The Department of Art is seeking a tenure track Assistant Professor of the History of Photography whose scholarship employs current methods and critical theories in the History of Photography and Art History generally. The appointment will begin in Fall 2027, and the teaching load is two courses per semester (2/2). The successful candidate must be able to teach lower and upper-division undergraduate courses, graduate-level courses in the history of photography, as well as teach lower-division general service courses (surveys) in the department as needed. The successful candidate will serve on B.A. and B.F.A. Honors, M.A., M.F.A., and Ph.D. committees in the department and possibly in other departments across the university. Additional responsibilities will include advising M.A. and Ph.D. students who are specializing in the History of Photography. The successful candidate will possess a robust research and publication agenda. A secondary area of specialization that expands the department’s engagement with global contexts and complements the broad range of existing programs in art history is preferred. The position also requires service to the area of art history, the department, college, and university.

In 1969 the University of New Mexico Department of Art & Art History began its PHD program and soon after art history faculty Richard Rudisill taught regular courses on the history of photography. Acclaimed photo historian Beaumont Newall was appointed in 1971 following his retirement as Director of the George Eastman House in Rochester and prior to that as the first curator of photography at the Museum of Modern Art. Newall remained on faculty until 1984, the year he received a MacArthur Fellowship. A succession of notable photo historians have held this appointment, including Eugenia Parry in 1986 and Geoffrey Batchen in 1996. With a premier collection of works that encompass the history of photography, demonstrated interest in collaboration with the UNM Art Museum. Possible collaborations include curriculum development, student engagement, programming, exhibition development, collecting strategy, etc.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D. in the History of Art with a specialization in the History of Photography by the time of appointment. Evidence of teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses in Art History or a related discipline as the instructor of record.

Preferred Qualifications
Evidence of an active program of research and scholarship in the History of Photography appropriate to the candidate’s career stage. Knowledge and application of the history of critical theory in Art History and the History of Photography as well as knowledge of current methodologies. Ability to teach undergraduate courses and graduate seminars in the history of photography as well as introductory art history courses. Ability to advise and direct graduate work and undergraduate theses. Ability to teach the history of digital and new media. With a premier collection of works that encompass the history of photography, demonstrated interest in collaboration with the UNM Art Museum. Possible collaborations might include curriculum development, student engagement, programming, exhibition development, collecting strategy, for example. A demonstrated commitment to cultivate an understanding of the rich and varied cultures of New Mexico and to the success of the university's mission to serve local and global communities.

Application Instructions
Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.

Please include, as part of the application, the following materials
- Letter of Application (2–3 pages describing academic and/or professional background, research interests, current projects, publications, expected date of degree completion (if applying at the assistant level), why applying for this job, and what the candidate will bring to this position)
- Teaching Statement (2–3 pages addressing the candidate’s teaching philosophy and ability to teach the designated subjects, and describing how the candidate will both cultivate an understanding of the rich and varied cultures of New Mexico, the U.S., and the Americas and contribute to the success of the university’s mission to serve local and global communities)
- Course Syllabi (up to 2 syllabi of courses taught and/or proposed courses)
- CV
- Writing Sample(s) (e.g., dissertation chapter, journal article, book chapter, exhibition catalogue essay, or other examples of scholarly or published work; not to exceed 40 pages total)
- Unofficial Academic Transcripts (required at the time of application). Official transcripts verifying the Ph.D. degree will be required upon appointment/hire.
- Names and Complete Contact Info for Three References (include each reference’s full name, title, department, institution, mailing address, phone, and email)
- For best consideration, applications are due by December 1, 2026.

For inquiries regarding the position, contact the UNM Art Department at artunm.edu.

Applicants who are appointed to a UNM faculty position are required to provide an official certification of successful completion of all degree requirements prior to their initial employment with UNM.
The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs.