Assistant Professor, Photography

Overview

The Department of Art + Design at Utah State University invites applications for a tenure-track, Assistant Professor position in the Photography Program. We seek a dynamic artist-educator with strong technical knowledge, a record of creative practice, and demonstrated teaching experience at the university level. The ideal candidate will actively contribute to shaping the future of the photography program by maintaining a vibrant creative practice, mentoring and teaching both undergraduate and graduate students, and playing a critical role in the oversight, operation, and strategic development of photography facilities and lab.

The successful candidate will have a demonstrated ability and willingness to manage and maintain both digital and traditional wet lab and photography facilities, including equipment inventory, safety protocols, and student access. This position also requires a proactive approach to lab supervision, equipment upkeep, budgetary planning for lab needs, and coordination with faculty and staff to ensure a productive learning environment. In addition, the successful candidate is expected to contribute through service within the department, the college, and the university, supporting shared goals and collaborative initiatives.

Review of applications will begin January 15, 2026, and the position will remain open until filled. Anticipated start date is August 2026.

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in photography across digital and analog practices
• Work with/advise/mentor graduate students
• Oversee the day-to-day management of the photography lab and facilities, including digital labs, wet darkrooms, and studio spaces
• Supervise and maintain photography equipment, including scheduling repairs, coordinating checkouts, tracking inventory, and ensuring safe and effective use of resources
• Work collaboratively with staff, students, and faculty to ensure efficient and safe lab operations
• Engage in academic scholarship and/or creative research, including exhibitions, publications, and grant writing
• Participate in departmental, college, and university service
• Contribute to curriculum development
• Support and build the photography program through active mentoring, program planning, and community engagement.

Minimum Qualifications

• MFA in photography or a terminal degree in a related field
• Ability to teach both digital and analog photography
• Ability to teach alternative photographic processes in a wet darkroom
• Demonstrated experience in managing photography facilities, including digital labs, darkrooms, and equipment checkout systems
• Strong commitment to overseeing lab maintenance, equipment calibration, and implementation of best practices in safety and accessibility
• Evidence of an ongoing and successful record of creative and/or research activity
• Strong knowledge of contemporary art and photographic practices
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Collaborative, reliable, and committed to supporting a positive team culture

Preferred Qualifications

• Three or more years of university-level teaching experience as instructor of record or equivalent
• Ability to teach history of photography
• Expertise in advanced digital media and/or video art
• Ability to assist in student recruitment at the undergraduate and graduate levels
• Knowledge of the histories and theories of photography
• Strong proficiency with digital and analog printing technologies

Along with the online application, please attach:

• Curriculum Vitae to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Resume/CV"
• Cover Letter expressing interest in the position to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Documents 1-10"
• Portfolio of creative activity & research (up to 20 images) with an image list including medium, size, and dates to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Documents 1-10"
• Portfolio of student work (up to 20 images) in PDF format with an image list including medium, size, and dates to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Documents 1-10"
• Statement of teaching philosophy and two examples of syllabus to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Documents 1-10"
• Name and contact information for three professional references to be typed into the candidateprofile at the beginning of the application.

Document size may not exceed 10 MB.

Employees typically work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.

Housed in the College of the Arts and Sciences at USU and accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the Department of Art + Design has a century-long history and a suite of…