Job description
The School of Art, Art History and Design invites applications for a full-time tenure track position in Modern and Contemporary Art History at the Assistant Professor level beginning in August 2026. Salary will be commensurate with experience.
This position offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the vibrant community and mission of the School of Art, Art History, and Design, and we are seeking a passionate and collaborative colleague to join us in teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in Art History. The teaching load is two courses per semester, with flexibility in course design and content. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to teach lower-division courses supported by teaching assistants, small-sized upper-division classes, and graduate seminars. We value mentorship, and the successful candidate will actively serve on M.A. and Ph.D. committees, advise honors students, and support the academic journey of our students at all levels, including our students earning a B.A. in the Art, Museums, and Museology track. The person in this position will serve as a visible advocate for excellence in Art History at the University of Iowa.
Since 1938, the School of Art, Art History and Design has embraced the “Iowa Idea” – an enduring commitment to symbiotically integrate studio practice and the history of art. We see the person in this role as an essential contributor to the “Iowa Idea”: someone who has deep historical and global insight about the art world our students are preparing to enter, and someone who can help students engage thoughtfully with contemporary critical theory for their research and/or artistic practice.
We are especially interested in candidates whose work engages with modernism, post-modernism, and the global turn in contemporary art. We are looking for someone who has the vision, breadth, and knowledge to create a new curriculum in modern and contemporary art history. Therefore, the candidate should be well versed in the broader historical contexts of the development of modern and contemporary art and its intellectual, cultural, social, and political implications and impact.
Required qualifications:
· Ph.D. in Art History by date of hire
· Demonstrated evidence of successful university-level teaching experience
· The vision, breadth, and knowledge to create a new curriculum in modernism, post-modernism, and the global turn in contemporary art history
· Well-articulated research and publication agenda
Desirable qualifications:
· Breadth of knowledge in Western art history
· A strong record of academic scholarship and research
· Ability to mentor students interested in a museum career
The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences.
Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, (319) 335-2660 or [email protected]. For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543.
How to apply
Candidates should submit applications online at http://jobs.uiowa.edu/. Search requisition #75697. Screening of applications will begin on October 13th, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled.
Candidates should provide:
· A letter of application that explains how you fit the above listed qualifications, and how you and your work will contribute to and enhance the Art History community at the University of Iowa.
· Curriculum Vitae
· One example of published research in a .pdf format
· Candidates should also submit the names and contact information for 3 references. Letters of recommendation will only be requested for those candidates invited to interview for the position.
Questions should be directed to Kellie Kucera ([email protected])
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any misconduct history or pending research misconduct investigation including but not limited to sexual misconduct in prior employment and provide a related release and will be subject to a criminal background and credential check.
