Job Title: Visiting Instructor in Ceramics (Non-Tenure Track)
Department: Department of Art
Institution: University of South Dakota
Program: Nationally Recognized BFA/MFA Art Program
Appointment: Full-time, 9-month academic year
Start Date: August 2026
Position Description:
The University of South Dakota is seeking a non-tenure-track Visiting Instructor in Ceramics for a nine-month appointment beginning in August 2026. This position involves teaching ceramics at the undergraduate level within a dynamic BFA/MFA Art program. The candidate will engage in research, teaching, and service activities according to the guidelines of the South Dakota Board of Regents (SDBOR).
Responsibilities (Preferred):
- Teaching 9 contact hours per semester (18 per academic year)
- Teaching foundational through advanced courses in ceramics including studio, seminar, and lecture formats.
- Teaching introductory Drawing I.
- Teaching critical thinking, problem solving, contemporary theory, and emerging concepts in ceramics.
- Operation and upkeep of ceramic studio equipment, including gas, electric, and wood-fired kilns, pottery wheels, clay mixers, and related tools, with responsibilities also encompassing maintaining supplies and scheduling student assistants in the ceramic studio.
- Working to rebuild inoperable outdoor woodfire kiln.
- Working with diverse students, faculty, and staff.
Responsibilities (Alternative)
- Teaching 12 contact hours per semester (24 per academic year)
- Teaching foundational through advanced courses in ceramics including studio, seminar, and lecture formats.
- Teaching introductory Drawing I and/or other courses as needed.
- Teaching critical thinking, problem solving, contemporary theory, and emerging concepts in ceramics.
- Operation and upkeep of ceramic studio equipment, including gas, electric, and wood-fired kilns, pottery wheels, clay mixers, and related tools, with responsibilities also encompassing maintaining supplies and scheduling student assistants in the ceramic studio.
- Working with diverse students, faculty, and staff.
Required Qualifications:
- MFA in ceramics or a closely related field.
- Experience in multiple ceramic processes; including but not limited to hand-building, wheel-throwing, mold-making/slip-casting, historical and contemporary techniques, and new-media applications.
- Knowledge of glaze chemistry, kiln firing procedures, and ceramic equipment.
- Established exhibition and/or scholarly record.
- Ability to teach critical thinking, problem-solving, contemporary theory, and emerging concepts in ceramics.
- Knowledge of operation and maintenance of ceramics studio.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- University-level teaching experience with three years of college-level teaching experience preferred but not required.
- Ability as a studio technician, especially kiln construction and maintenance
- Ability to maintain a vibrant visiting artist program in ceramics.
- Evidence of community building within and outside of the department.
- Commitment to building a strong ceramics program and establishing an MFA Ceramics program.
- Work collaboratively with other disciplines.
- Evidence of grant writing.
Rank and Salary:
Rank: Visiting Instructor
Salary: $45,000
Benefits: Full standard benefits package
Application Process:
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Applicants are required to apply online at http://yourfuture.sdbor.edu and should include:
- Letter of application
- Curriculum vitae
- 20 labeled digital images of personal work
- Artist website URL and/or social media presence
- One representative course syllabus
- Teaching philosophy
- Artist statement
- Contact information for three professional references
- If applying for Preferred Responsibilities:
- Statement regarding studio technical experience and knowledge of kiln construction and maintenance
- If applying for Alternative Responsibilities:
- Statement regarding ability to teach Drawing I. Please provide a full list of courses taught at any level and relevant courses you are prepared to teach. Include studio arts, art history, and art foundations courses.
Items that cannot be transferred digitally should be sent to:
Amanda Lynch, Office of the Dean
Ceramic Search Committee
College of Fine Arts
The University of South Dakota
414 E. Clark Street, Vermillion, SD 57069
