Visiting Instructor in Ceramics

Posting Details

Posting Details

Logo Institution The University of South Dakota Working Title Visiting Instructor in Ceramics Posting Number F01930P Department USD-Art Physical Location of Position (City) Vermillion Posting Text

Job Title: Visiting Instructor in Ceramics (Non-Tenure Track)

Department: Department of Art

Institution: University of South Dakota

Program: Nationally Recognized BFA/MFA Art Program

Appointment: Full-time, 9-month academic year

Start Date: August 2026

Position Description:

The University of South Dakota is seeking a non-tenure-track Visiting Instructor in Ceramics for a nine-month appointment beginning in August 2026. This position involves teaching ceramics at the undergraduate level within a dynamic BFA/MFA Art program. The candidate will engage in research, teaching, and service activities according to the guidelines of the South Dakota Board of Regents (SDBOR).

Responsibilities (Preferred):

• Teaching 9 contact hours per semester (18 per academic year)
• Teaching foundational through advanced courses in ceramics including studio, seminar, and lecture formats.
• Teaching introductory Drawing I.
• Teaching critical thinking, problem solving, contemporary theory, and emerging concepts in ceramics.
• Operation and upkeep of ceramic studio equipment, including gas, electric, and wood-fired kilns, pottery wheels, clay mixers, and related tools, with responsibilities also encompassing maintaining supplies and scheduling student assistants in the ceramic studio.
• Working to rebuild inoperable outdoor woodfire kiln.
• Working with diverse students, faculty, and staff.

Responsibilities (Alternative)

• Teaching 12 contact hours per semester (24 per academic year)
• Teaching foundational through advanced courses in ceramics including studio, seminar, and lecture formats.
• Teaching introductory Drawing I and/or other courses as needed.
• Teaching critical thinking, problem solving, contemporary theory, and emerging concepts in ceramics.
• Operation and upkeep of ceramic studio equipment, including gas, electric, and wood-fired kilns, pottery wheels, clay mixers, and related tools, with responsibilities also encompassing maintaining supplies and scheduling student assistants in the ceramic studio.
• Working with diverse students, faculty, and staff.

Required Qualifications:

• MFA in ceramics or a closely related field.
• Experience in multiple ceramic processes; including but not limited to hand-building, wheel-throwing, mold-making/slip-casting, historical and contemporary techniques, and new-media applications.
• Knowledge of glaze chemistry, kiln firing procedures, and ceramic equipment.
• Established exhibition and/or scholarly record.
• Ability to teach critical thinking, problem-solving, contemporary theory, and emerging concepts in ceramics.
• Knowledge of operation and maintenance of ceramics studio.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• University-level teaching experience with three years of college-level teaching experience preferred but not required.
• Ability as a studio technician, especially kiln construction and maintenance
• Ability to maintain a vibrant visiting artist program in ceramics.
• Evidence of community building within and outside of the department.
• Commitment to building a strong ceramics program and establishing an MFA Ceramics program.
• Work collaboratively with other disciplines.
• Evidence of grant writing.

Rank and Salary:

Rank: Visiting Instructor

Salary: $45,000

Benefits: Full standard benefits package

Application Process:

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Applicants are required to apply online at http://yourfuture.sdbor.edu and should include:

• Letter of application
• Curriculum vitae
• 20 labeled digital images of personal work
• Artist website URL and/or social media presence
• One representative course syllabus
• Teaching philosophy
• Artist statement
• Contact information for three professional references
• If applying for Preferred Responsibilities:
• Statement regarding studio technical experience and knowledge of kiln construction and maintenance
• If applying for Alternative Responsibilities:
• Statement regarding ability to teach Drawing I. Please provide a full list of courses taught at any level and relevant courses you are prepared to teach. Include studio arts, art history, and art foundations courses.

Items that cannot be transferred digitally should be sent to:

Amanda Lynch, Office of the Dean

Ceramic Search Committee

College of Fine Arts

The University of South Dakota

414 E. Clark Street, Vermillion, SD 57069

Questions: Amanda.Lynch@usd.edu

Posting Date 07/27/2026 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes First Consideration Date 08/03/2026 Advertised Salary 45000 Duration of the Term 9 months If Other, describe duration Appointment Percent 100 Tenure Status Term Proposed Rank Instructor Work Hours Typical Hours Worked Per Week Appointment Type Temporary Scope of Search External (includes Internal) If internal, define scope of search Department Description and Cultural Expectations

About the Department

The Department of Art is housed in the College of Fine Arts at the University of South Dakota and offers both the BFA and MFA degrees in Art. USD is a community of approximately 100+ undergraduate majors, 10 graduate students and 10 full-time art faculty, recognized for a strong studio curriculum, visiting artist program, and accomplished alumni. Our facilities include studio classrooms in ceramics, graphic design, painting, photography, printmaking, drawing and sculpture. Our ceramics facilities include:

• Large, open ceramic studio with 25 Pacifica electric wheels, extruders and a slab roller.
• Dedicated clay mixing room with ventilation, vacuum deairing equipment, pugmill/clay mixer.
• Glazing area with a glaze spray booth
• Indoor gas and electric kilns with hood ventilation. Outdoor wood, raku and gas soda kilns.
• NASAD accreditation.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

USD is committed to fostering a dynamic and welcoming working and learning environments for all. USD provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to ideological, political, or sectarian opinions or perspectives; or race, color, creed, religion, sex, ancestry, disability, national origin or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. USD is committed to the principles of free expression and encourages the timely and rational discussion of topics in an environment that is intellectually and ideologically diverse.

Contact Information

Amanda Lynch, Office of the Dean

Ceramic Search Committee

College of Fine Arts

The University of South Dakota

414 E. Clark Street, Vermillion, SD 57069

Amanda.Lynch@usd.edu

Working Conditions

Cognitive Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the cognitive requirements for this position. Analyzing, Comprehend, Frequent Change, Multiple Priorities, Multiple Stimuli, Reading, Verbal Communication, Written Communication

Protective Clothing/Equipment

Please check the appropriate response for this position's use of the following protective clothing or equipment. Other If other protection is used please identify

Presence of dust and glazing chemicals. Mask/Respirator used per preference.

Physical Requirements

Please designate the physical requirements of this position Bending, Stooping, Twisting, Carrying, Fine Finger Manipulation (keyboarding, pipefitting, bench work, etc), Grasping, Lifting Above Waist, Lifting Below Waist, Pushing/Pulling, Reaching, Use Both Hands, Use of Either Hand, Independently, Walking, Wrist Movement (twisting or rotating), Lifting moderate Describe any of the conditions selected

Those physical actions necessary for the instruction of ceramics techniques.

Sensory Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory requirements for this position. Color Vision, Hearing, Speaking, Vision (With and without corrective lenses)

Working Conditions & Exposures

Working Conditions or Exposures (or potential exposures) that this position may encounter during the course of the work day. Atmospheric Contaminants (includes odors & fumes), Working Around Machinery, Changes of Temperature, Exposure to Dust, Walking/Standing on wood, metal or concrete Please describe, in more detail, any of the conditions checked above

Standard ceramics studio: electric and wood kilns, electric and manual pottery wheels, pug mixer; concrete floor;

Working Environment

Check the appropriate box(es) that best describes the environment in which the primary function of the position is performed. Classroom Environment, Other Environment (Please explain below), Outdoors Environment If you have indicated Other Environment, if work tasks involve one or more of the above, or if further explanation is necessary, please use the space provided.

Ceramics studio. Outdoor wood kilns.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Portfolio
• Reference List

Optional Documents

• Media File
• Other
• Work or Writing Sample