Recruit

The Department of Art and Art History at the University of California, Davis invites applicants for the second of two newly endowed senior faculty positions beginning July 1, 2026. Specialization must be an artist/researcher working in an interdisciplinary studio art practice. The appointment will be at the level of Associate Professor or Full Professor.

We seek an artist who can demonstrate a firm grasp of an interdisciplinary art practice that incorporates any combination of contemporary arts disciplines, such as painting, printmaking, digital media, performance, photography, sculpture, and/or installation. Artists developing and expanding the conceptual and technical aspects of fine art practice beyond traditional conventions will be highly considered. Applicants should demonstrate an exceptional level of achievement in their work through exhibitions, critical reviews, publications, grants/awards, and/or other related acknowledgments.

Proficiency in a range of materials and techniques as relevant to an interdisciplinary art practice, coupled with knowledge of the conceptual, theoretical, and/or historical dimensions of contemporary art are essential. Ideal candidates should have an ability to dynamically engage with students at all levels and foster creative and intellectual dialogue with students, faculty, and staff alike. The Maria Manetti Shrem Art Studio Program fosters a vibrant interdisciplinary MFA program and includes three visiting artists and speaker series which are nationally recognized for bringing noteworthy and diverse artists, curators, and critics to campus, all at the forefront of their fields.

The successful candidate will join a dynamic art faculty committed to creative research and undergraduate and graduate education at a Research 1 University. The Maria Manetti Shrem Endowed Chair in Art Studio will provide generous funds in the support of research and teaching annually. They will contribute to leadership in our department, as well as participate in all aspects of departmental life including teaching, research, and service. Candidates are required to have an MFA or equivalent terminal degree, a well-developed portfolio in their area of specialization, and an exhibition record that is national and/or international in scope. They should be conversant in contemporary art issues and studio practices.

We especially welcome candidates whose experience in teaching, research, or service has prepared them to contribute to the University of California’s commitment to diversity and excellence.

Candidates are asked to submit required materials on-line at RECRUIT, https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07395.

Required materials include: a letter of interest; curriculum vitae including past and current teaching; artist/research statement; statement of teaching philosophy; documentation of supporting materials in a single PDF file (including exhibition reviews, published articles, papers, and courses taught, at least one sample undergraduate art studio syllabi, a sample syllabus of a graduate seminar comprised of students working in a variety of art disciplines, list of four references (including names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses); no more than 20 images of professional artwork (each image no larger than 3MB JPEG file and 3000 pixels on longer side); carefully articulated image list including title, dimension, material, date of completion, including a description of each image and if necessary, a link to optional videos or sound files, if applicable; an optional artist website address; an authorization to release information form; and an Authorization to Release Information Form.

For more information, contact the chair of the search committee: Professor Darrin Martin, dtmartin@ucdavis.edu.

For full consideration applications should be received by 1/2/2026.

All material should be submitted through the online application form found at: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07395.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

To implement this process, UC Davis requires all applicants for any open search to complete, sign, and upload the form entitled, "Authorization to Release Information" into UC RECRUIT as part of their application. If an applicant does not include the signed authorization with the application materials, the application will be considered incomplete, and as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration.

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus (http://breathefree.ucdavis.edu/).

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state for federal law.

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. More information is available at: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and students. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service are embodied by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values. A variety of resources and programs are available to academics, staff, and students that reflect the core values reflected in our strategic plan: “To Boldly Go,” our Principles of Community, the Office of Academic Affairs’ Mission Statement, and the UC Board of Regents Policy 4400.
UC Davis also is making important progress towards our goal of achieving federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). There are numerous links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our administration, campus rankings, locations, campus safety, sustainability, visiting UC Davis and UC Davis Health.

The university is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the world for campus sustainability practices by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings. UC Davis is focused on achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and repeatedly shown its commitment to preserving a healthy and sustainable environment for generations to come.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.