Assistant Professor of Practice of Art and Design

The Department of Art & Design in the School of Design, Architecture + Art at North Dakota State University invites applications and nominations for a 9-month, full-time, benefited faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor of Practice with anticipated start of August 16, 2026. Teaching takes place within an Art & Design program that imbues students with a strong understanding of contemporary practice, history, and theory through a sequence of studio course topics that blend academic research with practical, real-world application.

The successful candidate will support areas of printmaking, contemporary and professional practice, textiles/fibers and materials research, and undergraduate education within a student-centered, professionally oriented program. Teaching responsibilities include four undergraduate courses each semester related to traditional and contemporary printmaking, art theory and criticism, professional practices in Art and Design, as well as textiles/fibers, surface design and natural materials research, and innovation.

As part of a collaborative Art & Design environment, the successful candidate will contribute to interdisciplinary initiatives across the department and support the continued development of Apparel Design through new curricular initiatives that bring new perspectives to textiles, fibers, materials research, and surface design as the program transitions into a full design program. The successful candidate will be expected to expand areas of teaching, creative practice, and collaboration in response to evolving curricular and programmatic needs.

The candidate must also participate in service duties, including but not limited to advising capstone student projects, curriculum development, collaborative activities across media, PEARS/printmaking studio and program oversight and maintenance, academic/program-related travel with students. In addition, assistant professors of practice are expected to hold office hours on campus, attend all program and departmental meetings, serve on departmental committees, assist with student recruitment, and contribute to student assessment.

Applicants should possess a terminal degree in studio arts, design or contemporary art and design practices with expertise in Printmaking and experience with textiles/fibers. Additional professional experience in printmaking studio management is required.

Minimum Qualifications

• MFA in Studio Art, Contemporary Art Practice, Printmaking, or a closely related field.
• Evidence of professional, scholarly, or creative achievement in the areas of printmaking and contemporary practice with experience in textiles, fabric dyeing, and natural fibers.
• Two years of experience as a university or higher education instructor of record in printmaking, along with evidence of teaching courses in theory and criticism and professional development.
• Commitment to engaging with best practice initiatives in instruction and pedagogy, as well as collaborative curriculum design and development.
• Three years of professional experience managing a printmaking research studio, including the integration of visiting artists and related programming.
• Effective Oral and Written communications skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to teach/mentor at all levels of an undergraduate Art & Design program.
• Willingness to engage with institutional student success initiatives, including integrated professional development within Art & Design programs.
• Evidence of a vibrant cross-disciplinary creative and research practice.
• Strong understanding and application of techniques such as screen printing, lithography, etching, letter press, textile/fabric dyeing and weaving.
• Demonstrated capacity and willingness to develop new areas of teaching, creative practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration in response to evolving curricular and programmatic needs, including the integration of technology with traditional practices.
• Evidence of successful community engagement initiatives.

Required Documents

• Cover letter containing the following: statement of interest, research agenda (scholarship and/or creative activities), and teaching philosophy.
• Curriculum Vitae
• Artistic Practice and Research Portfolio - an electronic or web portfolio of individual creative and scholarly work, plus examples of student coursework from teaching (25-page maximum and 10 MB maximum). A link to an online portfolio may be included.
• Contact information for three references, including name, position, employer, email address, phone number, and your professional relationship with each reference

Screening will begin: 6/24/26

About the Department:

We are a dynamic program focused on Design Studies, Art and Art Education with a recent addition of Apparel design and merchandising while meeting the needs of both students and the community. Accredited by NASAD, we prioritize contemporary practice while continually enhancing our environment through cutting-edge facilities, new curricular initiatives and student experience opportunities. We are part of the School of Design, Architecture and Art as one of three departments that also include Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Design and Emergency management with about 750 students across our departments.

NDSU OFFERS OUTSTANDING BENEFITS!

Join a workplace that invests in your well-being, your future, and your success.

Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits:

Health & Wellness

• 100% employer-paid health insurance premiums for single and family coverage
• Choice of PPO/Basic or High Deductible Health Plan with HSA
• Coverage begins the first of the month after your hire date
• Wellness incentives for healthy lifestyle participation

Exceptional Retirement Plan

• Employer retirement contributions ranging from 7.5% up to an impressive 12.26%, depending on position
  (One of the strongest retirement packages in the region!) - Your future is a priority, and it shows.

Time Away & Support

• Generous annual leave, sick leave, and 10 paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program for confidential support
• Supportive work-life balance

Education Benefits That Grow With You

• Tuition waivers for employees (up to three classes per calendar year)
• 50% tuition waiver for spouse/partner and dependents

Additional Optional Benefits

• Supplemental Life, Dental, Vision, Long-Term Care
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Health & Dependent Care)
• Supplemental Retirement Plans

Explore Full Benefit Details: Benefits | Human Resources | NDSU

About Us:

North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university. We educate leaders who solve national and global challenges by providing affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment.

NDSU is in the highest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, R1, granted to the top research institutions in the country.

NDSU has offices across the state of North Dakota, and the main campus is in Fargo, on the Minnesota border. Along with Moorhead, Minnesota, Fargo forms one of the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle. The community is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live.

NDSU is committed to fostering a community where differences are recognized as strengths. Rooted in our land-grant mission, we work together to meet the needs of North Dakota and its communities through education, research and outreach.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

NDSU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable. Direct inquiries to: Vice Provost, Title IX/ADA Coordinator, Old Main 201, NDSU Main Campus, Fargo, ND, 58108, 701-231-7708, ndsu.eoaa@ndsu.edu.

No Smoking Notice:

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.

Veteran’s Preference Notice:

This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran’s Preference requirements.

Reasonable Accommodation Information:

North Dakota State University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, please contact Human Resources at 701-231-8961 or ndsu.hr@ndsu.edu.