The Art and Design Department in the College of Liberal Arts at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, is seeking applications for a full-time, academic-year, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Art and Design in Ceramics to begin approximately August 12, 2027.
The successful candidate will lead the development of an interdisciplinary ceramics program that integrates traditional and contemporary ceramics practices, research-based conceptual inquiry, and relevant histories and theories of clay, craft, material culture, and contemporary art.
The successful candidate will teach courses across the ceramics curriculum, including beginning ceramics, intermediate ceramics, and advanced ceramics or topics courses, as well as 3D or 4D design as part of the Foundations/Core curriculum. Depending on departmental needs and the candidate's expertise, additional teaching may include intermediate sculpture, advanced selected topics in sculpture, critique and discourse, visual culture and society, junior studio art practice, senior studio art practice, and senior portfolio courses.
We seek an artist-educator whose creative practice engages ceramics in relation to sculpture, installation, performance, sustainable material research, or other interdisciplinary approaches. The ideal candidate will be able to teach technical processes alongside critical and theoretical approaches to ceramics and will help students connect hands-on material experimentation to contemporary art discourse, environmental inquiry, and professional practice. The successful candidate will maintain an active research-based creative practice; contribute to curriculum development in ceramics, Foundations, and Studio Art; mentor undergraduate students; and participate in departmental, college, and university service.
Salary: Anticipated Hiring Range: $90,276 - $98,244/year, $7,523 - $8,187/month.
Note that hiring level will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the candidate.
Although Cal Poly is primarily a teaching university, our faculty are expected to balance teaching with an active program of research/professional development (including publication), student supervision and advising, and participation in service activities at the department and college/university level. The typical teaching load is 12 units per semester, with a reduction in course load in each of the first two years to help new faculty establish an active program of research and professional development.
Subject to further planning and approval, Cal Poly anticipates a possible transition to semester-based year-round operations (YRO). Under YRO, full-time academic year faculty may be assigned to teach in two consecutive semesters (Fall/Spring, Spring/Summer, or Summer/Fall) out of the three semesters offered annually. The two-semester sequence will constitute the regular academic year appointment. Faculty may also be eligible to teach in the third semester for additional compensation, subject to departmental needs and University policy.
Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment
This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.
Cal Poly is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At Cal Poly, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.
Required Qualifications
MFA in Ceramics, Studio Art, or a closely related field, from an accredited institution or international equivalent, completed and awarded by the time of appointment. Demonstrated university-level teaching experience. Demonstrated knowledge of ceramic processes and studio practices, including hand building, wheel throwing, glaze and surface development, firing, kiln operation, and studio safety. Evidence of an active, research-based creative practice in ceramics or an interdisciplinary practice that substantially engages ceramic materials and ideas. Evidence of expertise in contemporary art discourses and practices, including the histories and theories of ceramics, craft, material culture, installation art, time-based art, and/or three-dimensional art. Demonstrated experience developing curriculum and teaching courses that combine technical skill, conceptual inquiry, critique, and professional practice. Demonstrated experience and commitment to student-centered learning and teaching. Demonstrated ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings. Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive environment. Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language is required.
Preferred Qualifications
Two or more years of college-level teaching experience in ceramics, three-dimensional foundations, sculpture, or closely related areas. Experience teaching ceramics at beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels. Experience teaching or developing courses in sculpture, installation, performance, visual culture, or interdisciplinary three-dimensional art. Experience with sustainable materials research, experimental firing, or environmentally conscious ceramic studio practices. Experience with ceramics studio management, including kiln operation, glaze areas, ventilation, safety procedures, equipment maintenance, and student-worker supervision. Interest in cross-disciplinary collaborations and connections to broader art communities. Evidence of mentoring students toward graduate study, professional practice, exhibitions, residencies, or other career pathways Special Conditions
All CSU employees are designated "mandated reporters" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act. As a condition of your employment, you will be required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 and any subsequent amendments.
Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Note: Cal Poly cannot deny an applicant a position solely or in part due to a criminal conviction history until it has performed an individualized assessment and linked the relevant conviction history with specific job duties in the position being sought.
Please note: Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Sensitive positions are those requiring heightened scrutiny of individuals holding the position based on potential for harm to children, concerns for the safety and security of people, animals, or property, or heightened risk of financial loss to Cal Poly or individuals in the university community.
For health and well-being, Cal Poly is a smoke & tobacco-free campus. The university is committed to promoting a healthy environment for all members of our community.
In accordance with the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California and prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU related work outside of California.
About The Department
The Art and Design Department offers a NASAD-accredited BFA in Art and Design with concentrations in Studio Art, Graphic Design, and Photography and Video. The department emphasizes rigorous creative practice, critical inquiry, collaboration, and hands-on learning. Faculty and students work across traditional, contemporary, and interdisciplinary approaches to art and design. The department's website is https://artdesign.calpoly.edu/
How to Apply
To apply, please visit http://jobs.calpoly.edu/, complete a required online faculty application and apply to Requisition # 560185. Please upload the following required materials as part of the electronic application:
Cover letter providing details of the applicant's qualifications and interest in the position Current Curriculum Vitae Statement of research interests/ research plan including the applicant's creative practice Statement of teaching philosophy specifically addressing the applicant’s approach to teaching ceramics and studio art courses Universal Student Success Statement: Cal Poly is a public, student-centered university that serves the diverse constituents of the state of California and has a strong emphasis on the teacher-scholar model. Please detail your approach to teaching and learning at the collegiate level, including evidence of experience with inclusive, accessible, and intentional teaching, to a wide variety of students and a description of how you will continue to develop this expertise at Cal Poly. Service or scholarship related to skills developed in these areas might also be included here. Sample syllabi and teaching materials with project descriptions. Copy of unofficial transcripts (sealed official transcripts and letters of recommendation will be required for final consideration) A portfolio of current creative work, submitted as a link to a website or as a single PDF; PDFs may not exceed 20 pages or 150 MB. Examples of student work, submitted as a link to a website or as a single PDF; PDFs may not exceed 20 pages or 150 MB. Please be prepared to provide names and email addresses for three professional references when completing the online faculty application. Letters of recommendation will only be requested for finalists. Applicants are encouraged to submit materials by the Review Begin Date for full consideration; however, applications received after this date may be considered.
Cal Poly’s ability to sponsor employment-based visas will depend on institutional priorities, budget availability, and current federal regulations. Cal Poly does not commit to providing visa sponsorship for this position, and applicants should not expect that such sponsorship will be offered.
Projected Start Date: Approximately August 12, 2027
Review Begin Date: Review of complete applications will begin November 20th 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.
For questions about the position please contact Elizabeth Folk via email at efolk@calpoly.edu