Instructional Professor (Open Rank) in Visual Arts

The Department of Visual Arts invites applications for a position as an Instructional Professor (open rank) in Visual Arts, emphasis on 2-D medium, with an expected start date of September 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. The selected candidate will be appointed at the rank of Assistant Instructional Professor, Associate Instructional Professor, or Instructional Professor, depending on qualifications and educational background. The initial appointment is for a minimum of 2 years, with longer initial terms possible depending on qualifications and initial rank. Review and progression schedule are determined by a collective bargaining agreement between the University and the Service Employees International Union.

Responsibilities include both teaching and service duties. The successful candidate will teach six courses (on the quarter system) in printmaking, drawing, painting, and/or expanded photography, with a preference for candidates who have the ability to also teach beyond their 2-D medium. Service responsibilities will include participating in MFA and undergraduate quarterly critiques, advising MFA students working in a variety of media, and mentoring post-graduate teaching fellows. Instructional Professors of all ranks are required to engage in regular professional development.

Salary Range or Pay Grade:

Assistant Instructional Professor: $75,676-$81,729; Associate Instructional Professor: $81,730-$88,459; Instructional Professor: $88,460-$98,000 (academic year 2026-2027). This base pay range is for a nine-month academic appointment paid over twelve months. The position also includes a relocation allowance for qualifying expenses.

This position is benefits-eligible. The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook .

The successful candidate must have an MFA or equivalent professional experience, prior experience teaching visual art at the college level, and a broad understanding of their two-dimensional medium enabling the candidate to guide students’ work in a variety of media.

Applicants must upload the following materials to the University of Chicago’s recruitment website at apply.interfolio.com/183242  by 10:59 PM Central Time/11:59 PM Eastern Time on Wednesday, April 15, 2026:

·      CV

·      Cover letter

·      Teaching statement

·      3 sample syllabi

·      A link to sample work demonstrating the candidates’ technical capacity and ability to engage artistically with contemporary painting, drawing, printmaking and/or expanded photography (please include title, year, dimension and medium)

·      Contact information for three references

Applicants may be asked to provide additional materials following the initial review of applications. Questions may be directed to Joyce Kuechler at jkuechler@uchicago.edu .

The terms and conditions of employment for this position are covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the University and the Service Employees International Union. This position is contingent upon budgetary approval.

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination .

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-3988 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu  with their request.