Open Rank Professor of Instruction or Practice in Animation & Games

The Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology at The University of Texas at Dallas invites applications for the position of open rank Professor of Instruction or Practice (non-tenure track) to begin spring 2025. The Bass School at UT Dallas is a multidisciplinary academic research school with leading-edge programs in animation, games, emerging media, and the arts. We seek candidates with a record of accomplishment in animation and/or games to join our faculty. The ideal candidate will have experience in tech arts of the CG industry.

Candidates should have a demonstrated record of excellence in tech arts, particularly in rigging and tools development for film and games. Proficiency in industry-standard software such as Maya, Houdini, Python, and other relevant tools for rigging, scripting, and pipeline development is essential.

Essential duties include teaching eight courses annually at the undergraduate level and graduate level; mentoring undergraduate and graduate students; and contributing to public-facing programming.

The appointment commences for the spring 2025 semester.

Minimum Education and Experience: An MFA, PhD or a BA (with extensive industry experience) or equivalent in animation, visual effects, or a related discipline is required. Candidates are expected to demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative, engaging, and dynamic environment comprised of individuals with a range of backgrounds, skills, and perspectives. We are seeking candidates able to deliver high quality teaching using evidence-based practices to effectively engage students from a range of backgrounds and experiences.

Preferred Education and Experience: A demonstrated record of excellence in tech arts, particularly in rigging and tools development for film and games. Proficiency in industry-standard software such as Maya, Houdini, Python, and other relevant tools for rigging, scripting, and pipeline development is essential.

The Animation and Games Area at The University of Texas at Dallas is one of the top programs in the state of Texas. We are ranked as the #1 Game Design program and the #2 Animation program in the state according to the Princeton Review. Our program has 17 full-time faculty members with numerous film, television, and game credits that have garnered many awards including the Academy Awards, BAFTA's, Annie Awards, Esports Game of the Year, and others. Our state-of-the-art labs give students and faculty the opportunity to learn and engage in research across all aspects of animation and games whether their interests lie in 3D, 2D, Motion Capture, VR, AR, and anything else they can imagine.

The Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology (Bass School) is a community of scholars, artists, and creative practitioners defined by their creativity, critical thinking, and cross-cultural understanding. Within the context of a Carnegie R1 doctoral research institution, The Bass School fosters the fluid movement between traditional disciplines and cutting-edge experimental investigation of emerging technologies. We prepare students with the skills to craft exceptional work, the ambition to take on new challenges, and the critical thinking to make a difference in a globally connected world.

Applicants should upload the following:

* Full curriculum vitae and cover letter summarizing their interests and qualifications for the position.

* Statement of teaching philosophy describing their conceptualizations of teaching and learning, and teaching and assessment methods, and how their teaching practices will engage students from a range of backgrounds and experiences, and

* Full contact information for at least three academic or professional references.

Priority will be given to completed applications received by November 25, 2024. Reviews will continue until the position is filled or the search is closed on January 1, 2025

UT Dallas is a top public research university located in one of the nation's fastest-growing metropolitan regions. Our seven schools offer more than 140 undergraduate and graduate programs, plus professional certificates and fast-track programs. Our student body is 30,000 strong, reflecting students from over 100 countries and a multiplicity of identities and experiences. Over 65% of our undergraduate students receive some form of need- or merit-based financial aid; and 66% of graduating seniors have no student debt compared to 48% in Texas and 32% in the nation (2021 TICAS report).

UT Dallas is committed to graduating well-rounded members of the global community whose education has prepared them for rewarding lives and productive careers in a constantly changing world. A diversity of people, ideas, and perspectives is crucial to our vision and mission. UT Dallas is a place where members of the community from all backgrounds are welcomed, treated fairly, and encouraged in their pursuit of excellence.

The University has a variety of programs and initiatives to support engagement and success for all members of the campus community. Employee benefits include a range of physical and mental wellness resources. "LilyPad" lactation facilities are located throughout the campus. There are several Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) comprised of individuals who share common interests to help build community among UT Dallas faculty and staff (e.g., Universal Access ERG, Military and Veteran ERG, UT Dallas Young Professionals).

Rich with visual and performing arts venues, museum districts, professional and semi-professional athletics teams, botanical gardens, accessible trails and so much more, the Dallas-Fort Worth ( DFW) metroplex has something for everyone to explore. UT Dallas partners with regional higher education institutions and school districts and with the Richardson Innovation Quarter (Richardson IQ), a major hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and educational activities.

The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. The University prohibits unlawful discrimination against a person because of their race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status.

The University of Texas at Dallas is an equal opportunity/affirmative action university.

An MFA, PhD or a BA with extensive industry experience or equivalent in animation, visual effects, or a related discipline. Candidates should have a demonstrated record of excellence in tech arts, particularly in rigging and tools development for film and games. Proficiency in industry-standard software such as Maya, Houdini, Python, and other relevant tools for rigging, scripting, and pipeline development is essential.

Demonstrate a commitment to teaching excellence.
Prepare and teach undergraduate and/or graduate classes.
Contribute assessment information and data as requested.
Mentor and/or advise undergraduate and/or graduate students.
Establish and/or continue an independent line of research.
Continue to expand professional influence in the academic discipline through research and/or publication.
Engage in service within the academic unit, the university, and the profession as appropriate based on teaching and research constraints.
Teach eight (8) classes each academic year.

1) All employees serve as a representative of the University and are expected to display respect, civility, professional courtesy, consideration of others and discretion in all interactions with members of the UT Dallas community and the general public.

2) The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment. EOE, including disability/veterans. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator . For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator.