Instructional Professor (Open Rank) in Photography bei The University of Chicago

The Department of Visual Arts invites applications for a position as an Instructional Professor (open rank) in Photography with an expected start date of September 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. The selected candidate will be appointed at the rank of Assistant Instructional Professor, Associate Instructional Professor, or Instructional Professor, depending on qualifications and educational background. The initial appointment is for a minimum of 2 years, with longer initial terms possible depending on qualifications and initial rank. Review and progression schedule are determined by a collective bargaining agreement between the University and the Service Employees International Union.

Responsibilities include both teaching and service duties. The successful candidate will teach six courses (on the quarter system) in photography and related image practices, including analog black and white, digital color, and large format photography at beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels, as well as the moving image including video. The candidate may also teach occasional courses in specialized areas, such as analog black and white silver printing, digital color printing, alternative processes at advanced levels, and video. Service responsibilities will include participating in MFA and undergraduate quarterly critiques, advising MFA students working in a variety of media, and maintaining the darkroom and related equipment and supplies. Instructional Professors of all ranks are required to engage in regular professional development.

Salary Range or Pay Grade:

Assistant Instructional Professor: $75,676-$81,729; Associate Instructional Professor: $81,730-$88,459; Instructional Professor: $88,460-$98,000 (academic year 2026-2027). This base pay range is for a nine-month academic appointment paid over twelve months. The position also includes a relocation allowance for qualifying expenses.

This position is benefits-eligible. The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

The successful candidate must have an MFA or equivalent professional experience, prior experience teaching photography at the college level with expertise in analog and digital photography and video, and a broad understanding of the history of photography (technology and theory) enabling the candidate to guide students’ work within contemporary photography.

Applicants must upload the following materials to the University of Chicago’s recruitment website at apply.interfolio.com/176411 by 10:59 PM Central Time/11:59 PM Eastern Time on November 24, 2025:

·      CV

·      Cover letter

·      Teaching statement

·      3 sample syllabi: one for an introductory photography course, one for an intermediate or advanced course, and a third for a course of the candidate’s choosing, all demonstrating a deep knowledge and understanding of historical and contemporary photographic and video art practice

·      A link to sample work demonstrating the candidates’ technical capacity and ability to engage artistically with contemporary photography

·      Contact information for three references

Applicants may be asked to provide additional materials following the initial review of applications. Questions may be directed to Joyce Kuechler at [email protected].

The terms and conditions of employment for this position are covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the University and the Service Employees International Union. This position is contingent upon budgetary approval.