Assistant Professor - Jewelry Design and Metalsmithing

43252BR

School of Art

Position Description

The School of Art within the Texas Tech University J.T. & Margaret Talkington College of Visual & Performing Arts, invites applications for a full-time, 9-month, tenure-track, Assistant Professor of Jewelry Design and Metalsmithing to begin Fall 2026. The ideal candidate should be able to teach jewelry design and metalsmithing to undergraduate and graduate students. This role requires maintenance of a large jewelry metalsmithing lab. The candidate should demonstrate knowledge of contemporary and traditional practices in metals including new technologies, such as 3D printing, laser cutting, and fabrication. The successful candidate will establish a creative research agenda through peer-reviewed scholarship/creative activity.
Duties include, but are not limited to: teaching broadly across Jewelry Design & Metalsmithing as well as the 3D Studio Art curriculum; helping to develop and maintain program outcomes and assessments; participating in maintaining the Jewelry Design and Metalsmithing's area's accreditation with NASAD; engaging in student advising and supervision of student organization; work well with colleagues and continue to engage in professional creative practice, exhibiting and/or scholarship; recruiting students to the School of Art and the JDM program.

All prospective employees are encouraged to visit Work at Texas Tech to learn more about becoming a part of our campus community.

About the University

Established in 1923, Texas Tech University is a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity) Doctoral/Research-Extensive, Hispanic Serving, and state-assisted institution. Located on a beautiful 1,850-acre campus in Lubbock, a city in West Texas with a growing metropolitan-area population of over 300,000, the university enrolls over 40,000 students with 33,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students. As the primary research institution in the western two-thirds of the state, Texas Tech University is home to 10 colleges, the Schools of Law and Veterinary Medicine, and the Graduate School. The flagship of the Texas Tech University System, Texas Tech is dedicated to student success by preparing learners to be ethical leaders for a diverse and globally competitive workforce. It is committed to enhancing the cultural and economic development of the state, nation, and world.
About Lubbock:Referred to as the "Hub City" because it serves as the educational, cultural, economic, and health care hub of the South Plains region, Lubbock boasts a diverse population and a strong connection to community, history, and land. With a mild climate, highly rated public schools, and a low cost of living, Lubbock is a family-friendly community that is ranked as one of the best places to live in Texas. Lubbock is home to a celebrated and ever-evolving music scene, a vibrant arts community, and is within driving distance of Dallas, Austin, Santa Fe, and other major metropolitan cities. Lubbock's Convention & Visitors Bureau provides a comprehensive overview of the Lubbock community and its resources, programs, events, and histories.

About the College

The J.T. & Margaret Talkington College of Visual & Performing Arts (TCVPA) is the beating heart of Texas Tech University. We are a Values Based Organization, and a creative community with the resources of a world-class public university. Our students from all over the world shine with Texas-sized ambition, curiosity, and compassion. Across the School of Art, School of Music, School of Theatre & Dance and the Department of Interdisciplinary Arts, our schools provide a supportive visual and performing arts education. New students join a community of 1,150 arts dedicated undergraduate and graduate students-including D.M.A. and Ph.D. candidates, and over 135 faculty members. The arts are relevant, critical, and essential to contemporary life. An education in the arts inspires students to communicate through artistic tradition while embracing and creating innovative technologies as vehicles for individual expression and social change. For more information visit: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/visual-performing-arts/

About the Department/School/Area

The School of Art is NASAD accredited and offers BA in Studio Art, BA in Art History, BA in Arts, Media, and Technology; BFA in Art: Art Education, Graphic Design, Studio Art, Digital Narrative Arts; MA in Art History, Master of Art Education; MFA in Studio Art; PhD. in Fine Arts with a Track in Art and multiple concentration options. The faculty of 34 full-time professors serve over 250 undergraduate students and 39 graduate students. Administrative and facilities support includes 12 full-time staff positions. The School of Art offers state of the art facilities in two buildings in the Art and Architecture complex and the Art 3D Annex. Landmark Arts promotes international fine arts programming, including exhibitions, symposia and workshops, publications, and hands-on experience with artists through on-campus galleries and the Satellite Gallery, located in the vibrant downtown Arts District. For more information, visit https://www.depts.ttu.edu/art/.

Major/Essential Functions

In line with TTU's strategic priorities to engage and empower a diverse student body, enable innovative research and creative activities, and transform lives and communities through outreach and engaged scholarship, applicants should have experience working with diverse student populations at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels within individual or across the areas of teaching, research/creative activity, and service.

As a faculty member in the School of Art, you will be expected to:

• contribute to the mission & vision of the J.T. & Margaret Talkington College of Visual & Performing Arts and the School of Art
• mentor and recruit graduate and undergraduate students as well as maintain social media platforms.
• develop a record of peer-reviewed research/creative activity
• provide service to the school, college, and university within your area of interest
• maintain the jewelry metalsmithing labs
• Teach 3D Design as needed.

Organization

Texas Tech University

Faculty Qualifications

• Earned MFA or doctorate with a focus in Jewelry Design and Metalsmithing or related discipline.
• Demonstrated teaching experience in jewelry design and metalsmithing skills and techniques.
• Experience maintaining a Jewelry Design and Metalsmithing studio and related equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

In addition to the required qualifications, individuals with the following preferred qualifications are strongly encouraged to apply:

• Evidence of innovative and critical approaches to jewelry design and metalsmithing, demonstrating evidence of professional accomplishments.
• Evidence of successful college-level teaching beyond graduate assistantship
• Knowledge of contemporary and traditional practices in metals and related art and design disciplines.
• Knowledge of new technologies, such as 3D printing, laser cutting, or fabrication.
• Examples of traditional and non-traditional stone setting skills.
• Ability to develop a reputation related to recruiting, public relations, commitment to community involvement, and external funding.

Duty Point

TTU Lubbock, main campus and affiliated facilities

Safety Information

Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees.

Does this position work in a research laboratory?

No

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please include the following documents in your application:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• Link to ePortfolio with examples of recent work and exhibitions
• List of five references with contact information

Job Type

Full Time

Pay Basis

Monthly

Pay Statement

Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as the institutional pay plan.

Travel Required

Up to 25%

Schedule Details

M-F 8:00-5:00 or as class schedule dictates

Grant Funded?

No

Job Group

Assistant Professor

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.

Salary Grade

800

Applications must be received by

01/31/2026