Assistant Teaching Professor of Digital Arts and Media Design

Penn State University • University Park, IL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Digital Arts Program and School of Visual Arts in the College of Arts and Architecture at Penn State invite candidates to apply for an Assistant Teaching Professor position of Digital Arts and Media Design focusing on 3D Animation. This is a full-time, 36-week, nine-month, non-tenure track appointment. The anticipated start date is August 2026. Full university benefits apply. We are seeking qualified candidates whose creative practice and teaching interests are focused on 3D animation and related technologies. The ideal candidate is a 3D animator/generalist with considerable experience in 3D animation workflows that can instruct and mentor 3d animation students and who stays abreast of 3D professional practices, industry standard software, and emerging technologies and production pipelines. The successful candidate will teach courses in 3D modeling and animation as well as additional courses related to their experience and practice that may include, animation fundamentals, foundational design, experimental animation, emerging practices and technologies, or other related digital arts and design studio courses in the program. We invite applications from qualified candidates with exceptional interpersonal skills and a strong commitment to collegiality and teamwork, who are prepared to contribute through teaching and creative activity at all levels of the Digital Arts Curriculum and majors.

Requirements

• Terminal degree in Animation, Digital Arts, New Media, Cinematic Arts, Film/Cinema Production, or a comparable terminal degree (such as a Master of Fine Arts - MFA, or a PhD) at the time of appointment.
• Evidence of a commitment to a successful 3D animation digital arts practice, commensurate with experience.
• Evidence of equitable considerations for all, awareness, and practice regarding curricula development, along with evidence of working collectively to cultivate a culture that encourages success and enables all members of a college community to thrive.

Nice To Haves

• College-level teaching experience (one semester, minimum, including teaching assistantships or equivalent technical training/teaching).
• Professional experience working in 3d animation for films, games, TV or creative industries.
• Considerable experience working with Autodesk Maya and Motion Builder
• Experience with related animation, visual effects, and compositing tools: Blender, Houdini, Substance 3D Painter, ZBrush, Nuke.

Responsibilities

• Teaching up to three courses in the Digital Arts and Media Design Program each semester.
• Participation in program activities.
• Service to the school, college, and university committees as assigned.
• Teach 3D courses covering animation previsualize, animation, motion capture, lighting, rendering, and compositing.
• Teach production skills necessary to design, rig, animate, light, and render 3D assets for animated films and digital games.
• Teach additional digital arts courses in the curriculum based on areas of expertise.
• Be well-versed in teaching the principles of animation and effective visual storytelling.
• Join with digital art faculty to cultivate a lively animation studio culture and help set production standards that enhance student creative outcomes.
• Participate in the guidance and assessment of students, portfolio development, independent studies, internships, and capstone thesis projects.
• Encourage and support our students in developing animated creative works as part of a socially and culturally engaged research university.

Benefits

• Full university benefits apply.
• Competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Robust retirement plans.
• Generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

What This Job Offers

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