiry.

Primary Activity

I - Instructional

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.

Key Cultural Competencies

• Creates an environment that acknowledges, encourages and celebrates differences.
• Functions and communicates 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 settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement
• Adheres to all PSU's policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.

Environmental Stewardship

Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.

Professional Standards of Conduct

At Portland State University, all employees are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner which maintains a safe, respectful, and productive environment for faculty, students, administrators, and staff. It is the responsibility of every member of the Portland State University community to conduct themselves in accordance with our PSU Professional Standards of Conduct.

Total Compensation Range & Benefits Statement

Salary is dependent on several factors, and new employees will typically start around the first quartile to allow for later growth within the salary band. PSU has a structured process for determining starting compensation, taking into account years of related experience, applicable skills, knowledge and abilities, market parity, and internal equity. The starting annual salary for this position will be $74,016 but may be negotiated above this rate dependent upon the factors above, the budget of the hiring department, and approval from HR. An excellent benefits package includes 95% premium paid healthcare; a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon University System schools. Please visit our total compensation calculator to see the full value of our benefits package.

Supplemental Questions

Reference Requests

Reference Requests

• Accept References: Yes
• Minimum Number of References: 3
• Maximum Number of References: 3
• Cutoff Date:
• Special Instruction for Reference Provider:

Applicant Documents

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. Do you have a terminal degree (Ph.D. or M.F.A.) in your discipline?

• Yes
• No

• PSU website
• Indeed
• Chronicle of Higher Education
• Higher Ed Jobs
• HERCJobs
• Referral
• Professional Listserv- please specify in comment box in the next question
• Professional Journal- please specify in comment box in the next question
• Other- please specify in comment box in the next question

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