Assistant Professor in Metals
Appointment Type: Faculty
Job Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
The Department of Art and Visual Culture in the College of Design at Iowa State University is offering a full-time tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in Metals starting August 2026.
Qualified candidates will bring an in-depth knowledge in metal craft, art, design, and related materials and practices. Areas of expertise will include contemporary and traditional techniques embracing sculptural and functional approaches to making. Special attention will be given to candidates who bring an innovative approach to metalsmithing and/or jewelry making, along with a critical knowledge of related materials to their teaching and creative work. Candidates with ethical and environmentally responsible approaches to their discipline and teaching are strongly encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will have opportunities to contribute to teaching in the department of Art and Visual Culture and the interdisciplinary collegiate programs in the College of Design. The position includes working with students from a broad range of disciplinary backgrounds and abilities. Pedagogically adaptive and innovative approaches in teaching are expected. The position responsibilities also include scholarship and research in the area of the candidate’s expertise; student advising; service on department, college and university committees; and maintenance of the metals studio and related equipment.
The Department of Art and Visual Culture is committed to sustaining a collegial, positive, and productive environment for each individual and the collective benefit of all. All faculty members are expected to exhibit and convey good citizenship within department, college, and university activities, interact collegially and maintain the highest standards of integrity and ethical behavior.
About the Art and Visual Culture Department
As a land grant and Research I institution, Iowa State University upholds and advocates for the impact of creative activities, scholarship, and education both on-and off-campus. We embrace and value community and the people and knowledge that preceded the formation of our institution and that inform our current-day practices. The College of Design celebrates and builds on long-standing success as a comprehensive design school that embodies knowledge-sharing and innovation.
The Department of Art and Visual Culture exemplifies these qualities through the creativity and entrepreneurship of its community of makers, educators, and scholars. With an integrated and cross-disciplinary approach to teaching and collaborating, we are committed to contributing to the excellence of the academic community and to building a culturally vibrant environment. We are especially seeking candidates who uphold and promote this purpose and who apply the above qualities in their teaching and research practice.
Department Website: www.design.iastate.edu/academics/departments/art-visual-culture/
Required Qualifications:
- Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree
OR
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and a master’s degree in a relevant field
Preferred Qualifications:
- Portfolio with evidence of critical approaches to metal-based art and craft
- Demonstrated evidence of professional accomplishment
- Knowledge of contemporary and traditional practices in metals and related art and design disciplines
- Experience in ethical and environmentally responsible art and design practices
- Experience maintaining a metals studio and related equipment
- Evidence of successful college-level teaching experience beyond graduate assistantship
Proposed Start Date: August 16, 2026
Number of Months Employed Per Year: 09 Month Work Period
Time Type: Full time
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application here https://isu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/IowaStateJobs/job/Assistant-Professor-in-Metals_R17039
Please be prepared to enter or attach the following as pdf files of no more than 5MB each:
- Letter of Application
- Curriculum Vitae with contact information for three professional references
- Research and Creative Activities Statement
- Teaching Philosophy Statement
- Two sample course syllabi
And the following portfolios should be uploaded to https://go.iastate.edu/O6B4BL
- Portfolio of Creative Work: 20 page pdf portfolio of creative work including title, date, media.
- Teaching Portfolio: 20 page pdf portfolio of work by your students including student name, title, date, media and course.
For full consideration, please apply by September 15, 2025.
Sarah Kyle, Professor and Chair, AVC, 146 College of Design, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011-3093.
If you have questions regarding this vacancy, please email Sarah Kyle, skyle@iastate.edu or call 515-294-9985. If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State Faculty enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
- Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
- Generous leave plans
- Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
- Life insurance and long-term disability
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Various voluntary benefits and discounts
- Employee Assistance Program
- Wellbeing program
Job Requisition Number: R17039
