About this opportunity
Iowa State University lists this Assistant Professor in Ceramics opportunity in ames, Iowa. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Ames, IA
Full time
R19688
Position Title:Assistant Professor in Ceramics
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 Ceramics starting August 16, 2027.
Qualified candidates for this studio-based position will bring an in-depth knowledge in ceramics arts, including processes, histories, and related materials and practices. Areas of expertise will include contemporary and traditional techniques embracing sculptural, functional, and installation-based approaches to making. Special attention will be given to candidates who bring an innovative and/or community-engaged approach to ceramic art, 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 contribute to teaching in the department of Art and Visual Culture and have opportunities to contribute to the interdisciplinary collegiate programs in the College of Design. The position includes working with students from a broad range of disciplinary backgrounds and abilities, including graduate students. 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; undergraduate and graduate student advising; service on department, college and university committees; and maintenance of the ceramic 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.
Required Minimum Qualifications:
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree or equivalent in ceramics or related field
Preferred Qualifications:
Portfolio with evidence of critical approaches to ceramic-based art and craft
Ability to work collaboratively with other disciplines and/or communities
Demonstrated evidence of professional accomplishment, such as exhibition record, scholarship, and/or community-engaged practice
Knowledge of contemporary and traditional practices in ceramic art and related art and design disciplines
Experience in ethical and environmentally responsible art and design practices
Experience maintaining a ceramics studio and related equipment
Demonstrated ability to teach college-level introductory to advanced ceramics courses
Department/Program & College Description:
As a land grant and Research 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 Unit/Website:
Department of Art and Visual Culture Website:
Department of Art and Visual Culture - Ceramics:
Proposed Start Date:August 16, 2027
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. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following as PDF files of no more than 5 MB each:1) Letter of Application2) Curriculum Vitae with contact information for three professional references
Research and Creative Activities Statement
Teaching Philosophy Statement
Two sample course syllabi, if applicable (consolidated into a single document)
And the following portfolios should be uploaded to: no more than 25 MB for each portfolio.
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 October 15, 2026.
Sarah Kyle, Professor and Chair, AVC, 146 College of Design, Iowa State University, Ames, IA If you have questions regarding this vacancy, please email Sarah Kyle, or call . If you have questions regarding the application process, please email or call or Toll Free: .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
Original Posting Date: July 29, 2026
Posting Close Date:
Job Requisition Number:R19688
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. , email
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources ( website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
Current employees (excluding temporary, student and graduate assistants) must apply through the Workday Internal Careers Hub ( .
By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University ( attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.
Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community ( . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.
All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. , email
If you have questions about the application process please email or call or Toll-Free at . Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email or call or Toll-Free: . TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or .
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources ( website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
Worksite address
ames, IA, 50011, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.