Description
The Department of Art and Visual Culture (AVC) at Bates College invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position as Assistant Professor in Studio Art with expertise in Photography and one or several areas of foundational studies, such as 2-D design, digital media foundations, color, and 3-D spatial dynamics. The position will begin in July 2027. We seek an outstanding practicing artist with a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching and mentorship. Candidates will demonstrate a strong understanding of photographic history, theory, and contemporary critical discourse, as well as technical fluency across traditional analog, digital, and hybrid photographic practices. The ability to teach digital and traditional darkroom photography, including black-and-white film photography and darkroom printing, is required. Candidates must also have the knowledge and experience necessary to oversee, maintain, and manage digital and darkroom photographic studios, including equipment, materials, chemical processes, and safety protocols.
The Art and Visual Culture Department offers courses in studio practice and in the study of the intersecting categories of art, architecture, and visual and material culture, from the distant past to the present. The major offers two tracks: one in history and criticism; the other, in studio art. The position carries a standard five-course annual teaching load. Responsibilities include contributing to curriculum development efforts, teaching courses in photography and interdisciplinary studio courses (including foundations and senior thesis), teaching in the general education curriculum, and advising students.
Bates College is a residential liberal arts college located in Lewiston, Maine. Faculty scholarship and creative work at Bates are robustly supported by start-up packages, a paid pre-tenure leave, support for post-tenure sabbaticals, internal grants, professional travel funding, and a well-staffed external grants office. Community-engaged learning—with community partnerships facilitated by the Harward Center for Community Partnerships—and study abroad are both broadly encouraged and institutionally supported. Pedagogical development and innovation is further buttressed by our highly engaged Center for Inclusive Teaching and Learning. Educational access and racial justice are central to Bates’ history and mission and our faculty-led initiatives reflect this commitment.
Qualifications
An MFA degree is required.
Application Instructions
Review of applications will begin on January 4th and continue until the position is filled.
Successful candidates will demonstrate potential to develop inclusive and evidence-based methods of teaching, maintain an active program of scholarship or creative work, and participate in the life and governance of the College as described in Article II of the Bates College Faculty Handbook.
The anticipated salary range for this position is $87,000 to $91,000, commensurate with rank, experience, qualifications, and other relevant factors.
Required application materials include:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitae
- Teaching statement
- Artist Statement
- Creative work sample: a PDF up to 20 images - time based media up to 5 min. Include the following information for each piece: Title, Medium, size, and year of creation.
- A PDF up to 5 pages including a range of images of student work. Include context of class and prompt of the assignments.
Letters of recommendation will be requested only for candidates selected to move forward after the initial review. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and verification of degree.
We seek candidates who are committed to supporting the success of all students. Applicants are encouraged to describe relevant preparation, experience, or plans for creating an inclusive learning environment.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Bates College is committed to equal opportunity and to providing an educational and work environment free from discrimination. The college prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and other legally protected statuses in the recruitment and admission of its students, in the administration of its education policies and programs, or in the recruitment of its faculty and staff. Bates College adheres to all applicable state and federal equal opportunity laws and regulations. All college faculty, staff, students, contractors, visitors, and volunteers are responsible for understanding and complying with the Non-Discrimination Policy.
Inquiries concerning the college’s policies, compliance with applicable laws, statutes, and regulations (such as Title VII, Title IX, and ADA/Section 504), and complaints may be directed to the Title IX Officer, Gwen Lexow at 207-786-6445 or titleix@bates.edu.
