Description

The Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at Chapman University invites applications for a full-time, non-tenure-track, Instructional Assistant Professor in Photography beginning August 2026.

Chapman University is a nationally-ranked, R2 Carnegie Classified, private institution offering traditional undergraduate and graduate programs in the heart of Orange County, one of Southern California’s most diverse and vibrant regions. Chapman’s campuses are home to nearly 10,000 students representing 50 states, three territories, and 87 countries. The 11 schools and colleges of Chapman, Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, offer 65 bachelor's, 53 master's, and six doctoral programs, along with nearly 60 minors and 17 accelerated and bridge programs. Classes are taught by the more than 1,100 dedicated faculty members who are leaders in their fields, including Nobel Prize recipients, MacArthur Fellows, National Medal of Science honorees, former U.S. Supreme Court clerks, and Emmy, Grammy, and Academy Award winners.

The Art Department at Chapman University is dedicated to fostering creativity and innovation through a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Our photography program is designed to cultivate emerging artists, equipping students with the technical proficiency and conceptual understanding necessary to thrive in today's visual landscape. With state-of-the-art analog and digital facilities, experienced faculty, and a collaborative environment, we encourage students to explore diverse photographic practices, develop a unique artistic voice, and engage critically with contemporary issues in the art world.

The mission of Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences is to foster rigorous inquiry among our students through a curriculum grounded in the liberal arts that is scholarly, creative, interdisciplinary, and experiential. Wilkinson College plays an important and unique role in the educational journey of every Chapman student and aims to ensure that graduates are prepared to assume their responsibility as global citizens, acting knowledgeably and providing compassionate leadership in our community and world. More information about Wilkinson College is available at www.chapman.edu/wilkinson .

Position Overview

The Department of Art at Chapman University invites applications for a full-time, non-tenure-track Instructional Assistant Professor of Photography to join a vibrant undergraduate art program grounded in studio practice, critical inquiry, and experiential learning. This position is designed for a photographer-educator who is equally committed to excellence in teaching, collaborative program leadership, and stewardship of photography facilities as integral spaces of learning.

The Instructional Assistant Professor of Photography will be a full-time faculty member in the Art Department, teaching undergraduate photography courses while managing and developing the photography labs. The position works in close collaboration with the Professor of Photography and Head of the Photography Area, contributing to curricular continuity, pedagogical innovation, and the overall vision of the photography program.

Responsibilities :

Teach undergraduate photography courses at the introductory through advanced levels, including analog, digital, and hybrid photographic practices.
Contribute to curriculum development and assessment in collaboration with the Head of Photography and other studio art faculty.
Provide mentorship and academic advising to undergraduate students.
In collaboration with the Head of Photography, the Assistant Professor of Photography provide leadership and oversight for the photography facilities.
Actively participate in departmental, college, and university service, and community-engagement initiatives.

Qualifications

Required

MFA or terminal degree in Photography or a closely related field.
Demonstrated excellence in undergraduate teaching.
Strong knowledge of analog and digital photographic processes.

Preferred

Experience managing or supporting photography labs or comparable instructional facilities.

Application Instructions

Qualified candidates are invited to electronically submit the following:

Letter of Application
Curriculum vitae (CV).
One PDF (maximum 20 MB) containing 15-20 examples of student work.
One PDF (maximum 20 MB) comprising 15-20 examples of the candidate’s own work.
Teaching Philosophy Statement
Names and contact information of three references

Inquiries can be directed to the Search Committee Chair, Julie Shafer jshafer@chapman.edu and use (Full-Time position in Photography) as the email subject line. Salary range: $78,000 - $87,000

Application reviews will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with experience. This position is contingent on final budget approval. Successful completion of a background check is required for the final candidate.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

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Instructional Assistant Professor of Photography, Non-Tenure Track, Fall 2026