Assistant Professor of Ceramics at the University of California, Berkeley

Posted on October 4, 2024

The UC Berkeley Department of Art Practice is seeking a dynamic ceramicist for a tenure-track position as an Assistant Professor of Ceramics. A qualified candidate will demonstrate the ability to lead UC Berkeley’s historic ceramics laboratory, which spans approximately 4,000 square feet with a 1,600-square-foot courtyard, develop a strong pedagogical focus related to the discipline, teach undergraduates and graduate students in studio and theory courses from fundamental to advanced levels, advance their own research and studio practice, oversee the resources and physical infrastructure of the facilities, and make critical contributions to the larger field of contemporary ceramic sculpture.

Salary Range: The current salary range for this position is $78,200-$123,400 (9-month academic annual salary). However, out-of-grade salary and other compensation components that would provide compensation in excess of this range are offered to meet the requirements. competitive conditions.

Expected start: July 1, 2025

Application window
Opening date: September 30, 2024

End date: Sunday, November 24, 2024 at 11:59 PM (Pacific Time)
Applications are still being accepted until this date.

The position requires in-depth material knowledge of clay and ceramic processes, a robust engagement with concepts and theory, and investment in the field’s location within the visual arts. The successful candidate will have a substantial exhibition practice and a compelling track record of creative research and experimentation with ceramics. They will have a strong working knowledge of the diverse and global ceramic history, the ability to engage with contemporary theory and current debates about art, and the technical skills required to run a studio alongside a full-time employee.

Applicants who integrate alternative or hybrid processes, experimental media, design, social practice and digital methods while intersecting with ceramic practice are welcome. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of our program, the candidate must have a strong working knowledge of related art practices such as drawing, photography, sculpture, performance, new media, participatory and installation art, among others.

Like all faculties, the Ceramics professorship covers three areas of activity: education, services and creative research. Teaching responsibilities include two courses per semester at the undergraduate or graduate level, supervising graduate student work, serving on MFA thesis committees, and developing curricula. Service is defined as participation in faculty governance and departmental and university committees, as well as service to the broader discipline. As a leading research institution, we seek a ceramicist whose professional studio practice is complemented by an ongoing international exhibition and publication record. Your critical engagement with craft and theory will find a dynamic platform here, where it can have a visible and meaningful impact at a world-class public research institution. At Berkeley, you will be supported to push the boundaries of ceramic art, contribute to an innovative academic environment, and inspire the next generation of artists and thinkers.

We encourage applicants with a demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusivity, including feminist, queer, anti-racist, transnational, and decolonial practices, and who teach and mentor undergraduate and graduate students of diverse backgrounds, abilities, perspectives, social identities, and gender expressions .

The department is committed to meeting the family needs of educators, including dual-career couples and single parents. We are also interested in candidates who have had a non-traditional career path, who have taken time off for family reasons, or who have achieved stellar careers outside of academia.

The University of California is committed to creating and sustaining a community dedicated to the advancement, application, and transmission of knowledge and creative endeavors through academic excellence, where all individuals who participate in University programs and activities benefit can work and learn together in a safe and secure way. environment, free from violence, intimidation, discrimination, exploitation or intimidation. In keeping with this commitment, UC Berkeley requires all applicants for faculty positions in the Senate to complete, sign and upload an information release form to AP Recruit as part of their application. If an applicant does not attach the signed authorization, the application will be considered incomplete and, as with any incomplete application, it will not be processed further. Although all applicants for faculty hires must complete the complete application, applicants will only be subject to reference checks if and when they are selected as the candidate to whom the hiring unit intends to make a formal offer. More information can be found on this website.

Qualifications
• Basic qualifications (required upon registration)
• MFA (or equivalent international degree), or enrolled in an MFA or equivalent international degree-granting program at the time of application.

Preferred qualifications
• Distinction as an artist working primarily in ceramic sculpture.
• Proven exhibition record or demonstrated history showing great potential for active exhibition. Ability to teach both graduate and undergraduate studio and seminar courses.
• Minimum 3 years of experience teaching at the post-secondary level and a strong commitment to undergraduate education, graduate mentoring, and administrative services.
• Demonstrated expertise in the history and current practices of ceramic sculpture and contemporary visual arts.

Application Requirements
• Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated resume
• Cover Letter – Explain your interest in UC Berkeley
• Artist statement
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy – Includes a description of your strengths, both technical and theoretical.
• Statement of Contributions to Promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion – Statement of your contributions to diversity, equity and inclusion, including information about your understanding of these topics, your record of activities to date, and your specific plans and objectives for advancing equality and admission if accepted to Berkeley (for additional information, visit https://ofew.berkeley.edu/recruitment/contributions-diversity).
• Artist’s work – Image 1-10 – Own work – Upload each image individually
• Authorization to Release Information Form – A reference check will only be conducted if you have been selected as the candidate to whom the recruiting unit wishes to make a formal offer. Download, complete, sign and upload the Information Release Authorization form.

Reference requirements
• 3-5 required (contact information only)
References will be requested for shortlisted candidates

Contact for assistance: [email protected]

About UC Berkeley

UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Institutional excellence requires an environment that welcomes and includes its diverse community of faculty, students, and staff. Successful candidates will demonstrate knowledge and skills related to ensuring equity and inclusion in the activities of their academic position (e.g. teaching, research and service, as applicable).

The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

Please refer to the University of California Affirmative Action Policy and the University of California Non-Discrimination Policy.

For searches requiring letters of reference, all letters will be treated as confidential according to University of California policy and California state law. Even when letters are provided through a third party (i.e., a filing service or career center), refer potential referees to UC Berkeley’s confidentiality statement before submitting their letter.

As an employee of the University, you are expected to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as they may be amended from time to time. Federal, state or local government guidelines may impose additional requirements.