Assistant Professor of Cinematography

Assistant Professor of Cinematography

Job no: 553325
Work type: Instructional Faculty – Tenured/Tenure-Track
Location: Long Beach
Categories: Unit 3 - CFA - California Faculty Association, Faculty - Fine/Performing Arts, Tenured/Tenure-Track, Full Time

Effective Date: August 17, 2026 (Fall Semester)
Salary: $6,221 to $13,224 per month (12 monthly payments per academic year)
Final date to receive applications: Review of applications to begin on January 20, 2026. Position open until filled (or recruitment canceled).

• M.F.A. or terminal degree in cinematography, film, or related area or significant industry experience (degree at time of application by Aug 1 2026 or portfolio of work).
• Two years of experience teaching cinematography.
• Demonstrated knowledge of image-acquisition and narrative filmmaking-specific pedagogical approaches.
• Documented experience as cinematographer on a variety of professional work (feature films, episodic series, short-form work).
• Demonstrated potential for sustained growth and success in research, scholarly, and creative activities.
• Commitment to working successfully with a diverse student population, including low socioeconomic and first-generation students.

• At least three years of teaching cinematography at the college level.
• Professional experience as a cinematographer of short and feature length narrative films, episodic/serial television, web series, music videos, or TV/internet spots.
• Experience collaborating with a diverse group of artists.
• Emerging record of creative professional work that reflects and elevates characters from underrepresented groups.
• Established record of mentorship, outreach, and/or engagement with young filmmakers (particularly from underrepresented groups).
• Service experience at the university level.
• Experience with multiple modes of instruction (in-person, online, hybrid).
• Experience with inter-departmental or interdisciplinary initiatives.
• Experience successfully working with populations demographically and/or socioeconomically similar to the CSULB student body.
• Experience mentoring or supporting students using inclusive and culturally relevant teaching strategies in a diverse classroom.

• Teach cinematography and production courses appropriate to the candidate’s specialty, including lower-division fundamental classes, Cinematic Lighting, Advanced Cinematography I & II, Production Workshop I & II (mode of instruction may include in-person, hybrid, online).
• Coordinate production classes to ensure consistent and equitable student experience.
• Mentor and supervise students in the Cinematography program.
• Develop and maintain ongoing research, scholarly, and creative activities.
• Act as program liaison with industry professionals in the field.
• Develop and sustain currency in image acquisition technology and narrative filmmaking.
• Engage in program-related service activities such as recruitment, evaluation of lecturers, and programmatic review.
• Collaborate with faculty to develop curriculum and interdisciplinary initiatives.
• Mentor students and engage in outreach with student organizations and events.
• Participate in service to the department, college, university, and community.

• Student Success Statement (max 2 pages, single-spaced).
• Letter of application addressing required and preferred qualifications (max 2 pages, single-spaced).
• Teaching Philosophy Statement (max 2 pages, single-spaced).
• CV (include list of professional credits). Provide link to one sample of professional work (max 5 min).
• Name and contact information for three references.

Important Notice: CSULB is not sponsoring applicants for H‑1B employment under the $100,000 fee established by the Presidential Proclamation (Sept 19 2025). Applicants are responsible for determining the applicability of the fee.

For background check and employment eligibility, all applicants must complete a satisfactory criminal records check and telephone reference check. This requirement is part of CSU hiring policy.

CSU strongly recommends compliance with all health and safety regulations, including COVID‑19 vaccine recommendations and universal safety policies. USC expects all employees to adhere to the CSU Nondiscrimination Policy and provide equal opportunity in employment and education.