Assistant Professor – Ceramics at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE
Posted on December 16, 2025
The School of Art, Art History, and Design at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor in Ceramics, beginning August 2026. This position will teach and mentor students in the B.A., B.F.A., and M.F.A. programs.
We seek an experienced artist and educator with a strong commitment to teaching and a dynamic, active studio practice in ceramics. The successful candidate will engage students in critical dialogue, support their conceptual development, and contribute to the advancement of contemporary ceramic practice within our community. This position includes teaching, mentoring, service, and continued creative research and professional development. We are looking for someone with strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills. This candidate will have knowledge of ceramic history and contemporary theory and possess the ability to teach drawing.
Key Responsibilities
· Teach two courses per semester, primarily in ceramics (additional teaching in drawing or related areas based on expertise).
· Advise and mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
· Serve on graduate thesis committees.
· Contribute to curriculum development and program growth.
· Maintain ceramics facilities and support their ongoing development.
· Participate in school and college service.
· Assist with recruiting and promoting the ceramics program nationally.
UNL Ceramics has a strong tradition in functional pottery and the vessel while embracing a broad range of aesthetic and conceptual approaches. We seek a colleague who can contribute new energy, ideas, and expertise to this nationally recognized program.
Areas of interest may include, but are not limited to:
· Contemporary pottery and vessel making.
· Conceptual and interdisciplinary approaches to ceramics.
· Digital fabrication technologies (e.g., 3D modeling, printing, mold-making) in ceramic processes.
The University of Nebraska offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, commensurate with the successful candidate’s background and experience. Faculty status with opportunities for promotion in rank and sabbatical opportunities for continued learning and professional development are additional key benefits.
About the School and University
The School of Art, Art History & Design is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and offers nationally ranked undergraduate and graduate programs. As part of a Big Ten land-grant university, we support interdisciplinary exploration and provide significant opportunities for creative research.
Located in downtown Lincoln, the university sits in a vibrant and growing city with a thriving arts scene, affordable living, and high quality of life. Nearby cultural resources include the Sheldon Museum of Art, the Lied Center for Performing Arts, the International Quilt Museum, and many independent art venues.
Minimum Qualifications
· M.F.A. or equivalent terminal degree in Ceramics.
· Two years of college level teaching experience beyond a graduate assistantship.
· Active exhibition record at the national level.
· Demonstrated understanding of contemporary ceramic practice.
· Expertise in at least one of the following:
— Wheel throwing vessels.
— Interdisciplinary or conceptual approaches in ceramics.
— 3D digital technologies applied to ceramics.
Preferred Qualifications
· Five or more years of full-time university-level teaching.
· Experience mentoring graduate students from diverse backgrounds.
· Evidence of national or international recognition through exhibitions, grants, or publications.
· Experience with departmental or institutional service and leadership.
· Technical expertise in maintaining and repairing ceramics equipment (pottery wheels, gas/electric kilns, etc.).
· Experience teaching glaze formulation and ceramic material studies.
Application Process
The search committee will begin formal review of applications on January 6, 2026, and will continue until an appointment is made. Interested applicants must first go to https://employment.unl.edu, requisition F_250082. Click “Apply for this Job,” complete the faculty information form, and upload the following required documents:
· Cover letter addressing the minimum and preferred qualifications and your interest in the position.
· Curriculum vitae.
· Names and contact information for three professional references.
· Combined research and teaching statement (1–2 pages each). Upload as “Other Document.”
· Link to online portfolio including:
— Up to 20 images of your recent work.
— Up to 20 images of recent student work.
The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment.
