About UMass Amherst
The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.
Job Description
The Department of the History of Art and Architecture at the University of Massachusetts Amherst seeks a specialist in the visual arts, architecture, and/or material culture of the Islamic world (specialty open) at the rank of assistant professor.
We seek a specialist prepared to utilize the rich resources in museum collections available nearby in New England, New York, and Boston, but who also can teach more broadly over regions, periods, cultures, and materials. Ideally the successful candidate would have strength in a variety of media beyond painting, architecture and sculpture, and might be able to offer classes in areas such as textiles and the portable arts and the visual culture of the Islamic world.
The candidate would be expected to contribute to the department’s General Education surveys in the history of architecture and in the history of art before 1600, and to develop a new, large-enrollment course that introduces the history of art through a specific theme or a broad historical survey. The candidate will also be expected to devise seminars for MA students.
We are looking for candidates who might also contribute to our department’s growing strength in transregional and transcultural approaches and foster important interdisciplinary collaboration with other departments across campus and in the Five Colleges.
This is a full-time (9-month) tenure-track position beginning September 1, 2026. Course load is two courses per semester plus contributions to team-taught surveys
Minimum Requirements
PhD in the history of art and architecture or a related discipline required by time of appointment, with demonstrated professional capabilities and ambitions.
Salary Information
The University of Massachusetts Amherst expects to pay within an approximate range between $79,350 and $114,693 for this position. Please note:
- The low-end of the pay range in all faculty searches at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is the minimum salary for the rank included in the collective bargaining agreement between the University and the Massachusetts Society of Professors, UMass Amherst/MTA/NEA.
- The high-end of the pay range reflects an increase above the median of salaries at this rank within the department for faculty who may have multiple years of faculty experience.
- The specific pay for this position will be determined by the University based on consideration of all relevant factors, including faculty rank and required or relevant certifications, when and if it decides to extend an offer of employment.
Application Requirements
Along with the application, please submit a cover letter; curriculum vitae; and the contact information for three references who are willing to submit a letter of reference at the short-list finalist stage.
Applicants must apply by the priority deadline of December 1, 2025 to ensure full consideration. The position will remain posted until filled but applications received after the priority deadline may not be reviewed.
Additional Information
Salary is commensurate with experience. This position is a 9-month academic year appointment at 100%FTE with full benefits.
For more information on living, working, and learning in the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts, please visit:
https://www.umass.edu/faculty-development/prospective-faculty
Position is dependent on available funding.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.