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Job Title: Assistant Professor in Ceramics (Tenure Track) 
Department: Department of Art 
Institution: University of South Dakota 
Program: Nationally Recognized BFA/MFA Art Program 
Appointment: Full-time, 9-month academic year 
Start Date: August 2025 

Position Description: 

The University of South Dakota is seeking a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Ceramics for a nine-month appointment beginning in August 2025. This position involves teaching ceramics at both undergraduate and graduate levels within a dynamic BFA/MFA Art program. The candidate will engage in research, teaching, and service activities according to the guidelines of the South Dakota Board of Regents (SDBOR). 

Responsibilities:  

• Teaching 18 contact hours per semester  

• Teaching foundational through advanced courses in ceramics including studio, seminar, and lecture formats.  

• Teaching critical thinking, problem solving, contemporary theory, and emerging concepts in ceramics.  

• Advising and mentoring students, contributing to student recruitment and retention.  

• Actively participating in department, college, and university committees and activities.  

• Pursue a current creative scholarship/research agenda in ceramics and remain actively engaged in the professional art field.  

• Operation and upkeep of ceramic studio equipment, including gas, electric, and wood-fired kilns, pottery wheels, clay mixers, and related tools, with responsibilities also encompassing maintaining supplies and scheduling student assistants in the ceramic studio. 

• Ability to contribute to a vibrant departmental visiting artist program. 

• Working with diverse students, faculty, and staff.  

Required Qualifications:                

• MFA in ceramics or a closely related field. 

• Experience in multiple ceramic processes; including but not limited to hand-building, wheel-throwing, mold-making/slip-casting, historical and contemporary techniques, and new-media applications. 

• Knowledge of glaze chemistry, kiln firing procedures, and ceramic equipment. 

• Established exhibition and/or scholarly record. 

• Ability to teach critical thinking, problem-solving, contemporary theory, and emerging concepts in ceramics. 

• Knowledge of operation and maintenance of ceramics studio. 

• Effective written and verbal communication skills. 

• Strong interpersonal skills. 

Preferred Qualifications:                                                                

• University-level teaching experience with three years of college-level teaching experience preferred but not required. 

• Ability to maintain a vibrant visiting artist program in ceramics. 

• Evidence of community building within and outside of the department.   

• Commitment to building a strong ceramics program and establishing an MFA Ceramics program. 

• Work collaboratively with other disciplines. 

• Evidence of grant writing.  

Rank and Salary: Assistant Professor; $48,000 - $53,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience; Full standard benefits package 

Application Process: 

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, with full consideration given to completed applications received by January 3, 2025. 

Applicants are required to apply online at https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu/postings/41247 and should include: 

• Letter of application 

• Curriculum vitae 

• 20 labeled digital images of personal work 

• Artist website URL and/or social media presence 

• 20 labeled digital images of student work 

• One representative course syllabus 

• Teaching philosophy 

• Artist statement 

• Contact information for three professional references 

Items that cannot be transferred digitally should be sent to:  

Danielle Heeren, Office of the Dean 
Ceramic Search Committee 
College of Fine Arts 
The University of South Dakota 
414 E. Clark Street, Vermillion, SD 57069 

Questions: Danielle.Heeren@usd.edu