Professor of the Practice in Painting or Drawing

SMFA at Tufts University is seeking applications for a full-time Professor of the Practice position in drawing or painting to begin September 1, 2027.

SMFA considers drawing a discrete discipline and welcomes applicants who specialize in drawing; applicants in painting and expanded approaches are also welcome.

The School of the Museum of Fine Arts (SMFA) is a school within Tufts University's School of Arts and Sciences. SMFA grants the BFA, MFA and MA degrees; students do not major in a single studio practice or area. SMFA faculty are practicing artists and researchers, and sustaining an active creative and research practice- alongside teaching- is an ongoing expectation of the role. Candidates should understand this structure and be prepared to envision their teaching, research, and creative practice within it.

SMFA values cross-disciplinary approaches to curriculum, scholarship, and creative outcomes; we are particularly interested in candidates whose practice and teaching center on drawing or painting but intersect with other areas of study. The ideal candidate will bring diverse experiences that contribute to contemporary art practice and critical discourse, as well as to teaching and mentoring. While this search seeks a colleague with specific disciplinary expertise in drawing and/or painting, SMFA's programs and degrees are grounded in a broader institutional commitment to interdisciplinarity. The successful candidate will be conversant in contemporary developments in the field, and their practice may take a broad view of what constitutes drawing and painting. They will be able to excel at teaching strong drawing and painting skills at the beginning level and able to engage in a contemporary and global conversation at the advanced and graduate level. Additionally, candidates should have a broad understanding of art practice and theory applicable to visual art fields outside of painting.

We are looking for someone who will bring depth in their own practice while actively supporting students whose work moves across media and disciplines-and who can envision how their own teaching, research, and practice fit within SMFA's cross-disciplinary structure.

We are also looking for a colleague with experience and interest in academic leadership. Relevant experience might include service as a department chair, director of graduate studies, or leadership of curricular or governance work.

An MFA (or equivalent terminal degree) is required, along with a minimum of three years of university-level teaching experience that includes both beginning-level and graduate instruction. This is an open-rank search. Candidates should have an active practice and a significant record of professional accomplishments and exhibitions.

Preferred Qualifications

* Demonstrated knowledge of interdisciplinary approaches to drawing or painting, both in teaching and practice

* Experience mentoring and advising undergraduate and graduate students

* Demonstrated experience in curriculum development

Please submit the following materials viaInterfolio at apply.interfolio.com/195246

* Current CV/Resume

* Cover letter. In it, candidates should describe their experience with, and interest in, academic leadership roles such as department chair or director of graduate studies, and should address how SMFA's structure and philosophy align with their own work, training, and expertise.

* Artist's Statement

* Statement on Research

* Statement of Teaching Philosophy

* A link to your professional website and 20 examples of your work with explanatory information

* Up to 20 images of recent student work with relevant information about the work and project assignment descriptions

* Names and contact information for three references

Please contact Elizabeth Finnen with questions. Review of applications will begin Nov 1, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the completion of a background check.

Tufts University is committed to providing competitive and equitable compensation that reflects each candidate's experience, expertise, responsibilities, and performance. The pay offered will be determined based on a variety of factors such as (but not limited to) the individual's education and experience, discipline, rank, internal equity, and budgetary considerations.