Assistant Professor Studio Art, Illustration

UCF; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent public research university in Orlando seeks an Assistant Professor of Illustration to teach and inspire students. The role involves designing courses and conducting scholarly research. Candidates must possess a strong foundation in both representational and conceptual illustration, as well as effective teaching experience. The position offers benefits and a collaborative environment.

Benefits

Benefit packages including Medical, Dental, Vision

Paid time off

Retirement savings options

Employee discounts

Education assistance

Flexible work environment

Qualifications

• Expertise in visual storytelling and image development.
• Effective college-level teaching experience.
• Ability to teach various illustration techniques.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver undergraduate courses.
• Engage in scholarly research.
• Participate in departmental and university service.

Skills

Representational illustration

Conceptual illustration

Traditional media proficiency

Digital media proficiency

Education

MFA in Illustration or related field

Tools

Industry-standard digital tools

Job description

The Opportunity

The School of Visual Arts and Design (SVAD), in the College of Arts and Humanities (CAH) at the University of Central Florida (UCF) invites applications for a 9‑month, tenure‑earning, assistant professor position in studio art illustration. The position is located at the UCF main campus with an anticipated start date in August 2026.

Ideal Candidates must have the ability to show a strong basis in representational and conceptual illustration. Student work for illustration should exhibit a proficiency in traditional and digital media. The successful candidate will design and deliver courses at the undergraduate level that inspire majors in the area of illustration, teach three courses per semester, conduct scholarly research, participate in community life, and maintain regular office hours. In addition to teaching, the candidate must perform departmental and university service at the school, college, and university level.

In SVAD, we are dedicated to the exploration of creativity, where we engage the senses, ignite imagination, and nurture artistic talents. Our mission is to inspire and empower a diverse community of artists and designers. SVAD is a place where you can see, think, hear, touch, and learn through the transformative power of art. We believe that the senses are the gateway to profound creative experiences. Our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to immerse students in the world of art and design. We offer a range of academic programs, including B.A., BFA, and MFA degrees, tailored to artists and designers of all backgrounds. With a team of over 50 dedicated faculty and staff advisors, SVAD is committed to guiding students toward the right educational path and helping them shape successful careers in the arts. Join our award‑winning faculty, renowned for their expertise and passion for nurturing talent. Together, we spark the interests of our students and guide them on a journey of creative discovery. For more information about SVAD and our vibrant community, please visit https://svad.cah.ucf.edu.

UCF is home to a growing and diverse student population of over 70,000 students, almost 2,000 faculty, and more than 4,700 staff. At UCF, we are dedicated to access and are invested in identifying candidates who will contribute to our mission through equity‑minded practice and culturally responsive pedagogy. For more information about UCF, please visit https://www.ucf.edu.

Minimum Qualifications

• MFA in Illustration, or a closely related field from an accredited institution at the time of application.
• Demonstrated expertise in both representational and conceptual illustration, showing a strong foundation in visual storytelling, composition, and image development.
• Proficiency in traditional and digital media, with the ability to teach illustration techniques using a range of analog and digital tools.
• Evidence of effective college‑level teaching experience in illustration, or related studio courses.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active record of creative and/or scholarly work demonstrating active engagement in professional practice, exhibitions, publications, or other peer‑reviewed creative research in the field of illustration.
• Experience developing and teaching courses in both traditional studio and digital illustration practices at the undergraduate level.
• Proficiency with industry‑standard digital tools.
• Ability to integrate cross‑disciplinary or contemporary practices—such as narrative art, comics/graphic novels, editorial illustration, character design, or concept art—into illustration pedagogy.
• Demonstrated engagement in community or professional outreach, including exhibitions, workshops, partnerships, or collaborations that connect illustration to broader audiences or industries.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively in a diverse academic environment.

Additional Application Materials Required

UCF requires all applications and supporting documents to be submitted electronically through the Human Resources employment opportunities website https://www.ucf.edu/jobs/. In addition to the online application, candidates should upload the following:

• Artist statement.
• A curriculum vitae.
• A letter of interest describing qualifications for the position, such as research agenda and teaching experience/interest.
• Teaching philosophy.
• In a single PDF, 20 images of the candidate’s studio work samples along with 20 images of student work (labeled). Please remove any information identifying the student. Image sizes: 150 dpi, not to exceed 1500 pixels.

NOTE: Please have all documents ready when applying so they can be simultaneously uploaded. Once the online submission process is finalized, the system does not allow applicants to submit additional documents later.

The selected candidate will be required to submit official transcripts (and, as applicable, U.S. degree equivalency evaluations) documenting the conferral of their qualifying academic credentials.

Questions regarding this search should be directed to: Victor Avila, Assistant Professor, at [e-mail].

Special Instructions to the Applicants

The selected candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship, now or in the future.

Job Close Date

Open until filled.

Note to applicants

Please keep in mind that a job posted as ‘Open until filled’ may close at any time without notice. As such, we encourage you to submit your application and all required documentation as quickly as possible to ensure consideration for the posted position.

Are you ready to unleash YOUR potential?

As a next‑generation public research university and Forbes‑ranked top employer in Florida, we are a community of thinkers, doers, creators, innovators, healers, and leaders striving to create broader prosperity and help shape a better future. No matter what your role is, when you join Knight Nation, you’ll play an integral role at one of the most impactful universities in the country. You’ll be met with opportunities to connect and collaborate with talented faculty, staff, and students across 13 colleges and multiple campuses, engaging in impactful work that makes a positive difference. Your time at UCF will provide you with many meaningful opportunities to grow, you’ll work alongside talented colleagues on complex projects that will challenge you and help you gain new skills, and you’ll have countless rewarding experiences that go well beyond a paycheck.

Working at UCF has its perks!UCF offers:

• Benefit packages, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending, and Employee Assistance Program.
• Paid time off, including annual (12‑month faculty) and sick time off and paid holidays.
• Retirement savings options.
• Employee discounts, including tickets to many Orlando attractions.
• Education assistance.
• Flexible work environment.
• And more…For more benefits information, view the UCF Employee Benefits Guide click here.

Department

College of Arts and Humanities (CAH) - Visual Arts and Design

Work Schedule

Varies

Type of Appointment

Regular

Expected Salary

Negotiable

As a Florida public university, the University of Central Florida makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request.

UCF is proud to be a smoke‑free campus and an E‑Verify employer.

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 407‑823‑1336 or email [e-mail].

For general application or posting questions, please email [e-mail].