The School of Art, within the College of Visual and Performing Arts, at Syracuse University invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor of ceramics to begin fall 2027. Responsibilities include teaching undergraduate and graduate courses-from introductory through advanced levels, including wheel throwing, hand-building, sculpture, and slip casting-while guiding students in material knowledge, technical skill, and rigorous studio practice.
Candidates should have in-depth knowledge of ceramic art's processes, histories, and materials, grounded in tradition while engaging contemporary approaches (sculptural, functional, or installation-based). We are especially interested in candidates working at the intersection of ceramics and digital practice-digital modeling, scanning, clay printing, computational/AI-assisted processes, and fabrication-built upon strong material fundamentals rather than replacing them.
Syracuse University has one of the country's longest-standing traditions in ceramics education, further enriched by a close relationship with the Everson Museum of Art and its internationally recognized ceramics collection. Building on this history, the School of Art is committed to sustaining deep material knowledge and rigorous studio practice while ensuring these foundations evolve alongside new technologies and the changing professional landscape students will enter.
About The College of Visual and Performing Arts
The College of Visual and Performing Arts at Syracuse University is committed to the education of cultural leaders who will engage and inspire audiences through performance, visual art, design, scholarship, and commentary. We provide the tools for self-discovery and risk-taking in an environment that thrives on critical thought and action. To learn more about the college, our distinguished faculty, and our program, please visit our websites at www.syracuse.edu, www.vpa.syracuse.edu.
Qualifications
- MFA or equivalent terminal degree (preferably in Ceramics),
- Minimum three years of full-time teaching experience,
- An active studio practice with a growing record of exhibitions demonstrating potential for national/international recognition.
Job Specific Qualifications
Required
- Demonstrated ability to teach introductory through advanced undergraduate and graduate ceramics courses.
- Evidence of excellence in, or clear potential for, university-level teaching and the creation of a rigorous, student-centered studio learning environment.
- An active and developing professional studio practice, with a growing record of exhibitions, creative activity, scholarship, and/or other forms of professional accomplishment.
- A portfolio demonstrating critical and substantive engagement with ceramic-based art, craft, and contemporary studio practice.
- Comprehensive knowledge of clay as a material and a strong command of traditional and contemporary ceramic processes, including clay bodies, forming methods, mold-making and casting processes, glazing and surface development, firing methods, and kiln technologies.
- Demonstrated technical knowledge of ceramics studio equipment, materials, processes, and facilities, including the safe operation and maintenance of kilns and related studio infrastructure.
- A studio practice grounded in a substantial understanding of traditional ceramic processes, materials, histories, and techniques, coupled with evidence of engagement with or exploration of emerging digital approaches to ceramic practice, which may include digital modeling, scanning, clay printing, computational or AI-assisted processes, digital fabrication, or related technologies.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across disciplines and contribute to the intellectual and creative community of the School of Art and University.
- Demonstrated experience working effectively with students from a broad range of backgrounds, levels of preparation, and educational experiences.
Preferred
- Experience integrating digital and traditional ceramic processes within studio practice, teaching, research, and/or curriculum development.
- Experience with clay 3D printing, digital modeling, scanning, computational design, digitally assisted mold-making, digital fabrication, AI-assisted creative processes, or related emerging technologies.
- Experience developing or revising curriculum, courses, or programs responsive to changing practices within contemporary art, craft, design, and technology.
- Experience with interdisciplinary, collaborative, and/or community-engaged creative practice.
- Knowledge of ethical and environmentally responsible approaches to ceramic studio practice, materials, processes, and facilities.
- Evidence of the ability to mentor students toward ambitious, independently developed studio practices and professional outcomes.
- Demonstrated communication and cross-cultural competencies that support effective collaboration with students, colleagues, and community partners from a range of backgrounds.
Responsibilities
- Teach undergraduate and graduate courses-from introductory through advanced levels, including wheel throwing, hand-building, sculpture, and slip casting-while guiding students in material knowledge, technical skill, and rigorous studio practice
- Advise students and contribute to curriculum development within the Ceramics area
- Maintain an active record of professional creative work, scholarship, or both, consistent with the expectations of a research university
- Expected to serve light administrative, coordinator duties on a rotational basis with other faculty in the area, as well as service in the School of Art, and the University
Physical Requirements
- Able to lift 50lbs and manipulate sufficient quantities of clay necessary for teaching demonstrations in wheel-throwing, hand-building, etc.
Tools/Equipment
Not Applicable
Application Instructions
In addition to completing an online application, please attach the following:
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Teaching Philosophy
- Portfolio Website URL (containing images of at least twenty (20) distinct pieces of applicants work and likewise images of at least twenty (20) distinct pieces of applicants work minimum of twenty (20) pieces)
- Name and contact information for a minimum of four (4) references.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but priority consideration given to candidates who apply by October 31, 2026. For further information contact Professor Robert Wysocki, Director School of Art, (rjwysock@syr.edu)