Assistant Teaching Professor, Animation, Film, and Television
About The Position
The BFA Animation & VFX program within the College of Communication and Media seeks a dynamic and innovative Assistant Teaching Professor (non-tenure track) specializing in Animation, Visual Effects (VFX), Gaming, and Virtual Reality (VR) to join our program. The successful candidate will update and enhance our curriculum to incorporate advancements in immersive media, VR production, and generative AI—ensuring alignment with industry trends and preparing students for emerging opportunities in creative and technical fields. This role includes the opportunity to collaborate with students in developing VR experiences for both Dreamscape Learn’s free-roam and stationary platforms, integrating storytelling, animation, and interactive design into immersive environments. The ideal candidate will bring a combination of academic expertise, hands-on industry experience, and strong professional connections across animation, VFX, gaming, and virtual reality sectors. The University is committed to the success of teaching faculty through opportunities for promotion and professional development to support long-term success and flourishing at the University. Position is a two-year, ten-month, non-tenure track (NTT) appointment, with eligibility for reappointment based on established NTT procedures. THE COLLEGE OF COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA The College of Communication and Media features eight dynamic programs and a talented and diverse student population of over 2,000. Offering degrees in Film and Television, Social Media and Public Relations, Advertising, Journalism and Digital Media, Sports Communication, Communication and Media Studies, Animation and VFX, and an online MA devoted to strategic communication, the College prepares the next generation of communication and media practitioners and leaders. Housed in world-class, state-of-the-art facilities just 12 miles from New York City, the College is the only program in the country that offers the following opportunities for students: a radio station (WMSC), newspaper (The Montclarion), strategic communications agency (Hawk Communications), sports network (Red Hawk Sports Network) streaming platform (Hawk+) and Digital Newsroom (News Lab). The College also has its own Career Services team dedicated to preparing students for the internship and job search process. Student projects and programs have recently received national recognition from PRSSA’s Bateman Competition, an Edward Murrow Award, several Marconi Award nominations, and College Television ("Student Emmy") Awards from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.
Requirements
- Education: Bachelor's in Animation, VFX, Game Design, or a related field.
- Experience: Professional experience in the animation, VFX, or gaming industries.
- Demonstrated expertise in gaming engines (specifically Unity), industry-standard VFX tools, and generative AI.
- Experience teaching in higher education strongly preferred; experience teaching, training or mentoring in non-formal settings required.
- Skills and Competencies: Proficiency in Unity, Unreal Engine, and VFX software such as Houdini, Maya, Nuke, or similar.
- Strong knowledge of generative AI tools and their applications in animation, VFX, and gaming.
- Effective communication, collaboration, and mentorship skills.
- Ability to foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree.
Responsibilities
- Teaching and Curriculum Development: Design and teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses in animation, VFX, and gaming, with emphases on: Gaming engines, specifically Unity. The latest workflows in the animation and VFX Industry. Industry-standard VFX software (e.g., Houdini, Nuke).
- Continuously update curriculum to reflect evolving technologies and methodologies, including AI-driven processes, real-time rendering, and virtual production pipelines.
- Mentor students in developing creative, technical, and professional skills.
- Industry Engagement: Build partnerships with industry professionals, companies, and studios to provide students with networking and internship opportunities.
- Serve as a bridge between academia and industry by maintaining professional practice and staying updated on trends and innovations.
- Service and Leadership: Participate actively in departmental, college, and university committees, including curriculum design and student success initiatives.
- Support success for all students through teaching, mentorship, and departmental activities.
- Collaborate on interdisciplinary projects within the institution and externally.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
