The Department of Art History, Theory, and Criticism at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor in the history of modern and contemporary architecture. The position begins in August of 2026 subject to final budgetary approval. The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) seeks a scholar of architecture or related fields in any geographic area. An emphasis on global, transnational, or trans-geographic perspectives is preferred. This tenure-track, full-time faculty position will play a leadership role in SAIC’s curriculum. The ideal applicant will offer innovative approaches to introductory courses in global architecture for practitioners and scholars and will contribute to the diversity of the School by bringing perspectives, ways of thinking, and/or sets of experiences that expand the field. In addition, the candidate will regularly contribute to the graduate program in Modern and Contemporary Art and Design History and teach their research interests in graduate seminars in theory, methodology, or other issues and practices relevant across historical fields. They will join a department composed of twelve full-time scholars committed to an active research culture and to excellence in teaching. The salary is competitive with that of peer institutions and commensurate with the quality of scholarship, the extent of teaching experience, and current professional standing of the candidate.
Compensation: $79,690 - $83,998 per year.
Benefits information for this position can be found linked below: https://articbenguide.com/whos-eligible/
DEPARTMENT PROFILE
The Department of Art History, Theory, and Criticism, one of 21 departments at the school, is composed of twelve full-time art historians specializing in modern and contemporary art and design. Together with 50 part-time faculty, the department currently offers 225 courses, and mentors approximately 30 dedicated MA in Modern and Contemporary Art History students, undergraduate students pursuing a dedicated BA in Art History or BFA with art history thesis, and dual-degree graduate students earning an MA in Arts Administration and Policy in conjunction with their MA in Art History.
Further information about the department can be found at https://www.saic.edu/art-history-theory-criticism.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Full-time faculty in Art History, Theory, and Criticism teach and advise undergraduate and graduate students within the interdisciplinary art and design school environment of SAIC. The successful applicant will contribute to the architectural history curriculum across graduate and undergraduate programs in architecture and design—including MAAH, M.Arch, M.Des, MFA, and BFA—by teaching core courses such as A Global History of Architecture and Critical Terms in Modern Architecture. Additional responsibilities include offering seminars, advising master's theses in the Design History track of Art History, Theory, and Criticism, and serving as a core faculty member in the BA in Art History program. The candidate is also expected to engage in curricular development, departmental administration, and school governance, and contribute to the dynamic, research-driven culture of SAIC.
QUALIFICATIONS
Ph.D. is required, with some teaching experience preferred. ABD applicants will be considered. For ABD candidates, a clear path to Ph.D completion prior to joining the School must be evident. Evidence of ongoing research and continued publication trajectory expected. The ideal candidate will contribute to the diversity of the School by bringing a perspective, way of thinking, and/or a unique set of experiences that expand the intellectual conversations and practices in the field. We seek candidates with the knowledge and aptitude to teach and mentor students from diverse backgrounds. Candidates should demonstrate their experience with, or aptitude for, departmental administration, as service will be expected.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Applicants are encouraged to apply by Monday, September 15, 2025, for full consideration. Please submit application materials via https://saicfaculty.slideroom.com/#/Login. You will be asked to create an account after which time you may complete the application, which consists of fill-in fields and documents to upload. You are encouraged to begin the application well before the priority deadline.
Complete the fields for educational background; current position; and contact information for three professional references.
Please convert all word documents into PDFs before uploading. Required files to upload include:
- cover letter stating your interests and qualifications
- curriculum vitae
- writing samples (not to exceed a combined maximum of 30 pages)
- statement of teaching philosophy including details on how your teaching has supported the success of students from a range of backgrounds
- statement of research and practice
All applicants for this position must complete and sign a Prior Workplace Conduct Declaration as part of their initial application materials in order to be considered as a candidate and sign a release authorizing SAIC to conduct a misconduct reference check should the candidate ultimately be selected as a finalist for the position.
QUESTIONS
Questions regarding the School and its open positions, application procedures, or the search process may be emailed to saicteach@saic.edu. Please consult www.saic.edu for information on the School and its programs, or https://www.saic.edu/about/work-at-saic for open positions and application procedures.
ABOUT SAIC
A leader in educating artists, designers, and scholars since 1866, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) offers undergraduate, graduate, and post-baccalaureate programs to students from across the globe. Located in the heart of Chicago, the School is one of the largest and oldest private schools of art and design in the country with programs reflecting current practices in art. SAIC's educational philosophy is built upon a transdisciplinary approach to art and design that provides unparalleled opportunities for students to develop their creative and critical abilities with renowned faculty who are leading practitioners in their fields. SAIC's resources include the Art Institute of Chicago and its Modern Wing, and numerous special collections and programming venues that provide students with exceptional exhibitions, screenings, lectures, and performances. The campus is located on Chicago’s magnificent lakefront amid the city’s cultural and architectural treasures.
Degree tracks include the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Studio; BFA with Emphasis in Art Education or Writing; BA degrees in Art History and Visual and Critical Studies; Master of Architecture; Master of Design (MDes) in Designed Objects; MFA in Fashion, Body, and Garment; MFA in Studio or Writing; MA degrees in Arts Administration; Art Education; Art History, Theory, and Criticism; Art Therapy; Teaching; Visual and Critical Studies; and a Master of Science in Historic Preservation.
