Assistant Teaching Professor of Animation

University of Kansas • Lawrence, KS

10h • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Design at the University of Kansas is seeking a faculty member at the Assistant Teaching Professor level to work with undergraduate students in its newly established program in Animation. We are looking for an enthusiastic and engaging design thinker and maker with a passion for visual storytelling, character animation, and the development and exploration of animation tools and techniques, who is interested in working closely with our faculty to build this new program. Candidates with experience in teaching, curriculum development, and robust professional practice will stand out. We also encourage recent master’s degree graduates eager to launch a career in animation education, or education and mentorship minded industry professional to apply. Candidates must be able to demonstrate professional level skills in 2D or 3D animation practice with a focus on narrative and character animation, complemented by a strong historical familiarity with the medium, and a passion for educating students in these areas. Candidates should also have a strong background in industry standard production tools and methods, and current professional practice standards. This is a non-tenure position with up to a 3-year limited term contract, which has the possibility of renewal based upon a comprehensive evaluation.

Requirements

• Eligible to work in the U.S. by the effective date of the appointment.
• Master's degree in animation, illustration, entertainment design, film, visual communications, or a related field.
• OR Bachelor's degree in animation or a related field with 5 years demonstrated professional experience.
• A strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in teaching, research, and/or industry experience, specifically in the areas of 2D/3D animation and related fields.
• Ability to demonstrate a commitment to collaborate and support faculty colleagues, develop curriculum, and help expand animation studio offerings.
• Demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills and a strong collaborative spirit for teamwork and service.
• Formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have the foundational knowledge and skill set required to perform the duties of the position.

Nice To Haves

• Candidates with experience in teaching, curriculum development, and robust professional practice will stand out.
• Recent master’s degree graduates eager to launch a career in animation education.
• Education and mentorship minded industry professionals.
• Proficiency in one or more of the following areas: 2D and/or 3D character animation – body mechanics, acting, dialogue, character animation workflow and tools.
• Directing for animation – storyboarding, visual storytelling.
• 3D Skills – modeling, rigging, texturing, or lighting for animation and games.
• Animation production and project management.

Responsibilities

• Teach required courses in animation program, as well as animation courses open to all other majors, at the undergraduate level.
• Participate in the planning and integration of existing and new course work & technologies in the Animation undergraduate program.
• Meet department expectations in terms of student advising.
• Serve the department, university, state, and the profession.
• Attend departmental meetings, participating in committees and boards, and performing select administrative departmental functions.
• Conduct research, creative, and/or professional work that focusses on animation and its application.
• Collaborate with clients on the application of this work and/or disseminate this work through peer-reviewed publications and conferences.

Benefits

• The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy.

What This Job Offers

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