Assistant Professor of Ceramics at East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN
Posted on November 10, 2025
The Department of Art & Design at East Tennessee State University seeks qualified candidates for a tenure-track position of Assistant Professor in Ceramics. The position will begin on August 15, 2026. We seek a creative and dynamic individual to join our multifaceted, cross-disciplinary program in studio art.
The successful candidate will have a broad range of technical experience and a thorough knowledge of ceramics procedures with the ability to teach wheel-throwing, hand building, ceramic sculpture, advanced and graduate ceramics. The department supports a rich history of traditional craft as well as innovative approaches of art making and encourages work that embraces technological investigation and conceptual practice.
Responsibilities:
• Teach all levels of ceramics studio courses from beginning to capstone levels, teach occasional foundations, special topics courses, and graduate courses.
• Mentor students with an emphasis on artistic development and professional practice.
• Manage the ceramics facility, operation of the wood, electric, and gas-fired kilns, and maintain equipment.
• Serve as the ceramics area coordinator with supervision of graduate assistants and arts technicians.
• Maintain an active practice of creative research. To support this endeavor, the department provides travel funding for faculty to participate in professional conferences, as well as research and exhibition activities.
• Participate in department, college, and university service.
Required Qualifications
• MFA in Studio Art (must be completed by August 15, 2026).
• College teaching experience beyond graduate assistantships.
• Active studio practice as demonstrated by professional experience and exhibition record at a regional/national level.
• Ability to teach ceramics processes at all levels of both undergraduate and graduate courses.
• Ability to run a complex ceramics facility and equipment.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Candidates with a knowledge and appreciation for both traditional and contemporary ceramics who demonstrate the capacity to teach cross-disciplinary approaches in studio art.
• Expertise in wheel, hand building; sculptural ceramics; clay and glaze science, atmospheric firing processes including wood, soda , and salt.
• Excellent exhibition record with continued evidence of artistic accomplishment.
Application Instructions:
• Exempt positions are only required to be posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. The closing date for this posting is subject to change without notice to applicants.
• Employment is contingent on a satisfactory background check.
Documents to include:
• Cover Letter detailing the candidate’s qualifications and interest in the position
• Curriculum Vitae
• Teaching Philosophy
• Research Statement
• Transcripts
• Two Sample Syllabi: one each for introductory and upper-level courses that best reflect your teaching approaches
• Additionally, interested candidates will submit a portfolio of 20 examples of their own artwork and 20 examples of their student artwork with relevant prompts. When an application is complete, candidates will receive an email with a link to OneDrive to upload the materials.
• Full contact information of three confidential references
About ETSU
East Tennessee State University is a vibrant and diverse academic community committed to excellence in education and research that prides itself on its local, regional, national, and international impact. Located in Johnson City, within the Appalachian Highlands, the University community benefits from big-city amenities and easily accessible outdoor recreation opportunities. The Department of Art & Design offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in studio art and graphic design and an undergraduate degree in art history. The department endeavors to foster a collaborative environment that encourages both innovative teaching and cutting-edge scholarship, which is supported by an exciting visiting artists program, two art galleries supporting award-winning exhibition programs, and community partnerships.
The department provides courses in the following areas: Art History, Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture, Ceramics, Jewelry Design & Metalsmithing, Photography, Fibers, Graphic Design, and Digital Material Studies.
For inquiries about the position, please contact Mindy Herrin-Lewis at herrin@etsu.edu.
Review of applications will begin on January 6, 2026. All completed applications received before this date will be considered. The starting salary of this position is $60,000.
University Overview
East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is an institution with over 14,000 diverse students highly ranked graduate and undergraduate programs. Located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Northeast Tennessee, ETSU serves as a hub for community, discovery, and service. Aligned with the institution’s mission, we value efforts to engage in teaching, scholarship, creative activities, and service that involve community partners and address significant societal needs in our region and beyond. Recognized in 2024 as a Great College to Work For, recent strategic initiatives prioritize the institution’s focus on community engagement.
