Professor of Art and Visual Culture

The Department of Art and Visual Culture at Bates College invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track or tenured position in the history and criticism of visual cultures. We seek a colleague with significant institutional and teaching experience, along with a demonstrated record of publications or equivalent scholarship that centers the modern and/or contemporary “Global South,” defined broadly as a framework that foregrounds perspectives anchored outside Eurocentric structures of disciplinary power. In addition to the media they study, we seek a colleague who engages with museums and/or other exhibitionary spaces. Successful candidates will demonstrate and are expected to maintain an active program of scholarship.

The position carries a standard five-course annual teaching load. The successful candidate will join a vibrant department that offers majors in the History and Criticism of Art and Visual Culture and in Studio Art, and will demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusive undergraduate teaching and mentorship. We are particularly interested in candidates whose teaching speaks to intersections with our studio program and the Bates College Museum of Art. We seek an advanced teacher-scholar who has developed and taught relevant courses and who has participated in curricular and administrative efforts. They will be expected to design classes that highlight the ways visual culture shapes perceptions of race, power, privilege, and colonialisms and address student interest in museum studies. We are looking for someone who will develop a methods course to support majors and minors in the History and Criticism of Art and Visual Culture and who will foster interdisciplinary collaboration across Bates’ departments and programs. Teaching expectations also include contributing to the general education curriculum, advising students, and mentoring senior theses. We seek candidates who are committed to supporting the success of all students. Applicants are encouraged to describe relevant preparation, experience, or plans for creating an inclusive learning environment.

Faculty responsibilities include teaching, professional achievement, and governance and engagement, as described in Article II of the Bates College Faculty Handbook. We seek a colleague prepared to collaboratively shape our future by taking on responsibilities in the department and College, and are interested to learn of relevant administrative and/or leadership experience.

Bates College is a residential liberal arts college located in Lewiston, Maine. Faculty scholarship and creative work at Bates are robustly supported by start-up packages, a paid pre-tenure leave, support for post-tenure sabbaticals, internal grants, professional travel funding, and a well-staffed external grants office. Community-engaged learning—with community partnerships facilitated by the Harward Center for Community Partnerships—and study abroad are both broadly encouraged and institutionally supported. Pedagogical development and innovation is further buttressed by our highly engaged Center for Inclusive Teaching and Learning. Educational access and racial justice are central to Bates’ history and mission and our faculty-led initiatives reflect this commitment.

A PhD in Art History, Visual Studies, or a related field is required.

Required application materials include:
Cover letter
Curriculum vitae
Teaching statement
Sample Syllabus pertinent to the job description
Research Statement (1-3 pages)

Letters of recommendation and a sample publication will be requested only for candidates selected to move forward after the initial review. Review of applications will begin on January 4, 2027 and continue until the position is filled. The position will begin in July 2027, and employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and verification of degree. The anticipated salary range for this position is $87,000-$120,000, commensurate with experience, qualifications, and rank.