Parsons School of Design, a college of The New School, invites applications for a renewable term Associate Professor of Textiles position in the School of Fashion.
Review of applications will be considered until the position is filled.
We seek candidates with expertise in the field of textiles and materials, and its creative applications, contemporary approaches and critical questions across multiple disciplines (such as fashion, interior design, product design, or fine arts). Candidates must have creative practice or scholarship that reflect an understanding of textiles and materials in their broader contexts. Candidates must also have skills and knowledge in traditional and emerging methods, materials and processes: material sourcing, fabric research and development, textile innovation, product lifecycle management (PLM), merchant relations, textile weaving, dyeing, printing techniques and surface treatments. The appointed faculty member will engage with the MFA Textiles program at Parsons which will explore new possibilities for textiles and materials, with applications from fine arts to industry solutions, by exploring and rethinking the traditional and modern techniques and applications. We are particularly interested in candidates whose work centers on contemporary approaches to textiles and materiality through the integration of craft and technology and who are passionate about the future of textiles and material innovation within fashion and other creative industries. The New School is committed to actively recruiting from a diverse pool of applicants. We encourage candidates from groups underrepresented in US higher education or underrepresented in the field to apply.
The work of this faculty member is divided between (1) teaching, (2) university service, and (3) scholarship or professional/creative practice. The standard teaching load is five courses––or the equivalent––per academic year. Within their field of expertise, the faculty member may be expected to teach First Year and undergraduate as well as graduate courses, to majors and non-majors. They will hold regular office hours, and participate in extracurricular teaching activities such as critiques, review panels, thesis supervision, independent study, and advising. University service includes program, Parsons, and New School assignments on committees and task forces, and as program directors with a reduced teaching load. All faculty are expected to be engaged with scholarship or professional/creative practice at a level commensurate with their faculty rank.
This faculty position is a Renewable Term Appointment (RTA). RTA faculty hold renewable, multi-year contracts and are responsible for teaching, academic administration, and providing expertise in their fields or professions. The terms and conditions of this faculty appointment are governed by The New School policies set forth in the The New School Full-Time Faculty Handbook.
Minimum Qualifications:
– The New School is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive learning environment. We actively seek candidates whose experiences, teaching philosophies, or scholarly practice prepare them to expand and contribute to that commitment; and who have a record of working well with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, professional training and aesthetic sensibilities.
– A bachelor’s degree is required. Highly preferred is a graduate degree in textile design or field related to materials innovation, or professional experience that is equivalent to a graduate degree in the field.
– At least 3-5 years experience teaching at college level is required for positions posted at associate professor rank.
– Evidence of community, academic, or professional leadership is required to qualify for associate professor rank.
– At least 5 years of active research, scholarship, or creative practice in the field, including industry involvement and association with textile producers and mills, with expertise in sourcing sustainable fabrics, fibers, yarns, production, color and finish as demonstrated by a body of scholarship or a record of creative/professional accomplishments. An ability to tap into that industry experience and connect the school with external or community partners to develop collaborative projects and initiatives.
– Knowledge of working with range of fibers and materials including natural, synthetic and artificial origins and their sustainability and sociocultural implications.
– Practical understanding of yarns, textiles and the different application processes including embroidery and embellishment techniques, dyeing processes, silk-screen and digital printing, thermoforming, thermo-sealing and ultrasonic bonding.
– A strong interest in shaping the school and evolving your own profile in response to broader social, cultural, economic, and technological forces.
– Must be able to work effectively as part of a team. Strong interest in working collaboratively with faculty and students across Parsons and the University.
– Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, including the ability to meet deadlines and communicate effectively.
Preferred Qualifications:
– Experience teaching English language learners and students from underrepresented communities, and/or scholarship in diversity and inclusion.
– University teaching that includes a combination of core studios, seminars and tutorials, at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
