Clinical Assistant/Associate Professor of Lighting Technology

The Department of Theatre at Purdue University, in collaboration with Purdue’s Fusion Studio for Entertainment and Engineering, is seeking applicants for a new position of Clinical Assistant/Associate Professor of Lighting Technology. The Fusion Studio (an education-focused center) is a groundbreaking community of practice, integrating emerging technologies in theatre and the broad entertainment industry, with cutting-edge industry innovation.  The Center serves as a hub connecting faculty, students, and staff across multidisciplinary domains at Purdue University, and with other educational institutions and industry professionals across the U.S. and beyond. More information on FSEE can be found at centers.purdue.edu/fusion-studio.edu.

The successful candidate will create innovative new courses and interdisciplinary curricula and develop partnerships with live entertainment companies to explore new technologies and their application in industry. Exceptional candidates will have expertise related to performance lighting technology, lighting programming, lighting engineering and/or lighting applications engineering, with backgrounds in technologies including but not limited to high-performance LEDs, wireless systems and systems integration, laser, and SSL technology, etc.

Qualifications
Applicants will be highly qualified, creative individuals with a bachelor’s degree and at least ten years of experience in the entertainment industry working on projects related to theatre, live entertainment, and/or related fields. An MFA or terminal degree(s) in theatrical lighting, lighting engineering, electrical engineering or a closely related field is preferred. The non-tenure track appointment will be at a professional rank of Assistant or Associate commensurate with the candidate’s credentials.

Responsibilities
The Clinical Assistant/Associate Professor of Lighting Technology will leverage their practical experience to help lead research/creative scholarship, education-based innovations, and engagement efforts in the Department of Theatre. They will develop and teach novel lighting-related courses in both undergraduate and graduate level programs. They will foster educational collaborations with other schools nationally and internationally, other colleges across campus (College of Engineering, Purdue Polytechnic, etc.), and engage industry partners to foster research/creative scholarship opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students. Successful candidates will have a demonstrated commitment to collegiality and interdisciplinarity. Candidates with experience working with diverse groups of students, faculty, and staff and the ability to contribute to an inclusive climate are particularly encouraged to apply. The Department of Theatre in the Patti and Rusty Rueff School of Design, Art, and Performance is a vibrant and growing community of scholars who envision ways of transforming theatrical training based on scholarship, research, and creative activity.

The College and University
The College of Liberal Arts at Purdue University is embarking upon 45 faculty searches for positions to begin in Fall 2023. These positions will advance research within and across disciplines, and intersect with technology, data science, and engineering in relevant and important ways. These positions include teaching in our innovative, nationally recognized Cornerstone Integrated Liberal Arts Program that educates students across the university.

Purdue University, the College of Liberal Arts, and the Patti and Rusty Rueff School of Design, Art, and Performance are committed to free and open inquiry in all matters. Candidates are encouraged to address in their cover letter how they are prepared to contribute to a climate that values free inquiry and academic freedom.

Purdue University, the College of Liberal Arts, and the Patti and Rusty Rueff School of Design, Art, and Performance are committed to advancing diversity in all areas of faculty effort, including discovery, instruction, and engagement. Candidates are encouraged to address in their cover letter how they are prepared to contribute to a climate that values diversity and inclusion.

Procedure
A complete application includes a letter of application, CV, statement of teaching philosophy, and names of at least three current references. 

Candidates should submit application materials electronically at https://careers.purdue.edu. The job requisition ID for this position is 22288.

Preferred application deadline is January 31, 2023. Applications will be accepted, and screening will continue until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is August 14, 2023.

Compensation will be commensurate with rank and experience.

For questions regarding the application, contact Rachel Weaver at rrweaver@purdue.edu. For additional information on the position, contact Michael McNamara, search committee chair, at mmcnamara@purdue.edu.

A background check will be required for employment in the position.

Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.