Assistant Professor in Sculpture (Studio Area), The Department of Visual Art and Art History in the School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design at York University
The Department of Visual Art and Art History in the School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design at York University invites highly qualified applicants for an Assistant Professor position in Sculpture (Studio Area). This is an open tenure-track appointment to the Professorial Stream to commence July 1, 2027. We seek a practicing artist with a primary focus on sculpture. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical, conceptual, and historical grounding in the medium and its relation to broader contemporary cultural production and discourses.
The Department of Visual Art and Art History is one of the leaders in art history and art practice in Canada. Recent renovations of undergraduate studio spaces, expansion of the MFA studios, and creation of a visual art study centre have contributed to the growth of the department. We are committed to teaching critical issues in art and art history, and to the ongoing development of programs in all areas of studio and studies.
Candidate Qualifications:
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- Degree: A PhD or PhD equivalent such as an MFA with a substantial record of professional experience, with a focus on sculpture practice, by the appointment’s start is required.
- Scholarship:
- A coherent and well-articulated program of research creation and specialization in contemporary sculptural practices, including but not limited to digital techniques and processes, ceramic sculpture, foundry, public art, installation art practices, and all other forms of traditional and non-traditional sculpture.
- A record or evident promise of generating innovative, substantive, rigorous, and as appropriate, externally funded research creation.
- A record or evident promise of making influential contributions and demonstrating excellence in the field (e.g., regional, national, and international exhibitions and awards, commissions, reviews, collections).
- Teaching:
- A record or evident promise of excellence in teaching and dedication to students (e.g., innovative course syllabi, student and peer assessments, etc.).
- A minimum of two years post-secondary teaching is required. o Suitability for prompt appointment to the Faculty of Graduate Studies, given that the position will involve graduate teaching and supervision.
- Through their teaching and practice-led research, applicants for this position must demonstrate technical expertise and conceptual rigour in sculptural processes that would enable them to teach both foundational techniques and multi-disciplinary experimentation.
- The successful candidate will be able to integrate evolving digital technologies with contemporary fine art theory and practice.
- The successful candidate will join collaborative and committed peers who share administrative duties and responsibilities such as departmental governance and committee work.
Hiring Policies:
- The anticipated starting salary for this position at the rank of Assistant Professor is in the range of $130,000 to $160,000 and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. York University offers generous benefits and salary provisions.
- York is an Affirmative Action (AA) employer and strongly values diversity, including gender and sexual diversity, in its community. Details of the AA Program, which applies to women, members of racialized groups, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as 2SLGBTQ+, can be found here or by contacting Aqsa Ahmed, EDI Program Manager (aqsa517@yorku.ca).
- York welcomes and employs scholars from all over the world. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.
Application Process:
- Due date for completed applications: November 10, 2026
- Required materials: 1) up-to-date CV highlighting record of professional exhibitions, research presentations, awards and accolades; 2) portfolio of relevant work; 3) letter of application articulating your experience, research agenda and approach to teaching excellence, including accomplishments and pedagogical innovations; 4) names and contact information of three professional references.
- Provide required information regarding your Canadian work status and optional self-identification for Affirmative Action purposes at this link: YUWorkAA.
- Direct questions about the position to Patrick Legris, Administrative Assistant of the Department of Visual Art and Art History, vaah-search@yorku.ca.
Submit materials: to vaah-search@yorku.ca, as a single PDF no larger than 20 MB.