Swarthmore College seeks applicants for a full-time, tenure track appointment in Painting beginning in Fall 2027. The faculty member will teach four courses each academic year, be expected to serve on department and college-wide committees, share the administrative responsibilities of running an academic program and maintain a dedicated studio practice.
The Art Program inside the Department of Art and Art History Department emphasizes an integrative approach that fosters students’ development of theoretical perspectives, technical command, and social and environmental responsibility through visual forms. The faculty member will participate in teaching a wide range of levels inside painting and drawing, including foundation drawing/painting courses as well as the capstone courses in the Art major. The strongest candidates for this position will also have expertise in a sub-specialty in painting, drawing or a related field. The faculty member will be expected to participate in group critiques of student works executed in a variety of media. They will also have the opportunity to advise students specializing in art and design broadly. We seek an artist-educator, with a developing or established exhibition and/or commission record. This artist-educator should possess a working knowledge of a wide range of traditional as well as contemporary materials and techniques. They should demonstrate a critical understanding of painting in the expanded field, contemporary global art practices, and the history of painting.
Swarthmore is a highly selective liberal arts college located just 11 miles outside of Philadelphia, whose mission combines academic rigor with social responsibility. The College offers a comprehensive and highly competitive compensation package. Swarthmore has a strong institutional commitment to diversity and actively seeks and welcomes applicants with exceptional qualifications, particularly those with demonstrable commitments to a more inclusive society and world. We are particularly interested in candidates who can work effectively with students from diverse backgrounds. For more information on Faculty Diversity and Excellence at Swarthmore, see http://www.swarthmore.edu/faculty-diversity-excellence/information-candidates-new-faculty
Qualifications include a MFA in painting in hand by August 2027, a demonstrated passion for teaching and mentoring undergraduate students of diverse backgrounds and identities as well as a proven commitment to a dedicated and active studio practice.
For full consideration, apply at: apply.interfolio.com/192062 Please submit a brief cover letter, a current CV, three letters of recommendation, and a portfolio with 20 images in a single PDF.
All applications received by December 7, 2026 will receive full consideration, and review of applications will continue until the position is filled
Please address any questions you may have to Logan Grider ( lgrider1@swarthmore.edu), Chair of the search committee and the Department of Art and Art History.
Swarthmore has a strong institutional commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity. We welcome applications from all candidates with exceptional qualifications, particularly those with demonstrable commitments to working effectively supporting, teaching, and engaging a highly diverse student body.
