What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Professor - Painting and 2D Foundations position at West Virginia University?
This position is full-time, 9-month, tenure-track, and benefits eligible beginning August 14, 2026. The assignment will include teaching in rotation and as needed all levels of Painting (introductory, advanced, senior projects, and graduate) in addition to 2D Foundations for students in a range of NASAD accredited programs. The successful candidate will also serve on MFA graduate committees and mentor graduate assistants who are teaching 2D Foundations. Other duties related to teaching responsibilities include co-managing the painting area, studios, equipment, and budget, and other courses may be assigned based on the interests and expertise of the candidate and needs of the School.
The successful candidate will be expected to maintain an active program of research/creative activity sufficient to meet the expectations of a Carnegie Research 1, land-grant university, including the expectation to pursue external grants to support research/creative activity related to their discipline.
Participation in School of Art & Design activities, recruitment and retention of students, and faculty governance is required. Active participation in professional organizations in the field is expected, and the successful candidate will participate in and contribute to the School, serve on committees, and engage in the university and professional communities.
DATE OF APPOINTMENT: August 14, 2026 (Classes begin August 18, 2026)
Required Qualifications
DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin immediately. The search will remain open until the position is filled.
APPLICATION: Interested candidates should apply online at https://careers.wvu.edu/career-opportunities. A complete application must include:
THE COLLEGE OF CREATIVE ARTS & MEDIA has over 2,000 students. It comprises four professionally accredited and nationally recognized Schools of Art & Design, Media & Communications, Music, and Theatre & Dance. Each School offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degrees addressing such fields as the creative and performing arts, advertising and communications, arts education and scholarship, design disciplines, journalism, marketing, and public relations, museum studies, the recording industry, theatre technology, and the intersection of art and health.
The College of Creative Arts & Media is housed in the Canady Creative Arts Center, the Art Museum of WVU, Martin Hall, and several other buildings across campus. It has more than 70 full-time faculty and 20 professional staff whose mission is to inspire freedom of expression and creativity that contributes to the betterment of society and the enrichment of the human experience. Exemplifying excellence and innovation in performance, exhibition, scholarship, and creative research, the College offers artistic, media, and cultural opportunities for the citizens of West Virginia and the regional community.
WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY ( wvu.edu ) is classified as a Doctoral/Research University—extensive and is the state’s only comprehensive doctoral-granting land grant institution. The university community is committed to student-centered priorities, academic excellence, research, creative activity, and service to the state. WVU is located about 70 miles south of Pittsburgh in Morgantown, West Virginia, a college town that enjoys high-quality health care, sporting events, performing arts and outdoor activities.
West Virginia University has created a dual career program to help faculty partners or spouses find employment in and around the university ( https://careers.wvu.edu/career-opportunities/dual-career-program ).
West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.
From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.
At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values — service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation — unite us as Mountaineers.
Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.
West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.
The successful candidate will be expected to maintain an active program of research/creative activity sufficient to meet the expectations of a Carnegie Research 1, land-grant university, including the expectation to pursue external grants to support research/creative activity related to their discipline.
Participation in School of Art & Design activities, recruitment and retention of students, and faculty governance is required. Active participation in professional organizations in the field is expected, and the successful candidate will participate in and contribute to the School, serve on committees, and engage in the university and professional communities.
DATE OF APPOINTMENT: August 14, 2026 (Classes begin August 18, 2026)
Required Qualifications
- MFA in studio art with an emphasis in painting
- Minimum 1-year teaching experience as instructor of record in a collegiate studio arts program
- A strong record of exhibitions in reputable venues
- A proven working knowledge of oil and acrylic mediums
- Written and oral communication skills consistent with and complementary to the expectations of a public research university
- Demonstrated interest in alternative painting techniques
- Interest in sustainable painting practices, natural pigments, and textiles
- Experience in attracting and maintaining quality undergraduate and graduate students
DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin immediately. The search will remain open until the position is filled.
APPLICATION: Interested candidates should apply online at https://careers.wvu.edu/career-opportunities. A complete application must include:
- A letter of application
- Curriculum vitae
- Artist Statement
- Teaching Philosophy and sample syllabus for a painting class
- 20 Digital images (in JPEG, PDF, or PowerPoint format only) of recent personal work
- 20 Digital images (in JPEG, PDF, or PowerPoint format only) of recent student work
- Names of 3-5 references who may be contacted (including names, mailing addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses, and relationship to the applicant).
THE COLLEGE OF CREATIVE ARTS & MEDIA has over 2,000 students. It comprises four professionally accredited and nationally recognized Schools of Art & Design, Media & Communications, Music, and Theatre & Dance. Each School offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degrees addressing such fields as the creative and performing arts, advertising and communications, arts education and scholarship, design disciplines, journalism, marketing, and public relations, museum studies, the recording industry, theatre technology, and the intersection of art and health.
The College of Creative Arts & Media is housed in the Canady Creative Arts Center, the Art Museum of WVU, Martin Hall, and several other buildings across campus. It has more than 70 full-time faculty and 20 professional staff whose mission is to inspire freedom of expression and creativity that contributes to the betterment of society and the enrichment of the human experience. Exemplifying excellence and innovation in performance, exhibition, scholarship, and creative research, the College offers artistic, media, and cultural opportunities for the citizens of West Virginia and the regional community.
WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY ( wvu.edu ) is classified as a Doctoral/Research University—extensive and is the state’s only comprehensive doctoral-granting land grant institution. The university community is committed to student-centered priorities, academic excellence, research, creative activity, and service to the state. WVU is located about 70 miles south of Pittsburgh in Morgantown, West Virginia, a college town that enjoys high-quality health care, sporting events, performing arts and outdoor activities.
West Virginia University has created a dual career program to help faculty partners or spouses find employment in and around the university ( https://careers.wvu.edu/career-opportunities/dual-career-program ).
West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.
From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.
At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values — service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation — unite us as Mountaineers.
Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.
West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.