Assistant Professor in Ceramics search
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The Department of Art Practice at UC Berkeley is seeking a dynamic ceramic artist for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Ceramics. A qualified candidate will demonstrate the ability to lead UC Berkeley’s historic Ceramics Laboratory, which encompasses approximately 4000 square feet with a 1600 square foot exterior courtyard, develop a strong pedagogical focus as it relates to the discipline, teach undergraduate and graduate students in studio and theory courses from foundational to advanced levels, advance their own research and studio practice, oversee the resources and physical infrastructures of the facilities, and make critical contributions to the larger field of contemporary ceramic sculpture.
Salary range: The current salary range for this position is $78,200-$123,400 (9-month academic year salary), however, off-scale salary and other components of pay, which would yield compensation that is higher than this range, are offered to meet competitive conditions.
Anticipated start: July 1, 2025
Application Window
Open date: September 30, 2024
Final date: Sunday, Nov 24, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date.
The position requires in-depth material knowledge of clay and ceramic processes, robust engagement with concepts and theory, and investment in the discipline’s location within fine art. The successful candidate will have a substantial exhibition practice and a compelling track record of creative research and experimentation with ceramics at its center. They will possess a strong working knowledge of diverse and global ceramic histories, an ability to engage with contemporary theory and current debates on art, and the technical skills necessary for running a studio alongside a full-time staff member.
Candidates that incorporate alternative or hybrid processes, experimental media, design, social practice, and digital methods as they intersect with ceramic practice are welcome. Because of the cross-disciplinary nature of our program, the candidate should have a strong working knowledge of related art practices such as drawing, photography, sculpture, performance, new media, participatory and installation art, among others.
Like all faculty, the Ceramic professorship comprises three areas of activity: teaching, service, and creative research. Teaching responsibilities consist of two courses per semester at the undergraduate or graduate level, guiding graduate student work and serving on MFA thesis committees, and developing curricula. Service is defined as participation in faculty governance and departmental and university committees as well as service to the larger discipline. As a premier research institution, we seek a ceramicist whose professional studio practice is complemented by an ongoing international exhibition and publication record. Your critical engagement with craft and theory will find a dynamic platform here, where it can make a visible and meaningful impact at a world-class public research institution. At Berkeley, you will be supported to push the boundaries of ceramic art, contribute to an innovative academic environment, and inspire the next generation of artists and thinkers.
We encourage candidates with a demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion, including feminist, queer, anti-racist, transnational, and decolonial practices, and who can support teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students of varied backgrounds, capabilities, perspectives, social identities, and gender expressions.
The department is committed to addressing the family needs of faculty, including dual-career couples and single parents. We are also interested in candidates who have had non-traditional career paths, who have taken time off for family reasons, or who have achieved excellence in careers outside academia.
The University of California is committed to creating and maintaining a community dedicated to the advancement, application, and transmission of knowledge and creative endeavors through academic excellence, where all individuals who participate in University programs and activities can work and learn together in a safe and secure environment, free of violence, harassment, discrimination, exploitation, or intimidation. Consistent with this commitment, UC Berkeley requires all applicants for Senate faculty positions to complete, sign, and upload an Authorization of Information Release form into AP Recruit as part of their application. If an applicant does not include the signed authorization, the application will be considered incomplete, and as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration. Although all applicants for faculty recruitments must complete the entire application, applicants will only be subject to reference checks if and when they are selected as the candidate to whom the hiring unit would like to extend a formal offer. More information is available on this website.
Qualifications
• Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
• MFA (or equivalent international degree), or enrolled in an MFA or equivalent international degree-granting program at the time of application.
Preferred qualifications
• Distinction as an artist working primarily in ceramic sculpture.
• Proven exhibition record or a demonstrated history showing great potential for active exhibition. Ability to teach both graduate and undergraduate studio and seminar courses.
• At least 3 years experience teaching at the postsecondary level and a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching, graduate supervision, and administrative service.
• Demonstrated expertise in the history and current practices in fields of ceramic sculpture and contemporary fine art.
Application Requirements
• Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter – Explain your interest in UC Berkeley
• Artist Statement
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy – Including a description of your strengths, both technical and theoretical.
• Statement on Contributions to Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – Statement on your contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including information about your understanding of these topics, your record of activities to date, and your specific plans and goals for advancing equity and inclusion if hired at Berkeley (for additional information go to https://ofew.berkeley.edu/recruitment/contributions-diversity).
• Artist Work – Image 1-10 – Own work – Please upload each image separately
• Authorization to Release Information Form – A reference check will be completed only if you are selected as the candidate to whom the hiring unit would like to extend a formal offer. Download, complete, sign, and upload the Authorization to Release Information form.
Reference requirements
• 3-5 required (contact information only)
References will be solicited for short-listed candidates
Help contact: erik_nelson@berkeley.edu
About UC Berkeley
UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The excellence of the institution requires an environment in which the diverse community of faculty, students, and staff are welcome and included. Successful candidates will demonstrate knowledge and skill related to ensuring equity and inclusion in the activities of their academic position (e.g., teaching, research, and service, as applicable).
The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.
Please refer to the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy and the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy.
In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.
