Tenured Professor in 3D Arts & Animation

The School of Performance, Visualization & Fine Arts (PVFA) at Texas A&M University invites applications for a tenured professor position, with a focus on 3D arts and animation. The ideal candidate will demonstrate proficiency with state-of-the-art tools, processes, methodologies, standards and practices in areas such as 3D art, animation, visual effects as well as real-time production. Candidates are expected to teach at the graduate and undergraduate levels and must have a well-developed research agenda that will inform and advance current trends in the field. This is a nine-month, full-time position that begins in August 2023. Tenure upon arrival will be considered for a qualified candidate.

The successful candidate will demonstrate an exceptional approach to their own creative research, developing and maintaining a national and international reputation through research, publication, exhibitions, lectures, and other creative outlets. The ideal candidate would have experience in several related areas. Desired expertise could be two of the following topics: digital sculpting, procedural modeling, character animation, concept art, layout, visual effects, surfacing, and lighting & rendering. Instruction in these courses includes teaching the fundamental principles and elements of relevant digital content-creation tools including (but not limited to) Maya and/or Houdini. Familiarity with industry-standard software and tools is expected. The successful candidate for this position is someone who is comfortable with the production pipelines for both animation / VFX and real-time/virtual projects, and can implement digital content into both workflows. Experience with Unreal Engine is desirable. The ideal candidate will maintain a strong program of interdisciplinary research and collaboration, develop new curricula, mentor students at all levels, and participate in School and University service and outreach activities. Candidates should be able to teach a variety of courses in our undergraduate and graduate degree programs in 3D art foundation and animation. In addition to the primary teaching responsibilities, candidates are also expected to engage in creative and/or scholarly work, mentor student creative and/or scholarly work, develop and foster new curriculum, serve on school and/or university committees, and other departmental duties as necessary.

The School of Performance, Visualization & Fine Arts is a new School within the Texas A&M University System and has a diverse and dynamic mission with 60 faculty and over 15 staff members and a projected exponential growth in the next 5 years. The school was formed from three departments/programs spread across the university: the Department of Visualization, the Department of Performance Studies and the Dance Science Program. The mission of the school places a heavy emphasis on faculty and student collaboration and interdisciplinary work in both scholarly and creative research. Texas A&M University leadership has charged the new school with developing innovative research and creative works, public performances, and degree offerings at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels that build upon our strength in merging art and science. The new school is projected to move into a new, $175m state-of-the-art visual and performing arts center. Construction is slated to begin in 2024.  

Qualifications

Candidates must have a terminal degree (PhD or MFA) in a related field as described above by appointment start date. Successful candidates should have demonstrated an ability for scholarly research as seen by a strong scholarly dissemination record relevant to the applicant's area of expertise in the aforementioned areas of interest to PVFA; have developed proposals for external funding, experience managing funded research projects in an academic setting, or experience managing teams and projects in an industry setting; and have active and significant engagement in the profession through editorial boards of journals, conference organizing committees or program committees, or professional organizations.

Application Instructions

Interested individuals should apply through Interfolio: http://apply.interfolio.com/116929 and submit the following materials:

• A personal statement explaining your qualifications for, and interest in, the position, including discussion of your most significant research/creative works, teaching, service, and diversity/inclusion;  Curriculum vitae;  Link to or pdf of a portfolio of recent 3D arts/animation work; Contact information for three references including name, phone numbers, and email addresses (letters will be requested only for finalists).

Review of applications will begin 30 days after the position has posted and continue until the it is filled. Questions should be directed to Dr. Jinsil Hwaryoung Seo (hwaryoung@tamu.edu), Section Chair of Technical Arts and Interactive Media, School of Performance, Visualization & Fine Arts.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment for all visitors, students, faculty, and staff by promoting a culture that embraces inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability. Diverse perspectives, talents, and identities are vital to accomplishing our mission and living our core values.

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