University of Houston

Department: School of Art Salary: Commensurate with experience

Description:

The School of Art at the University of Houston, a Tier-One public research university, seeks applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Graphic Design to begin Fall 2026.

The program seeks outstanding candidates who:

• understand the implications of design practice in relationship to broader social, economic, scientific, and technological forces
• inspire students and help them develop skills necessary for the translation of meaningful ideas into innovative and actionable solutions to real world problems
• can assist with the development and support of the program’s relationships with external partnerships and non-profit institutions

The successful candidate will have an active research record with the potential to achieve national or international recognition and a developing record as a teacher and mentor.

The School of Art is NASAD accredited with BFA, BA, and MFA degrees. The School of Art faculty are leaders in their fields, with MacArthur, MacDowell, and Guggenheim Fellows among their ranks. The school is situated in the Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts, an innovative home of the visual and performing arts at the University of Houston, which is in the thriving and dynamic arts city of Houston. All applications are welcome and encouraged, including from individuals with a history of, and commitment to, mentoring students.

Applicants for the position are expected to exhibit the following core values and competencies:

• Passion, energy, and tenacity;
• Integrity and collegiality;
• An ability to attract resources, including grants or other external sources of support, that advance the school’s mission;
• An aptitude for building dynamic degree programs and recruiting top-tier students;
• An ability to find creative solutions to difficult problems.

School of Art faculty are also committed to:

• Excellence in the arts, arts education, and arts scholarship;
• Fostering student growth and success;
• Collaboration with others, both within and across disciplines.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include teaching a 2/3 load that may include foundation, intermediate and advanced undergraduate and graduate courses in graphic design, including studio courses for majors in the candidate’s area of expertise; developing curriculum; mentoring students; maintaining an ongoing record of design research, and/or creative/critical practice; sharing responsibility for all aspects of the Graphic Design program; and serving on committees at the School, College, and University levels.

Minimum Qualifications

MFA or MDes in Graphic Design; advanced skills in both traditional graphic design tools and methods and an engagement with emerging technologies. Record of excellence in one or more of the following areas: user experience and web design, experiential design, branding, typography, and/or related areas. The ability to build on a personal/professional design research agenda and/or creative/critical practice.

Preferred Qualifications

1-2 years of college-level teaching experience beyond the Master’s degree; knowledge of and skills with emerging technologies.

Required Application Documents

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• CV
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy
• Contact information for three references (letters will be requested for finalists only)
• Link to creative/academic/professional work (20 images)
• Link to portfolio of representative student work (15-20 images, if applicable)

Application Deadline

Preferential deadline is November 15, 2025 but applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Official transcripts are required for a faculty appointment and will be requested upon selection of the final candidates.

All positions at the University of Houston-System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check. Individuals conducting research in critical infrastructure areas (i.e., communication infrastructure systems, cybersecurity systems, electric grid, hazardous waste treatment systems, and/or water treatment facilities) are subject to regular review to ensure the security and integrity of the research is maintained.

The University of Houston System and its universities are Equal Opportunity Institutions. Everyone is encouraged to apply.