Position description:

The Department of Visual Arts at Union College seeks applications for a tenure-track position as Assistant Professor of Sculpture and 3D Design, beginning September 1st, 2027. A completed MFA from an accredited institution, at least three years of teaching experience at the college level, and a successful record of creative scholarship are required. A strong record of exhibition and evidence of an active ongoing studio practice are essential.

Teaching responsibilities consist of six in-person classes per year over three 10-week trimesters, including introductory Sculpture and 3D Design courses (required for the Visual Arts - Studio major), as well as advanced thematic or process-specific Sculpture courses depending on the candidate's field of specialty and department needs. We seek an artist-scholar who can teach traditional sculpture practice, including molding techniques in plaster, additive and subtractive techniques in wood and stone, introductory to advanced welding, and advanced mixed media techniques. The successful candidate will also demonstrate proficiency with digital fabrication tools and workflows, including software such as Rhino, Illustrator, and SolidWorks, as well as hands-on experience with CNC routers, laser cutters, and 3D printers. The department conceives this position as part of an evolution of the Sculpture curriculum to integrate these tools.

In addition to contributing to the core Visual Arts curriculum, the intent of this position is to pursue and develop new opportunities for interdepartmental collaboration between the Visual Arts, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, and Civil and Environmental Engineering, with an intent to develop new interdisciplinary initiatives in fields like Digital Design, Industrial Design, or Architecture. The successful candidate will have the vision and experience to collaborate with Visual Arts department faculty and other departments to conceive, plan, and create such initiatives.

Candidates should have a robust and promising exhibition record, with demonstrated potential for continued artistic success at the local, national, and international levels. The area of scholarly art practice is open, but we would especially welcome candidates with experience in fine art digital fabrication, industrial, or architectural design.

In addition to the teaching load, the position includes departmental and collegewide service, academic advising, work with senior majors, honors thesis students, and advanced independent study students as necessary. The successful candidate will become part of a dynamic department that includes Studio Art (Digital Art, Drawing, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, and Sculpture) and Art History faculty. Additional responsibilities will include supervising a full-time Sculpture Studio technician and overseeing and working with the department chair on short and long-term planning of the Sculpture budget for equipment and materials. Faculty in the department also rotate the curatorial responsibilities for the Crowell and West Galleries in the Feigenbaum Center for Visual Arts, a two-space, 1000 sq. ft. gallery. Faculty are eligible to apply for funding to support their creative scholarly work, as well as for funding to enable new teaching initiatives.

The Visual Arts Department supports a General Education curriculum with increased focus on Global Challenges and Social Justice in our Creative Arts and Design courses. Candidates who demonstrate engagement with contemporary issues and diverse perspectives in their scholarly work and/or in the classroom are especially encouraged to apply (see Gen Ed information on Union’s website).

About the Visual Arts Department:

Union’s Visual Arts Department consists of four full-time faculty in Art History and five full-time faculty in Studio Art (Photography, Sculpture, Painting, Digital, and Printmaking). Our studio was gut renovated in 2016 and features state of the art equipment throughout our facilities, including three sculpture studios, with large format CNC router, four welding bays, a dedicated wood shop and separate 3D Design studio.

Application instructions:

Please submit all application materials as pdf files. Only the materials listed below will be considered. The deadline for submitting applications is December 1, 2026. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Please include:

• Cover Letter
• Artist Statement including a sketch of a future artistic trajectory and projects in development
• Curriculum Vitae / Resume, including a list of courses taught as instructor of record with year and semester/term
• Two syllabi from courses taught as instructor of record, saved in a single pdf
• A statement on teaching, which should include a discussion of teaching philosophy, teaching practice and experience, and a discussion of your approach to working with students from a wide range of artistic, academic, and personal backgrounds.
• Portfolio of recent professional work (20 images maximum, in one pdf or link to a website). Each image should include title, date, media, and dimensions.
• Examples of student work (20 images maximum, in one pdf or link to a website). Each image should include course name, date, and assignment.

Please send questions and other inquiries to Laini Nemett at [email protected]. Applicants invited to the first round of interviews will receive a request for the contact information for three professional references. 

Compensation

The annual salary range for this position is $81,500-$83,500.  Except for roles with a set rate of pay, the wage/salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The stated hiring rate/range represents the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the rate/range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Location: Schenectady, NY

We offer exceptional benefits including:

• Healthcare: Medical (PPO & HDHP), Dental, and Vision Insurance (Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts)
• Free On-Campus Fitness Facility Access and Discounts for On-Campus Wellness Programs
• Pre and Post Tax participation in a 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Salary Continuation Program in the event of Disability
• Tuition Exchange

Background Checks: In accordance with our background check policy, finalists for hire will undergo a background check that includes education, employment, and criminal convictions.

E-Verify Participation: Union College participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify and your Right to Work (Derecho a Trabajar).