Job Description
The University of Alabama at Birmingham ( UAB ) Department of Art and Art History invites applications for a temporary one-year Assistant Professor of Illustration beginning August 2027. The successful candidate will help develop and launch a new Illustration concentration and teach undergraduate and graduate students in the B.A., B.F.A., and M.A.E. programs. We seek an educator and practicing illustrator with expertise in analog and digital illustration and a demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching. Special consideration will be given to applicants whose teaching abilities overlap with several of the following areas: animation, interactive design, game design, or other digital and design-related fields. This position will have a full-time 3/3 teaching load and include foundational to advanced-level courses. Other responsibilities include: supporting the illustration studio in collaboration with the lab supervisor and relevant art faculty, holding office hours, and providing service to the department, college, university, community, and profession. The Department of Art and Art History is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. Its programs include studio art, graphic and digital design, art history, and cultural heritage studies. Studio facilities, digital labs, exhibitions, visiting artists, community partnerships, and professional projects support hands-on learning and student development. UAB is a comprehensive Tier 1 research university and medical center with more than 22,000 students. UAB is ranked in the top 20 among public universities in the US in terms of federal research funding and is the major teaching-research university in Alabama. UAB offers exceptional undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs that prepare students to be the preeminent scholars and societal leaders of the future. UAB ranks in the top ten nationally for student diversity. UAB was recently named America’s No. 1 Best Large Employer and America’s No. 4 Best Employer for Diversity (Forbes, 2021). Times Higher Education has ranked UAB No. 1 Young U.S. University for two years in a row, top 10 worldwide. Spanning more than 100 city blocks, UAB is the state of Alabama’s largest single employer and has an annual state-wide economic impact exceeding $7.15 billion. You must apply online and be prepared to submit the following: 1. cover letter, 2. current curriculum vitae, 3. statement of teaching philosophy, 4. URL link to online portfolios of personal and student work (10-20 examples of each). In addition, the applicant should be prepared to provide names and contact information for three professional references. Applications received by January 11, 2027, will receive full consideration. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. First-round interviews of selected applicants will take place by video conference, and finalists will be invited for on-campus interviews. Questions may be directed to the Search Committee Chair, Ryan Meyer, [email protected]. For more information, visit the Department of Art and Art History and UAB websites.
Required Qualifications
An MFA or equivalent terminal degree in Illustration or a closely related studio art or design field from an accredited institution. College-level teaching experience in illustration, drawing, or a closely related studio area. Demonstrated fluency in analog and digital illustration.
Preferred Qualifications
Teaching or professional depth in one or more areas represented in the curriculum, such as medical, scientific, fantasy, editorial, and narrative. A professional illustration practice demonstrated through a portfolio and relevant professional activity such as commissions, publications, and exhibitions. Additional skills in complementary fields such as animation, game design, interactive media, or graphic design. Experience maintaining shared studio and digital lab facilities. Experience mentoring students and preparing them for professional practice, including portfolio development, project management, freelance business practices, licensing, copyright, pricing, or entrepreneurship.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham ( UAB ) Department of Art and Art History invites applications for a temporary one-year Assistant Professor of Illustration beginning August 2027. The successful candidate will help develop and launch a new Illustration concentration and teach undergraduate and graduate students in the B.A., B.F.A., and M.A.E. programs. We seek an educator and practicing illustrator with expertise in analog and digital illustration and a demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching. Special consideration will be given to applicants whose teaching abilities overlap with several of the following areas: animation, interactive design, game design, or other digital and design-related fields. This position will have a full-time 3/3 teaching load and include foundational to advanced-level courses. Other responsibilities include: supporting the illustration studio in collaboration with the lab supervisor and relevant art faculty, holding office hours, and providing service to the department, college, university, community, and profession. The Department of Art and Art History is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. Its programs include studio art, graphic and digital design, art history, and cultural heritage studies. Studio facilities, digital labs, exhibitions, visiting artists, community partnerships, and professional projects support hands-on learning and student development. UAB is a comprehensive Tier 1 research university and medical center with more than 22,000 students. UAB is ranked in the top 20 among public universities in the US in terms of federal research funding and is the major teaching-research university in Alabama. UAB offers exceptional undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs that prepare students to be the preeminent scholars and societal leaders of the future. UAB ranks in the top ten nationally for student diversity. UAB was recently named America’s No. 1 Best Large Employer and America’s No. 4 Best Employer for Diversity (Forbes, 2021). Times Higher Education has ranked UAB No. 1 Young U.S. University for two years in a row, top 10 worldwide. Spanning more than 100 city blocks, UAB is the state of Alabama’s largest single employer and has an annual state-wide economic impact exceeding $7.15 billion. You must apply online and be prepared to submit the following: 1. cover letter, 2. current curriculum vitae, 3. statement of teaching philosophy, 4. URL link to online portfolios of personal and student work (10-20 examples of each). In addition, the applicant should be prepared to provide names and contact information for three professional references. Applications received by January 11, 2027, will receive full consideration. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. First-round interviews of selected applicants will take place by video conference, and finalists will be invited for on-campus interviews. Questions may be directed to the Search Committee Chair, Ryan Meyer, [email protected]. For more information, visit the Department of Art and Art History and UAB websites.
Required Qualifications
An MFA or equivalent terminal degree in Illustration or a closely related studio art or design field from an accredited institution. College-level teaching experience in illustration, drawing, or a closely related studio area. Demonstrated fluency in analog and digital illustration.
Preferred Qualifications
Teaching or professional depth in one or more areas represented in the curriculum, such as medical, scientific, fantasy, editorial, and narrative. A professional illustration practice demonstrated through a portfolio and relevant professional activity such as commissions, publications, and exhibitions. Additional skills in complementary fields such as animation, game design, interactive media, or graphic design. Experience maintaining shared studio and digital lab facilities. Experience mentoring students and preparing them for professional practice, including portfolio development, project management, freelance business practices, licensing, copyright, pricing, or entrepreneurship.