POSITION TITLE: Assistant Professor of Animation
APPOINTMENT STATUS: Full-time, tenure-track position in the School of Visual Studies, College of Arts & Science, University of Missouri-Columbia
SALARY: Competitive and commensurate with experience, full benefits
EFFECTIVE DATE OF POSITION: August 2024
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
The School of Visual Studies (SVS) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Animation in the Digital Storytelling program at the University of Missouri starting Fall 2024. The school seeks a digital artist with a focus in animation who has a strong national/international scholarly creative activities record. The ideal candidate must have a passion for teaching animation and have the ability to teach in two or more of the following areas: 2D animation, 3D modeling and animation, digital illustration, digital media production, XR, and sound art. The successful candidate will have a record of creative activity and teaching experience in the field. The ideal candidate will have a passion for integrating storytelling and technology; a portfolio of work in one or more of the following areas: 2D or 3D animation, multimedia storytelling, digital illustration and/or augmented and/or virtual reality. The candidate must also possess a commitment to collaborative engagement with school and campus colleagues to support an inclusive, diverse, and multicultural student population.
The candidate will have a demonstrated ability to engage productively with students at all skill levels and a commitment to develop a vibrant multimedia production curriculum within the context of a large state university. Other duties include working with the SVS director and Digital Storytelling program coordinator to expand offerings and strengthen their program.
POSITION DUTIES:
40% Research and creative activity
40% Teaching (4 courses per academic year)
20% Service (Recruiting, Program Development, School and University Service)
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Teach 4 courses per academic year (2 courses per semester);
- Mentor students;
- Conduct scholarly research/creative activities expected in a Research 1, AAU institution;
- Collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, and administration in curriculum and program development;
- Participate in MU and SVS recruitment and retention activities/events;
- Serve on school and university committees, as needed;
TEACHING AND MENTORING RESPONSIBILITIES:
Teaching in the School of Visual Studies requires a focus on engaging, educating, and mentoring a diverse group of learners, which includes creating high-impact opportunities such as sponsoring student research or internships, developing collaborative teaching opportunities with other disciplines, and using innovative pedagogies. Teaching in SVS also requires mentoring undergraduate and graduate students (MFA in Visual Studies) as appropriate in academic, research and professional development to support student success.
The School of Visual Studies service expectations include participation in recruitment and retention efforts, serving on program, school or college committees as appropriate, and participation in professional academic organizations outside the University, including professional and community-based groups that advance SVS’s goals of student success and diversity.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
MFA or equivalent terminal degree by the time of appointment;
Documented record of two or more years of teaching, including graduate instructor of record;
CANDIDATES WILL BE EVALUATED ON:
1. Two or more years teaching experience and the ability to teach in two or more of the following areas: 2D animation, 3D modeling and animation, digital illustration, digital media production, XR, and sound art;
2. A significant record of creative and scholarly and related professional activities. A strong national and international record is preferred;
3. Ability to teach beginning through advanced animation courses;
4. Ability to teach introductory level digital media production courses;
5. Interest in learning new technologies and applying them to the classroom;
6. Experience with a variety of teaching strategies;
7. Demonstrated ability to work collegially with other faculty and students on interdisciplinary/collaborative projects;
8. Demonstrated evidence of engaging, educating, and mentoring a diverse group of learners;
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Please apply online at: http://hrs.missouri.edu/find-a-job/academic (job ID 48562). Use the online application and be prepared to upload:
- Cover Letter that clearly addresses key qualifications and describes creative work.
- Current, comprehensive CV, including list of courses taught.
- Links to samples of relevant creative work
- Links to samples of student work
- The names, email addresses, and phone numbers of three (3) professional references who can confirm the candidate’s qualifications and experience.
We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person’s success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate. In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research and engagement.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Screening begins November 3, 2023, and continues until a qualified candidate is hired.
Preliminary interviews will be conducted via Zoom. Applicants may contact the Chair of the Search Committee, Christian Rozier, [email protected], with any questions about the job duties. Contact Human Resource Services ([email protected]) for any questions about the application process.
About Digital Storytelling:
The Digital Storytelling program is an interdisciplinary BA in the School of Visual Studies, that combines narrative and conceptually driven studies with the new and emerging multimedia tools to achieve a balance between aesthetic and imagination. This program puts storytelling first and combines this with new and emerging technologies. The interdisciplinary program emphasizes skills in video production, emerging media, animation, video art, writing and critical theory. Like other forms of storytelling, digital storytelling reaches a wide range of audiences for artistic, educational, and commercial purposes, translating human knowledge and experience into multimedia spaces. Students use technology and the universal art of storytelling to connect and entertain audiences, innovate, and solve human-scale problems. They work to tell stories that stimulate, provoke, and inspire.
About the School of Visual Studies:
The School of Visual Studies (SVS), including degree programs in Art, Graphic Design, Art History, Digital Storytelling, and Film Studies and Film Production, resides in the College of Arts & Science, and was launched in 2017 to create a collaborative, interdisciplinary, cutting-edge education that reflects 21st century studio practice and visual culture. SVS offers Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Master of Arts (MA), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. SVS is also home to the George Caleb Bingham Gallery featuring exhibitions by visiting artists, faculty, and students. Mizzou’s Museum of Art and Archaeology is in the heart of campus at the Ellis Library.
About the University of Missouri:
Established in 1839, the University of Missouri knows what it means to be first. We were the first public university west of the Mississippi River. We are home to the world’s first journalism school. We started the tradition of homecoming. As a flagship, land-grant institution and one of only 71 universities across the U.S. and Canada to be a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, we are a campus where empathy, innovation and hard work combine to solve the world’s grand challenges. We tackle diverse problems because Missouri is a diverse state — from the southern Ozarks to the northern plains. We are Mizzou, where Black and Gold runs deep and Truman the Tiger embodies our bold spirit.
About Columbia, Missouri:
Ranked by the American Institute for Economic Research as one of the nation’s top 10 college towns, Columbia combines small-town comforts, community spirit and a low cost of living with big-city culture, activities and resources. Columbia is home to about 125,000 people and lies midway between Missouri’s largest metro areas: St. Louis and Kansas City. It is packed with restaurants and entertainment venues; home to multiple parks and outdoor recreation sites such as Rock Bridge State Park and the MKT Trail; and hosts more than a dozen annual cultural festivals, including the internationally known True False Film Festival. Money magazine,
Fortune magazine, U.S. News & World Report, Men’s Journal, MSN.com and others have all named Columbia one of the best places in the country to live.
Benefit Eligibility
This position is eligible for University benefits. The University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at http://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits
Equal Employment Opportunity
Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy shall not be interpreted in such a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or the recruiting rights of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces or the Department of Homeland Security of the United States of America. For more information, call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-7976.
To request ADA accommodations, please call the Disability Inclusion and ADA Compliance Manager at 573-884-7278.