The Division of Arts and Humanities invites applications for a tenure-track/ tenured Professor of Art History (Open rank) specialising in Modern and Contemporary Arab Art History, in Academic Year 2027-28. We seek a scholar who can demonstrate a commitment to innovative research that is open to cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural perspectives. The successful candidate will help develop collaborations with other programs in the Arts & Humanities Division as well as with other divisions at NYUAD. Responsibilities include undergraduate and graduate teaching and advising in the Program, teaching in the Core Curriculum, and service to the university.
The ideal candidate will have an established international publication record and corresponding teaching experience, including the expertise to supervise BA, MA, and PhD students. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in art history and will contribute to interdisciplinary programs in Middle East Studies, Global Studies, Curatorial Studies and Public Humanities.
We seek a distinguished scholar whose research and teaching focus on the visual arts of the Middle East and North Africa, with particular interest in one or more of the following areas:
- Modern and contemporary Arab art
- Arab visual culture
- Global modernisms
- Cross-cultural artistic exchange
- Postcolonial and decolonial art histories
- Museum and curatorial studies
- Cultural heritage and identity formation
- Transnational art movements
About NYU Abu Dhabi
NYU Abu Dhabi is the first comprehensive liberal arts and research campus in the Middle East to be operated abroad by a major American research university. Times Higher Education ranks NYU among the top 30 universities in the world, making NYU Abu Dhabi the highest-ranked university in the UAE and MENA region. NYU Abu Dhabi has integrated a highly selective undergraduate curriculum across the disciplines with a world center for advanced research and scholarship. The university enables its students in the sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and arts to succeed in an increasingly interdependent world and advance cooperation and progress on humanity’s shared challenges. NYU Abu Dhabi’s high-achieving students have come from over 120 countries and speak over 100 languages. Together, NYU's campuses in New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai form the backbone of a unique global university, giving faculty and students opportunities to experience varied learning environments and immersion in other cultures at one or more of the numerous study-abroad sites NYU maintains on six continents.
NYUAD is committed to upholding a culture of non-discrimination, anti-harassment, dignity, and mutual respect; providing equal access and opportunity; and fostering academic excellence in learning, research, and teaching.
Students are drawn from among the world’s best. They are bright, intellectually passionate, and committed to building a campus environment anchored in mutual respect, understanding, and care. The NYUAD undergraduate student body has garnered an impressive record of scholarships, graduate-school admissions, and other global honors. Graduate education is an area of growth for the University; the current graduate student population of over 100 students is expected to expand in the next decade as doctoral programs are developed.
Working for NYUAD
At NYUAD, we recognize that Abu Dhabi is more than where you work; it’s your home. In order for faculty/academic staff to thrive, we offer a comprehensive benefits package. This starts with a generous relocation allowance; educational assistance for your dependents; access to health and wellness services; and more. NYUAD is committed to faculty/academic staff success throughout the academic trajectory, providing support for ambitious and world-class research projects and innovative, interactive teaching approaches. Support for dual-career families is a priority. Visit our website for more information on benefits for you and your dependents.
Qualifications
Required:
- Ph.D. in Art History, Humanities, Middle East Studies, or a closely related field.
- Demonstrated record of scholarly publications.
- Evidence of successful university-level teaching.
- Expertise in modern and contemporary art of the Arab world.
Preferred:
- Record of museum, curatorial, or exhibition experience.
- Experience securing external grants and research funding.
- Ability to teach interdisciplinary courses connecting art history, cultural studies, and cross-cultural scholarship.
- Knowledge of the Arabic language and culture.
Responsibilities
- Teach at undergraduate and graduate levels.
- Supervise M.A. and Ph.D. students.
- Maintain an active research and publication program.
- Participate in departmental and university service.
- Foster collaborations with museums, archives, and cultural institutions.
Application Instructions
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitae
- Research statement
- Teaching statement
- Sample publications
- Contact information for three references
The university is committed to fostering an inclusive academic environment and welcomes applications from scholars whose work advances understanding of diverse artistic traditions and global perspectives.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, beginning immediately. Shortlisted candidates are expected to be invited for campus visits in Abu Dhabi in Fall 2026. We anticipate that successful candidates can start the appointment and relocate to Abu Dhabi in the academic year 2027- 2028, subject to final budget approval.
NYUAD is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and seek individuals who will contribute to the excellence and vibrancy of our academic community.
Applications are welcome from all qualified candidates. In line with UAE regulations, Emirati candidates are encouraged to apply. For questions about this position, please email nyuad.academicrecruitment@nyu.edu.
Join NYU Abu Dhabi, an exceptional place for exceptional people.
NYUAD values belonging and respect; such principles are fundamental to the university’s commitment to excellence. NYUAD is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and seek individuals who will contribute to our vibrant, multidisciplinary research and teaching community. Multidisciplinary research and exceptional teaching in a global campus community are hallmarks of the University’s mission.
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