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