Associate Professor in Fashion Merchandising and Design, and Director of the Oris Glisson Textiles and Costume Collection – Virginia Tech

Department of Apparel, Housing, and Resource Management
College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

The Department of Apparel, Housing, and Resource Management is seeking an academic year, tenure-track associate professor with expertise in history of costume to teach the historical, cultural and/or social aspects of dress and accessories. The successful candidate will also serve as the Director of the Oris Glisson Historic Textiles and Costume Collection and will be responsible for enhancing the profile of the collection, which will include creating an online digital catalog that makes the collection more accessible to students and the community. The Glisson Collection contains more than 5,000 items. Holdings date from the 18th century and include daywear, eveningwear, undergarments and lingerie, shoes, hats, and other accessories.
The Fashion Merchandising and Design major emphasizes an integration of design, product development, and merchandising of apparel products. Graduates work as creative designers, technical designers, or product developers using their creative skills to conceptualize couture and ready-to-wear lines presented and sold around the globe. They also work as retail buyers, store managers, website developers, internet merchants, or visual merchandisers for national and international companies.
Applicants must have an earned doctorate in an apparel related field by position start date. The starting date is August 10, 2019. Review of applications will begin January 22, 2019. The review will continue until a suitable candidate is appointed from a diverse pool of applicants. The expected teaching load is two courses per semester. Salary is commensurate with qualifications. Complete a successful criminal background check.
Responsibilities include:

  • Develop a research and/or creative scholarship program of excellence in the apparel area including scholarly presentations, refereed publications, and grantsmanship appropriate for a R1 Research University.
  • Provide leadership of the Oris Glisson Historic Textile and Costume Collection by updating documentation of the collection holdings, developing strategies for engagement with students and external audiences, and assuring the continued storage and care of the holdings.
  • Contribute to teaching excellence in courses such as history of costume, cultural and social aspects of clothing, apparel production and product design, and/or fashion merchandising.
  • Advise undergraduate students on curriculum and career decisions.
  • Participate in interdisciplinary work and university-industry partnerships.
  • Participate in university service and professional organizations.
  • Participate in occasional travel to attend professional conferences and meetings.

Required Qualifications:

  • Doctoral degree by August 10, 2019, in an apparel, fashion, historic costume, or related field
  • Record of productivity in research and publications in peer-reviewed journals and/or in juried design scholarship
  • College teaching experience
  • Eligible to work in the United States

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience working with a historic costume collection
  • Experience with technology and software pertinent to historic costume and other fashion areas
  • Experience with cross disciplinary collaboration within a multicultural environment
  • Fashion industry experience
  • Successful grant writing experience

To Apply:

To apply, go to http://www.jobs.vt.edu posting #TR0180158 and complete the on-line application. You will be asked to supply brief demographic information, upload a cover letter (describing qualifications and relevant experience in teaching and research or creative scholarship) and your vita, and provide contact information for three (3) references. If you have specific questions about the position, please contact Dr. Jessie Chen-Yu, Chair, Search Committee at chenyu@vt.edu . If you are an individual with a disability and desire accommodation, please contact Dianna Givens at diannam@vt.edu .

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, or veteran status; or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees, or applicants; or any other basis protected by law. (http://www.vt.edu/about/equal-opportunity.html). For inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies, contact the Office of Equity and Access at 540-231-2010 or Virginia Tech, North End Center, Suite 2300 (0318), 300 Turner St. NW, Blacksburg, VA 24061. Virginia Tech’s Dual Career Program is available for faculty with a spouse or partner considering employment at the University. Further information is available at dualcareers@vt.edu or 540-231-9331.

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