Instructor/Assistant Professor and Shop Technician

Instructor/Assistant Professor and Shop Technician

Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts (VCUarts)
Department of Sculpture + Extended media

This full-time, 9-month position is at the rank of Instructor/Assistant Professor, is non-tenure eligible (term), and begins August 16, 2024.

Application Deadline: Review of applications begins January 15, 2024 and continues until the position is filled. For best consideration, applications are due by January 15, 2024.

The Opportunity:

The Department of Sculpture + Extended Media () seeks a dynamic individual to manage its extensive fabrication facilities. The person in this role supports the needs of graduate and undergraduate-level teaching, and oversees the instructional and safety needs of the students using the department's woodshop, metal shop, mold making area, foundry and studios. The position includes the opportunity to teach at the undergraduate level, based on the particular skills of the successful candidate.

This position is a 9-month non-tenure eligible (term) faculty position with an academic rank of Instructor or Assistant Professor, and will serve as the Shop Technician. Term faculty are eligible for promotion in academic rank, and are valued for their academic, professional, and creative practice/scholarly contributions in their specific area of expertise. The faculty member’s responsibilities will be heavily weighted toward service/mentorship/non-credit instruction as a shop technician who works with undergraduate and graduate students.

Major Responsibilities:

Occupying over 50,000 sq. ft. of studio and shop space, our state-of-the-art facility contains well-equipped wood and metal shops, a fully functional foundry for bronze and aluminum casting and a large work space for mold making. In addition, the department utilizes cutting-edge digital fabrication equipment, a 22-seat computer lab, and an extensive library of AV equipment for student use. The comprehensive scope of our technical resources allows for a robust interpretation of contemporary sculptural practice stretching from the constructed to the performative, and offers students an immersive learning experience, ranging from traditional techniques to the most experimental approaches in contemporary art making. The comprehensive scope of our technical resources allows for a robust interpretation of contemporary sculptural practice stretching from the constructed to the performative, and offers students an immersive learning experience, ranging from traditional techniques to the most experimental approaches in contemporary art making.

The shop technician:
• Works both independently and in collaboration with other faculty to oversee the day-to-day operation and upkeep of the department's woodshop, metal shop, mold making area, foundry and studios; maintain the safe working order of all existing shop equipment.
• Instructs students and faculty on the proper and safe use of complex and specialized equipment; organizes and facilitates safety demonstrations for instructional faculty within the department as well as faculty and students outside the department.
• Mentors and trains graduate technical assistants; schedule, train, manage, and oversee a team of undergraduate shop monitors to ensure safe coverage of the shops.
• Researches and identifies new and appropriate equipment for a shop that supports emerging technologies.
• In collaboration with the Chair and department faculty, plans the acquisition and use of new and emerging equipment, while maintaining and keeping viable traditional equipment that remains relevant to the curriculum and research potential.
• Collaborates with other faculty on methods to incorporate and utilize the equipment and studios in the departmental curriculum, both in the undergraduate and graduate programs.
• Stays abreast of state and university purchasing and fiscal policies; purchase and receive all shop equipment and supplies.
• Maintains the undergraduate studio spaces, studio assignments, and move in/move out; organizes departmental semester clean-ups.
• Teaching will be expected in the faculty member’s area(s) of expertise.

Creative research is not a primary expectation for this non-tenure eligible (term) position. The faculty member is expected to demonstrate excellence through service, mentorship, and teaching and maintain a technical body of knowledge within the discipline. The department will support the faculty member’s professional development, as appropriate and within available resources, to ensure ongoing mastery of the discipline as it relates to the program’s curriculum and departmental needs. Professional development activities will be consistent with and support the mission and initiatives of the department, school, and university. The department will also support creative research at an appropriate annual level, though service, mentorship, and shop management will constitute the majority of the faculty member’s responsibilities.

As a member of a community-oriented, tight-knit department and School, the faculty member could provide additional service to support student, department, and school-wide initiatives; supporting recruitment activities; and serving on department/School/University committees. Other responsibilities may be assigned by the Chair or university administration.

Qualifications:
• MFA or a combination of technical training, professional experience and education.
• Minimum of two years of teaching experience at the University level.
• Minimum of two years of demonstrated expertise working in a woodshop, metal shop, mold making area, and/or foundry and familiarity with the related equipment and safety protocol, preferably in arts higher education.
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU.
• Experience teaching in a Sculpture program, or in a comparable arts program. (Preferred)
• Experience teaching in a fine arts and/or design program in an accredited arts school. (Preferred)
• Experience supervising graduate students. (Preferred)

Application Instructions:
Virginia Commonwealth University is committed to organizational diversity, equity and inclusion - an environment where all can thrive in their pursuit of excellence. VCUarts strongly encourages applications from all racial, ethnic, gender, and social identities.

Applicants are requested to submit a Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (typically between 150-300 words) providing your career aspirations and contributions toward promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through this statement, you can share how your lived experiences, and academic and professional activities will impact your contribution to VCU’s mission of promoting equity and inclusion.

Note: Examples include working with others to further the goals of equity and inclusion; leading in any capacity that tangibly promotes an environment where diversity is welcomed, fostered, and celebrated; creative activity, research and scholarship that promotes equity and parity; teaching and mentoring students, and/or engaging with faculty and/or staff from traditionally underrepresented groups to create a positive and successful organizational experience. For additional guidance on writing a Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

To apply, please submit application materials via VCU Jobs Website at . Only electronic applications will be accepted.

Application materials should be to the attention of Chris Mahonski, Associate Professor and Chair of the search committee. The following documents should be included:
• A Letter of Interest, which conveys relevant academic and professional experience and describes experiences and/or professional service that inform a collaborative and community-engaged approach to an arts education.
• Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (see above for details)
• Current CV/Resume
• A list of three current references including names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses (references will not be contacted prior to applicant’s approval)
• Portfolio of work- a link to appropriate selections of documentation of the applicant's experience in their area of expertise. This could include traditional and/or non-traditional examples of one's work from a broad cross-section and/or combination of experience from a variety of roles.

Review of applications begins January 15, 2024 and continues until the position is filled. For best consideration, applications are due by January 15, 2024.

Virginia Commonwealth University is committed to providing accessible and equitable living, learning and working environments free from discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or disability.

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