The Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design is a thriving community of creative thinkers, makers, and doers. Within our family of programs, you'll find future-thinking innovation happening alongside deep, traditional studies. You'll find buzzing, interconnected social practice projects coexisting with contemplative, independent studio experimentation. You'll find deep art-historical research unfolding in parallel with experimental future-building.

Our undergraduate Art programs allow for the exploration of studio art experiences and processes with an emphasis on developing a unique creative vision. The program goes beyond the physical activities of making to include idea generation, influences, materials, tools, and methods. Our MFA in Art & Social Practice blends critical and professional practice, progressive pedagogy, collaborative social engagement, and transdisciplinary exploration to intersect art with immersive educational experiences. As part of a vibrant urban research university, we thrive from our location in Portland's design-rich culture and close connection to adjacent programs like Graphic Design and Art History. Our students benefit from cross-disciplinary opportunities, mentorship, and public-facing design work that connects classroom learning with real-world impact.

The College of the Arts and the Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design at Portland State University invites applications for the Assistant Professor of Visual & Critical Studies, beginning Fall 2026. This is a full-time, tenure-track (1.0 FTE, 9-month) position.

The Art Practice area offers an interdisciplinary education in contemporary art and socially engaged practice. Our students are passionate about exploring the cultural meanings through a diverse array of visual media and critical approaches that connect to social, economic, and material circumstances. Students are currently able to pursue a BA or BS in Art & Design, a BFA in Art Practice, and an MFA in Art & Social Practice.

We seek a dynamic and innovative scholar-practitioner who will support our undergraduate and graduate students in Art Practice to foster a contextual understanding of their practice in settings beyond the classroom. The ideal candidate would foster interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary, and post-disciplinary inquiry with a commitment to accessibility and social engagement. The candidate would also demonstrate a strong commitment to teaching and mentoring students working across media in rigorous academic and creative practices. We are particularly interested in candidates whose work addresses global approaches to visual literacy and relational aesthetics.

Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.

At Portland State University, all employees are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner which maintains a safe, respectful, and productive environment for faculty, students, administrators, and staff. It is the responsibility of every member of the Portland State University community to conduct themselves in accordance with our PSU Professional Standards of Conduct.

Salary is dependent on several factors, and new employees will typically start around the first quartile to allow for later growth within the salary band. PSU has a structured process for determining starting compensation, taking into account years of related experience, applicable skills, knowledge and abilities, market parity, and internal equity.

The starting annual salary for this position will be $74,016 but may be negotiated above this rate dependent upon the factors above, the budget of the hiring department, and approval from HR.

An excellent benefits package includes 95% premium paid healthcare; a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon University System schools. Please visit our total compensation calculator to see the full value of our benefits package.