Assistant Professor; Fashion History & Theory

Position: Assistant Professor (Fashion History & Theory)
IMPORTANT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

* Upload Resume or Curriculum Vitae for automatic population of information to the application.

* The contact information, work experience, and education listed on your Resume/CV will be parsed and input into your Montclair application.

* Review information and double-check all fields containing information that the system parsed - the software is intelligent, but you need to verify that the data is accurate.

* In the "My Experience" section, you will find a Resume/CV upload option where you can submit your cover letter and all other supporting documents.

Note:

If you have an expansive CV, we recommend that you apply manually and only include the positions you have held in the last ten (10) years. You will then be able to attach your Resume/CV, as well as all other supporting documentation in the "My Experience" section of your application.

Job Description

The Department of Art and Design's Fashion Design and Merchandising program invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position beginning Fall 2026. The ideal candidate will demonstrate research expertise in diverse areas of fashion history and theory, manage the Program's historical teaching collection, and be prepared to teach and help shape undergraduate courses in two or more of the following areas:
Global History of Fashion and Textiles, Dress and Culture (including Global and Diasporic Cultures), Fashion Forecasting, and Fashion and Sustainability in historical contexts.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Teaching

* Teach undergraduate courses in fashion history and theory to program majors and the general university student population.

* Develop and manage writing-intensive courses that examine the cultural and social implications of fashion, including issues such as identity, representation, consumption, globalization, and the impact of technology on various fashion systems.

* Contribute to the development of the core curriculum and new courses aligned with departmental needs.

* Manage the Program's Historical Teaching Collection and help guide the curation of these materials for public viewing, while also finding dynamic ways to incorporate the collection into the program's curriculum.

* Advise and mentor undergraduate students.

Research and Scholarship

* Maintain an active, interdisciplinary research agenda by publishing peer-reviewed research, presenting at national/international conferences, and contributing to curatorial projects or exhibition programs.

* Seek external funding opportunities to support research activities.

* Contribute to the university's research mission and visibility in the field by seeking community partnerships when appropriate.

Service

* Participate in department, college, and university committee work.

* Engage in professional service activities outside the immediate university context.

* Contribute to program development and assessment initiatives.

* Support departmental outreach, recruitment, and community engagement efforts.

THE DEPARTMENT OF ART AND DESIGN'S BA PROGRAM IN FASHION DESIGN AND MERCHANDISING

The BA program in Fashion Design and Merchandising at Montclair State University is designed to prepare students for dynamic careers in the fashion industry, particularly within the arenas of fashion merchandising and design. Housed in the Department of Art and Design, the program strikes a balance between creative and critical thinking, as well as practical business applications, while exploring the broader cultural, social, and environmental impacts of the fashion industry.

THE COLLEGE OF THE ARTS

The College of the Arts (CART) at Montclair State University is a dynamic, collaborative, and inspiring community. With more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs across the Department of Art & Design, the John J. Cali School of Music, and the Department of Theatre and Dance, CART is a vibrant hub of creativity and innovation. Over 2,000 diverse and talented students bring our state-of-the-art studios, stages, and classrooms to life every day, supported by passionate academic advisors and a career services team dedicated to their success.

Programs are rigorous, creative, and…