What are the responsibilities and job description for the Art, Assistant Professor -Ceramics position at The College of Idaho?
Posted 9/15/2026
The Department of Art at the College of Idaho is seeking applications for a full-time, tenure-track position for
an Assistant Professor of Art, specializing primarily in Ceramics. We are particularly interested in candidates
who see their specialization as a foundation rather than a limitation, allowing for broader engagement with the
field of art and design. The ideal candidate will possess substantial expertise in ceramics, along with the
curiosity, adaptability, and teaching range necessary to make meaningful contributions to our small,
collaborative department.
The College of Idaho is a liberal arts institution, and our Art Department serves students with a wide range of
interests and levels of experience. We are committed to providing students with opportunities to explore
multiple disciplines and approaches to creative practice, whether they intend to pursue art professionally,
incorporate creative practice into another field, or develop a lifelong engagement with the arts.
The successful candidate will teach introductory and advanced ceramics courses alongside foundations
courses focused on the elements and principles of art and design, while contributing to additional studio
offerings based on departmental needs and personal qualifications. They are expected to maintain an active,
field-appropriate creative practice and develop engaging, rigorous coursework that welcomes non-majors while
providing depth for art majors and minors. Additionally, the candidate will fulfill all standard tenure-track faculty
duties as outlined in the faculty handbook.
Required qualifications include an MFA or equivalent terminal degree in Ceramics, Studio Art, or a closely related
field by the time of appointment, along with demonstrated expertise and professional practice in ceramics and
college-level teaching experience or potential for effective undergraduate instruction. Preference will be given to
candidates with experience teaching art foundations, 2D/3D design, drawing, digital art, or related studio
disciplines, as well as additional expertise in art history or theory. Ideally, applicants will demonstrate experience
working across traditional and contemporary ceramic approaches, developing interdisciplinary or liberal-arts-
oriented curricula, and a strong commitment to teaching students from varied academic backgrounds and skill
levels.
Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States as of the expected hire date and throughout the term
of the contract without sponsorship from the College.
Review of applications will commence immediately and continue until the position is filled. Please submit all
application materials to careers@collegeofidaho.edu with the subject line: Art Search. Additional information
may be requested from qualified candidates as we move through the applicant review process.
A complete application packet will include:
- A cover letter that addresses teaching interests
- Curriculum Vitae
- A statement of teaching philosophy that articulates a commitment to liberal arts education
- Evidence of teaching effectiveness (e.g., syllabi and teaching evaluations), and samples of student
artistic work)
- Work samples (still images, link to website, or media)
- Names and contact information for three professional references, with at least one reference able to
speak directly to the candidate's teaching
With over 134 years of history, The College of Idaho is a regional and national leader in higher education. The
College of Idaho is a mission-driven community of exceptional learning that challenges the ambitious and forges
pathways to success and purpose.
The College of Idaho is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining, and
optimizing performance and academic excellence through an inclusive workforce. The College does not
discriminate based on sex, race, color, age, religion, disability, national and ethnic origin, veteran status, sexual
orientation, gender identity, or any other basis protected by law.
The College offers competitive benefits, including a tuition waiver for dependents, health insurance, a retirement
plan with employer match, free access to on-campus fitness centers, and free admission to campus events.
Spouses, domestic partners, and dependents are eligible for benefits coverage.
The College of Idaho is located in Caldwell, a rural community with a vibrant downtown that is on the western
edge of the Boise metropolitan area, providing opportunities for both small-town and city living. The diverse
landscape of the area consists of river valleys, high desert, and mountains, which support a wide range of
recreational activities. Boise and the surrounding area also provide opportunities to enjoy a rich and wide array
of cultural experiences and artistic venues. More information can be found at
https://www.destinationcaldwell.com, https://visitboise.com, and https://visitidaho.org/.