Department Contact: Carissa Samaniego, 575-646-1705, carissas@nmsu.edu

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Advertising Summary: The Department of Art at New Mexico State University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor in Studio Foundations to begin August 2026.

Position Details

Position Title: Assistant Professor

College/Division: Arts and Sciences College

Department: 330100-ART

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate: Commensurate with qualifications

Appointment Full-time Equivalency: 1.0

FLSA Status: Exempt

Bargaining Unit Announcement:

Contingent Upon Funding: Not Applicable

Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: 

Job Duties and Responsibilities: Responsibilities include building and maintaining a strong and active exhibition record; teaching an annual 3/3 course load (fifteen contact hours per week); management and oversight of all aspects of the studio core areas; advising undergraduate and graduate students; service to the department, college, university, and profession; and outreach.

The Department of Art is housed in the new state-of-the-art Devasthali Hall and offers BA degrees in Studio Art and Art History, BFA degrees in studio art and museum conservation, an MA degree in Art History and an MFA in Studio Art. NMSU also offers a Graduate Certificate in Museum Studies. Facilities include traditional drawing, painting, graphic design, photography, sculpture, metals, ceramics and include digital tools in 2D and 3D design and fabrication, including ink jet printers, C&C machine, laser cutters, water jet cutter, digital embroidery, 3D printers, 3D ceramic printer, risograph, decal printers, along with two Mac labs.

The Studio Core course sequence at New Mexico State University is a vertically integrated curriculum that supports BFA and MFA students from entry through thesis, emphasizing creative thinking, technical proficiency, and professional practice. Structured as a four-course sequence, it guides students from conceptual exploration to formal development, practical engagement with the art world, and ultimately the synthesis and presentation of a cohesive body of work. Together, these courses form the backbone of the department, cultivating adaptable, interdisciplinary artists prepared for contemporary professional contexts.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience: 
M.F.A. in Studio Art (or related field) with demonstrated expertise in transmedia, and cross-disciplinary practices. Minimum of three years of university-level teaching experience beyond graduate study and an active exhibition record with new creative work within the past three years.

Equivalent Qualifications: 

Preferred Qualifications: 
The successful candidate will be an accomplished, versatile artist with expertise in contemporary approaches, concepts, materials, and techniques across 2D, 3D, and digital/analog fabrication, including drawing and sculpture. Ability to teach and mentor undergraduate and graduate students across media; manage studio facilities, equipment, and budgets; and maintain current safety and health standards. Preferred qualifications include technical proficiency in digital and analogue drawing and 3D design, familiarity with contemporary art history and theory, and a demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse student and faculty population.

Special Certification/Licensure: 
Please submit a letter of interest, current CV, artist statement, statement of teaching philosophy, names and contact information for three references, unofficial transcripts as well as 20 sample images of/video links to your creative work, and 20 samples of student work in a single pdf. Images should be clearly labeled and submitted in digital form, via the NMSU careers website

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

Physical Effort: No or very limited physical effort required.

Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking.

Risk: No or very limited exposure to physical risk.