Part-time Lecturer - Sound Design (TFDP 131)

The Department of Theatre, Film, and Digital Production seeks a highly qualified Sound Design Lecturer to teach one course in the Winter 2026 quarter on location at the University of California, Riverside.

Course Name

TFDP 131 - Sound Design for Theatre, Film, and Television

Course Format

2-hour Lecture, 2-hour Workshop

Course Description:

TFDP 131 introduces students to the principles and practices of sound design for theatre, film, and television. The course explores key topics such as critical listening, psychoacoustics, computer editing techniques, sound recording and processing, and copyright laws related to sound sampling. Through lectures and hands-on workshops, students will develop the skills necessary to create and manipulate sound to support storytelling across various media formats.

Key Responsibilities:

* Prepare and deliver engaging lectures and hands-on workshops focused on sound design techniques.

* Develop and update course materials, including syllabi, readings, assignments, and project guidelines.

* Provide individual and group feedback on student work, including sound design projects.

* Grade assignments and projects based on established rubrics and provide constructive feedback.

* Facilitate class discussions and foster an environment that encourages critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.

* Stay updated on developments in sound design, audio technology, and industry trends.

* Ensure compliance with academic policies, including grading, attendance, and accessibility requirements.

* Collaborate with other faculty members, as necessary, to align the course content with the broader goals of the Theatre, Film, and Digital Production department.

The salary is approx. $7886.33 per course, per quarter. Positions are contingent upon funding and enrollment.

Required Qualifications:

* MFA or equivalent experience in a relevant field.

* Teaching experience at the college or university level is required.

* Professional experience in sound design for theatre, film, and/or television.

* Knowledge of sound recording, processing, and editing software (e.g., Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Adobe Audition).

* Strong understanding of psychoacoustics, critical listening, and sound manipulation techniques.

* Familiarity with copyright law as it pertains to sound sampling and intellectual property.

* Proven ability to engage students in both theoretical and practical aspects of sound design.

* Demonstrated ability to provide constructive feedback and create a collaborative, inclusive classroom environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

* Preference will be given to applicants with a demonstrated track record of hands-on experience in one or more aspects of film and TV production.

* Experience teaching at the college level, particularly in sound design or related fields.

* Familiarity with emerging technologies and trends in sound design for digital media.

* Ability to adapt teaching methods to suit diverse learning styles and backgrounds.

Application Instructions:

Applicants must apply online at https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/JPF02154

Review of applications will begin October 30, 2025. Please submit the following:

* Letter of application

* Curriculum vitae

* Three current letters of recommendation (Letters must be confidential. Please use the AP Recruit system to have your recommenders upload them directly.)

* Evidence of Teaching Experience: 1-3 sample syllabi of previously taught courses or a sample of student evaluations (narrative and numerical)

* Statement of Teaching

Selection Criteria:

* Relevant Experience/Expertise

* Teaching Experience at the University Level

* Potential to contribute to UCR's mission

Selection Plan:

The search committee will convene at a set date to evaluate the candidate pool and decide who will be invited for interviews. After a shortlist is determined for the interviews, the committee will schedule interviews via Zoom with the shortlisted candidates. After the interviews, the committee will share their evaluations of the shortlisted candidates with the department and will recommend a candidate to be hired. The department faculty will then vote on the appointment of the recommended candidate(s).

* MFA or equivalent experience in a relevant field.

* Teaching experience at the college or university level is required.

* Professional experience in sound design for theatre, film, and/or television.

* Knowledge of sound recording, processing, and editing software (e.g., Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Adobe Audition).

* Strong understanding of psychoacoustics, critical listening, and sound manipulation techniques.

* Familiarity with copyright law as it pertains to sound sampling and intellectual property.

* Proven ability to engage students in both theoretical and practical aspects of sound design.

* Demonstrated ability to provide constructive feedback and create a collaborative, inclusive classroom environment.

* Preference will be given to applicants with a demonstrated track record of hands-on experience in one or more aspects of film and TV production.

* Experience teaching at the college level, particularly in sound design or related fields.

* Familiarity with emerging technologies and trends in sound design for digital media.

* Ability to adapt teaching methods to suit diverse learning styles and backgrounds.

• 3 letters of reference required

Letters of recommendation must be confidential. Please use the APRecruit system to have your recommenders upload them directly.

The University of California, Riverside is a world-class research university with an exceptionally diverse undergraduate student body. UCR is a member institution of the American Association of Universities (AAU) as well as the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities (HSRU). A commitment to the UCR mission (https://apro.ucr.edu/mission-statement) is a preferred qualification.

We seek to hire scholars who will both advance our research directions and effectively educate our undergraduate and graduate students, while also engaging with University and Professional service activities. Research and teaching statements that are included with application materials are opportunities for candidates to share knowledge, experience, and goals that support the mission of UCR. For more information on UC's criteria for successful faculty, refer to the Academic Personnel Manual (APM) 210 - Criteria for Appointment, Promotion, and Appraisal (https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-210.pdf).

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under state or federal law. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, State, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer. A Misconduct Disclosure Survey will be completed through Truescreen, which is the vendor that administers this process for the campus.

For the University of California's Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy please visit:

https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000385/SVSH.

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students, and Third Parties, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Policy, please visit: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-035.pdf.