The Department of Art + Design at Utah State University invites applications for a tenure-track, Assistant Professor position in the Photography Program. We seek a dynamic artist-educator with strong technical knowledge, a record of creative practice, and demonstrated teaching experience at the university level. The ideal candidate will actively contribute to shaping the future of the photography program by maintaining a vibrant creative practice, mentoring and teaching both undergraduate and graduate students, and playing a critical role in the oversight, operation, and strategic development of photography facilities and lab. 

The successful candidate will have a demonstrated ability and willingness to manage and maintain both digital and traditional wet lab and photography facilities, including equipment inventory, safety protocols, and student access. This position also requires a proactive approach to lab supervision, equipment upkeep, budgetary planning for lab needs, and coordination with faculty and staff to ensure a productive learning environment. In addition, the successful candidate is expected to contribute through service within the department, the college, and the university, supporting shared goals and collaborative initiatives. 

Review of applications will begin January 15, 2026, and the position will remain open until filled. Anticipated start date is August 2026. 

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in photography across digital and analog practices 
• Work with/advise/mentor graduate students 
• Oversee the day-to-day management of the photography lab and facilities, including digital labs, wet darkrooms, and studio spaces 
• Supervise and maintain photography equipment, including scheduling repairs, coordinating checkouts, tracking inventory, and ensuring safe and effective use of resources 
• Work collaboratively with staff, students, and faculty to ensure efficient and safe lab operations 
• Engage in academic scholarship and/or creative research, including exhibitions, publications, and grant writing 
• Participate in departmental, college, and university service  
• Contribute to curriculum development 
• Support and build the photography program through active mentoring, program planning, and community engagement. 

Minimum Qualifications 

• MFA in photography or a terminal degree in a related field 
• Ability to teach both digital and analog photography 
• Ability to teach alternative photographic processes in a wet darkroom 
• Demonstrated experience in managing photography facilities, including digital labs, darkrooms, and equipment checkout systems 
• Strong commitment to overseeing lab maintenance, equipment calibration, and implementation of best practices in safety and accessibility 
• Evidence of an ongoing and successful record of creative and/or research activity 
• Strong knowledge of contemporary art and photographic practices 
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills 
• Collaborative, reliable, and committed to supporting a positive team culture

Preferred Qualifications 

• Three or more years of university-level teaching experience as instructor of record or equivalent  
• Ability to teach history of photography 
• Expertise in advanced digital media and/or video art 
• Ability to assist in student recruitment at the undergraduate and graduate levels 
• Knowledge of the histories and theories of photography 
• Strong proficiency with digital and analog printing technologies  

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Curriculum Vitae to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”
2. Cover Letter expressing interest in the position to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”
3. Portfolio of creative activity & research (up to 20 images) with an image list including medium, size, and dates to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”
4. Portfolio of student work (up to 20 images) in PDF format with an image list including medium, size, and dates to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”
5. Statement of teaching philosophy and two examples of syllabus to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”
6. Name and contact information for three professional references to be typed into the candidate profile at the beginning of the application. 

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Employees typically work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.  

Housed in the College of the Arts and Sciences at USU and accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the Department of Art + Design has a century-long history and a suite of well-established and highly regarded programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. (Please see https://cca.usu.edu/art/ for a complete listing of all academic programs in the department and their curricula.) The department features approximately twelve exhibitions a year in the beautifully remodeled Tippetts and Eccles Galleries; this includes a national juried exhibition for current BFA and MFA students. The department also works closely with the Executive Director and Chief Curator of the Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art to engage students from across the university in arts programming. In addition to programs on the Logan Campus, the department has faculty on the USU Eastern campuses in Price and Blanding, Utah, and delivers courses by electronic and hybrid instructional systems to USU’s six other regional campuses and numerous county centers around the state. 

Utah State University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).  

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls 28,900 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by conference championships in multiple sports, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

*updated 09/2025

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| OCR.Denver@ed.gov

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 |  OCR@ed.gov

*updated 10/2025