The Art Department at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for a postdoctoral scholar – employee position in Art and Design. Under the mentorship of Professor Jennifer Parker applicants will participate in Art Foundation (2D & 3D Design) and establish a range of approaches to Design as research with art, science, and technology. We have a preference for applicants with multidisciplinary orientation who demonstrate a broad understanding of the scholarly fields of design/fine art, critical histories of art and design, and design theory and visual art practices. Possible related areas of research and teaching might include animation, gaming, media arts, immersive environments, and convergences of design, art, science and technology to add to the Art Department’s current strength in the creation of socially and environmentally engaged work.
The Art Department offers unique research opportunities to highly talented individuals to engage in new or on-going research programs at UCSC. This one-year appointment is competitive and envisioned to advance UCSC Art Department’s postdoctoral research environment. We are especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through their research and teaching. The campus currently operates on a schedule of three 11-week quarters per academic year. We seek an outstanding postdoc scholar with some teaching experience at the university level and evidence of a developed research trajectory. The successful applicant will be involved in research, and we also expect the applicant will be willing to teach three consecutive five-unit courses in core curriculum and design as a Lecturer. The successful candidate will have a distinctive vision and pedagogical approach, will be prepared to teach Design as a vital experience for a range of disciplines, and will be able to work with students, faculty and staff from a wide range of social and cultural backgrounds. We are located among redwood forests and meadows overlooking Monterey Bay, along California’s Central Coast in close proximity to Silicon Valley and the Bay Area. Our program is particularly rich in its variety of possible specialties and themes available to the student, including cross-disciplinary collaborations and innovative communication in the arts with a foundation in visual studies. The program is composed of courses in animation, drawing, painting, print media, photography, sculpture, inter-media and interactive technologies, critical thinking, public art, gaming, and electronic art. We have an array of exceptional studios and classrooms that include an up-to-date digital imaging lab, metal shop, foundry, drawing and painting studios, photo labs, and print studios. Our print studio is considered one of the finest on the West Coast. The Art department is a key player in the recently founded Social Practice Arts Research Center (SPARC) and UCSC OpenLab. We also share a newly completed Digital Arts Research Center, which fosters creative work in new media and technology.
RANK: Postdoctoral Scholar - Employee SALARY: $40,000-$45,000, commensurate with experience + $5,000 research account from the Arts Excellence Research Fund
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: M.F.A, Ph.D., or equivalent degree in studio art or design. POSITION AVAILABLE: July 1, 2014
TERMS OF APPOINTMENT: One year. For appointments within the University of California, the total duration of an individual’s postdoctoral service may not exceed five years, including postdoctoral service at other institutions. TO APPLY: Applications are accepted via the UCSC Academic recruit online system and must include a letter of application/statement of purpose, curriculum vitae, links to samples of own work available on-line, and the names of three professional/academic references. Applicants are invited to submit a statement addressing their contributions to diversity through research and teaching. Documents/materials must be submitted as PDF files. Apply at https://recruit.ucsc.edu/apply/JPF00081 Refer to Position #JPF00081-14T in all correspondence.
CLOSING DATE: Review of applications will begin January 17, 2014. To ensure full consideration, applications should be complete by this date. This position will remain open until filled, but not later than 12/1/15.
