Lecturer in Photography

Job Summary

The Department of Art at the University of Massachusetts Amherst seeks applicants for a full-time academic-year (nine-month) non-tenure track Lecturer position in Photography. This is a full-time, benefited position with an initial appointment of two years. Reappointments in the first four years are at the Dean’s discretion and will be contingent upon both availability of funding and satisfactory performance. Expected start date: September 1, 2027.

Essential Functions

The successful candidate will be an experienced photographer or an artist who uses lens-based media and an educator who is committed to teaching. They will be able to teach all levels of analog processes and digital photography. Additional expertise in other media and/or experimental, cross-disciplinary approaches to photography are welcome.

The successful candidate will demonstrate an expertise in traditional and innovative approaches to photography, with the ability to apply skills and concepts in interdisciplinary contexts. They will stay current with trends and practices in the areas of photography, and work to develop foundational and advanced courses in photography and lens-based media. They will also mentor students in preparing for careers in photography-related fields, including developing strong portfolios and other professional materials.

The person in this position will initially teach three courses per semester and participate in service to the department for the academic year. The core courses this position delivers will be in photography, but the position may also teach interdisciplinary introductory, upper-level and graduate seminar courses, rotated among art department faculty. Other teaching responsibilities include serving on BFA and MFA thesis committees, student advising, and helping to oversee photography facilities and equipment. A commitment to the academic success of all students and strong departmental citizenship is essential to a successful candidacy.

The faculty member is expected to oversee shared instructional facilities including the darkroom and lighting studio, working in coordination with technical staff to ensure safe, functional, and well-equipped spaces. Responsibilities include course scheduling, curriculum review and revitalization, and management of instructional materials and equipment.

Minimum Qualifications

• MFA in Art or similar terminal degree at the time of starting the position.
• Two years full-time teaching at college-level beyond graduate school, or the equivalent of eight college-level courses.
• Strong background in photography and related visual arts fields.
• Knowledge or experience teaching analog and digital photography.
• Ability to develop new courses in lens-based practices and/or transmedia.
• Record of professional activity demonstrated through creative practice, research, exhibitions, publications, or industry work.
• Familiarity with Mac OS and Windows operating systems.
• Commitment to mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.
• Commitment to inclusive, student-centered pedagogy and to advancing contemporary topics impacting the field of visual arts.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Commitment to departmental citizenship and equitable labor practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Additional expertise in cross-disciplinary practice in photo-based print media, or incorporating photography in installation art or performance.
• Competency in Adobe Creative Suite.
• Experience in managing an analog darkroom.

Additional Details

The Department of Art at the University of Massachusetts Amherst offers post-secondary education in a full range of disciplines that include painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, animation, intermedia, design and technology, and art education. Interdisciplinary study is at the core of our philosophy, and we encourage students to pursue experience across art disciplines, as well as exploring the diverse fields of arts, humanities, and sciences open to them at this premier research university. We offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts Program tailored to students who plan to become 21st century professional artists and designers, and a Bachelor of Arts degree for majors seeking the broadest available liberal arts education. Future primary and secondary school art teachers are comprehensively prepared in our Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education program.

The UMass Amherst Master of Fine Arts Degree in Art program is a three-year immersive course of study for post-graduates who wish to expand their critical thinking and disciplinary techniques, and develop the experience needed for careers in academics. We also offer a Master of Arts Degree in Art Education for prospective and current teachers to engage in advanced professional development.

Our campus hosts five galleries dedicated to exhibitions of student and professional work. Situated in the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, UMass is an ideal base from which students may join the rich creative community of artists and craftspeople who live and work in this area.

For more information on living, working, and learning in the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts please visit:

https://www.umass.edu/faculty-development/prospective-faculty

This position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Salary Information

The University expects to pay within an approximate range between $65,550 and $79,643 for this position. Salary is commensurate with experience. This position is a 9-month academic year appointment at 100% full-time equivalency with full benefits.

Please note: The low end of this range is based on the minimum salary for the rank included in the collective bargaining agreement between the University and the Massachusetts Society of Professors, UMass Amherst/MTA/NEA. The high-end of the pay range reflects an increase above the median salaries at this rank within the department for faculty who may have multiple years of faculty experience. The specific pay for this position will be determined by the University based on consideration of all relevant factors, including faculty rank and required relevant certifications, when and if it decides to extend an offer of employment.

Special Instructions for Applicants

In addition to a full application for employment, please submit:

• Cover letter
• Current curriculum vitae, including a list of courses taught
• Teaching philosophy statement
• Names and contact information of three professional references who will provide letters of reference upon request
• Two sample syllabi
• A PDF portfolio of professional work with links (up to 20 images and/or 5 total running minutes of videos)
• A PDF portfolio of student work with links (up to 20 images and/or 5 total running minutes of videos)

Materials Due December 1 at 11:59 PM

Incomplete dossiers will not be reviewed.

Cover letter should be addressed to:

Young Min Moon

Chair, Search Committee

Department of Art

UMass Amherst

Applicants must be work authorized for employment in the United States on a full-time basis.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.