Assistant Professor, Entertainment Art/Animation

CSU Careers • Fullerton, CA

4d • $6,884 - $7,022 • Onsite

About The Position

California State University, Fullerton’s Department of Art invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Entertainment Art/Animation, with an anticipated appointment beginning in August 2027. The successful candidate will help develop and teach introductory and core animation courses, as well as courses in their area of specialization. Courses may include life drawing for animation, animation principles, storyboarding, 2D animation pipeline, visual storytelling for animation and games, construction and layout, character animation, animatic and animation production, and a capstone course.

The position requires teaching student-centered animation courses, including thesis animation classes in which students develop personal vision and voice through completing 2D animated films for theatrical screening. The faculty member will produce scholarship and creative work appropriate to tenure, advise students, participate in departmental and university committees, and contribute to recruitment, outreach, departmental development, and broader university and disciplinary communities. CSUF faculty are expected to bring research and creative discovery into their teaching, scholarship, and student mentoring.

Candidates should have experience with standard industry software for 2D animation production and familiarity with emerging animation technologies. The department offers a dynamic, student-centered animation program within a diverse public university community. The position is based in California; employees must be able to accept on-campus instruction and come to campus as needed.

Applications must be submitted online by December 15, 2026, for full consideration. Required materials include a cover letter addressing required and preferred qualifications, curriculum vitae, graduate transcripts, research statement, teaching philosophy, examples of student work, portfolio materials and links, an inclusive excellence statement, and contact information for three references. The anticipated hiring range is $6,884 to $7,022 per month, with salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. Summer research grants, moving expenses, start-up funds, and a reduced teaching load may be available.

Requirements

• MFA or equivalent terminal degree from an accredited institution in animation or a related discipline, to be completed by Fall 2027; the posting describes this qualification as desired.
• Demonstrated ability to teach animation principles, storyboarding, cinematic language, visual development, character animation/acting, industry-standard software, and thesis animation production.
• Sustained practice and presentation of creative, scholarly, or professional work in animation production.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in culturally diverse settings and foster understanding of and respect for varied experiences and cultural practices.
• Ability to teach student-centered thesis animation classes supporting students in expressing personal vision and voice through personal 2D animated films for theatrical screening.
• Knowledge of and commitment to achieving CSUF's strategic plan and the College of the Arts mission and goals.
• Experience with standard industry software for 2D animation production, including Adobe Creative Suite, Toon Boom, or other high-end 2D animation software, and familiarity with emerging animation production technologies.
• Ability to accept on-campus instruction as assigned and come to campus when needed.

Nice To Haves

• Willingness to examine and remediate instructional, relational, and classroom practices to more effectively engage and support students.
• Demonstrated excellence in and commitment to teaching a highly diverse student population, including students of varied socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, age, and gender identity.
• Ability to work with computers and technologies such as Adobe Creative Suite and Toon Boom Harmony/Storyboard to provide high-quality instruction and student support.
• Ability to adapt to emerging 2D animation production processes.
• College-level teaching experience in animation.
• Industry relations and knowledge that may support student academic success and career advancement.
• Evidence of leadership, communication, organizational, and management skills, potentially including successful recruitment and outreach efforts.
• Experience working in a professional animation production pipeline.
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, Toon Boom Harmony, Toon Boom Storyboard Pro, Procreate, TV Paint, and other animation production and drawing software.

Responsibilities

• Develop and teach introductory and core courses in Entertainment Art/Animation, as well as courses in areas of specialization.
• Teach courses that may include Life Drawing for Animation, Principles of Animation, Introduction to Storyboard, 2D Animation Pipeline, Visual Storytelling for Animation and Games, Construction and Layout for Animation, Intermediate Character Animation, Storyboard Animatic Production, Animation Production, and Special Studies in Entertainment Art/Animation – Capstone.
• Teach student-centered thesis animation classes in which students complete personal 2D animated films for theatrical screening.
• Produce scholarship and creative work commensurate with tenure requirements.
• Advise students and mentor their academic and creative development.
• Serve on departmental and university-wide committees and participate in broader university and disciplinary communities.
• Contribute to the life and development of the department, including recruitment and outreach efforts.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, vision, and dental plans.
• Spouse, domestic partner, and dependent fee waiver.
• Access to campus child-care.
• Defined-benefit retirement through the state system, with optional tax-sheltering opportunities.
• Summer research grants, moving expenses, start-up funds, and a reduced teaching load may be available.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior