Assistant Professor of Animation

Job Summary

Teach courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels using various instructional deliveries (e.g., traditional (face‑to‑face), hybrid, and fully online). Foster applied learning into the course design and engage with industry and local business community applied projects. Advance knowledge through scholarly activities (e.g., active involvement in committees, student mentorship, recruitment and retention initiative, outreach activities, etc.).

Meet expectations for research, teaching, and service as set forth by the department and college.

Provide instruction for the Compositing & VFX I and Compositing & VFX II courses. Provide additional instruction to Lighting and Materials, Texturing and Shading, or Digital Sets as necessary. Develop and improve the existing curriculum for relevant courses. Mentor and advise students for enrollment and capstone projects. Recruit potential undergraduate students and provide feedback for the degree tracks pertaining to all Media Arts concentrations.

Develop projects for Shocker Studios as part of research and creative activity.

• Terminal degree in direct field
• Teaching experience

• MFA in Animation or related field (must have completed terminal degree by time of application)
• 3+ years professional experience with compositing, lighting, and virtual production
• Experience with NUKE and other industry-standard compositing/VFX tools
• Willingness to accommodate a variety of learning styles and strategies in instructional delivery and learning activities, including online and blended learning, flexible teaching methods, and applied learning approaches.

• Ability to use and teach industry standard software.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• 3+ years professional experience as an animator
• Professional experience with Unreal Engine for film and/or virtual production workflows.
• Prior college‑level teaching experience in animation, VFX, or digital arts.
• Knowledge of lighting and rendering pipelines (e.g., Arnold, Redshift, or similar).
• Demonstrated ability to develop new curricula and contribute to program growth.
• Record of creative scholarship or industry projects with regional, national, or international impact.
• Commitment to applied learning and mentoring students in professional, collaborative environments.
• Ability to work across disciplines (film, game design, acting, audio production) and foster industry partnerships.
• Demonstrated ability to teach undergraduate courses in animation.

• Required application materials:

Cover Letter/Letter of Application, Teaching Philosophy, Portfolio of Creative and/or Scholarly Work (URL: include up to 15 examples of your artistic, creative, or scholarly achievements), Course Syllabi or Sample Syllabus.

• Ability to remain in a stationary position, frequent 60-90%;
• Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators, frequent 60-90%.

For more information, contact Jalen Cooper, Animation Program Coordinator, Chair, Animation Search Committee, jalen.cooper.