Asst Prof Lighting Design

Join the Department of Theatre Arts and Dance at University of Minnesota as an Assistant Professor of Lighting Design.

Full‑time, tenure‑track faculty position beginning the fall semester of 2026 (08/24/2026). The appointment is 100% time over the nine‑month academic year and includes teaching, research, and public‑service responsibilities in a research‑one university setting.

• Teach four courses per academic year at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including all levels of lighting design and technology, principles of design, design drafting, introduction to design & technology and related coursework.
• Mentor and supervise undergraduate and graduate student projects, including thesis projects.
• Provide academic advising to students.
• Mentor all lighting‑related designers, artisans, and crew members for departmental productions; may design lighting for departmental productions as needed.
• Contribute to curriculum development and refinement, and recruitment of graduate students.
• Participate in committees and provide service to the department, college, university and profession.
• Work collegially with faculty, staff, students and administration.
• Collaborate with the production team to maintain equipment, inventory and production budget for the department.

• M.A. or M.F.A. in Theatre Arts or Design/Technology, or equivalent professional experience.
• At least one year of college‑ or university‑level teaching experience, or equivalent.
• Significant professional experience as a lighting designer.
• Computer‑assisted design proficiency in drafting and design software, and 3‑D modeling/rendering.
• Demonstrated experience and effectiveness with instructional technology.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and the needs of diverse learners.

In lieu of an M.A. or M.F.A., consideration may be given to candidates who demonstrate professional distinction in scholarly research and/or creative/performance work in lighting design and evidence of continued distinction; and who demonstrate effective teaching at the undergraduate or graduate level within current disciplinary thought in lighting design.

• Three years of teaching experience at the college‑ or university‑level.
• Experience with multimedia technologies and projection design.
• Experience in installation art, architectural lighting, film lighting, museum exhibit design, or industrial lighting design.
• Experience with collaborative, protracted design processes.
• Experience designing for diverse venues and production budgets, including television, film, and opera.

Pay Range: $70,000 – $78,000, based on education, qualifications and experience.

Appointment Category: 75%–100% full‑time. Position Type:
Faculty and P&A Staff.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off.
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree‑seeking programs.
• Low‑cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans.
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• University HSA contributions.
• Disability and employer‑paid life insurance.
• Employee wellbeing program.
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity.
• Financial counseling services.
• Employee Assistance Program with eight free counseling sessions.
• Employee transit pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area.

Applications must be submitted online. Attach the following materials:

• CV
• Cover Letter
• Three letters of recommendation sent via email to Millie Reid Rivera at volkm
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• Link to website/design portfolio
• Research Narrative/Statement
• Teaching Narrative/Statement

Applications received by October 15th will receive priority review; the posting will remain active until filled.

The University of Minnesota recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here; criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.