Assistant Professor, Emerging Media, Animation and Visualization

The Opportunity

The School of Visual Arts and Design (SVAD), in the College of Arts and Humanities (CAH) at the University of Central Florida (UCF) invites applications for a 9-month tenure-earning assistant professor in Emerging Media, Animation & Visualization. The anticipated start date is August 8, 2025.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong understanding and application of the principles of animation. Core areas could include any of the fields of visual storytelling, which may include 3-D modeling/visualization, pre-production, 2-D/3-D animation, motion graphics, stop-motion, and/or mixed reality. The candidate is expected to develop 21st-century professional skills, purpose, integrity, ethical practices, and digital citizenship in their pedagogical practice.

The candidate will teach a 3/3 course load that supports the Emerging Media BFA Animation & Visualization and the Emerging Media MFA Animation and the Visual Effects track. Faculty members are encouraged to actively pursue and obtain external funding and to develop creative works that achieve peer-reviewed recognition for innovation and excellence.

At UCF, we are dedicated to access and are invested in identifying candidates who will contribute to our mission through equity-minded practice and culturally responsive pedagogy. For more information about UCF, please visit the website at https://www.ucf.edu.

In SVAD, we are dedicated to the exploration of creativity, where we engage the senses, ignite imagination, and nurture artistic talents. Our mission is to inspire and empower a diverse community of artists and designers. SVAD is a place where you can see, think, hear, touch, and learn through the transformative power of art. We believe that the senses are the gateway to profound creative experiences. Our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to immerse students in the world of art and design. We offer a range of academic programs, including B.A., BFA, and MFA degrees, tailored to artists and designers of all backgrounds. With a team of over 50 dedicated faculty and staff advisors, SVAD is committed to guiding students toward the right educational path and helping them shape successful careers in the arts. Join our award-winning faculty, renowned for their expertise and passion for nurturing talent. Together, we spark the interests of our students and guide them on a journey of creative discovery. For more information about SVAD and our vibrant community, please visit our website at https://svad.cah.ucf.edu.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A terminal degree in an appropriate discipline from an accredited institution by August 1, 2025. Appropriate disciplines include digital art, motion graphics, 3D visualization, film, animation, game design, fine arts, or a media-related discipline.

• The ideal candidate must demonstrate a recognized agenda of research or creative work in relevant areas of digital art. This should be showcased through a CV, digital portfolio or demo reel provided at the time of application.

• Candidates must have one year of teaching experience, whether formal or informal (e.g., tutoring, holding workshops, creating tutorial videos, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Candidates who have teaching experience in one or more diverse sets of software packages such as: Toon Boom Harmony, ZBrush, Autodesk Maya, Unreal Engine, Adobe Creative Cloud & Substance Suite.

• Candidates who have teaching experience at the undergraduate level.

• A strong understanding and application of traditional and digital art production pipeline.

• The ideal candidate will show evidence of being a theorist and practitioner, with a demonstrated sustainable research agenda related to digital arts and have a record of obtaining research funding. Research could include artistic and commercial efforts/projects.

Additional Application Materials Required:

UCF requires all applications and supporting documents be submitted electronically through the Human Resources employment opportunities website, https://www.ucf.edu/jobs/.  In addition to the online application, candidates should upload the following:
 

• A letter of application indicating qualifications for the position.

• A curriculum vitae.

• A PDF containing an online link to samples of creative and/or professional applied industry work.

• Statement of research or creative work philosophy.

• Statement of teaching philosophy.

• The contact information for three professional references.

• Copy of transcript from an accredited institution(s).
   

The selected candidate will be required to submit official transcripts (and, as applicable, U.S. degree equivalency evaluations) documenting the conferral of their qualifying academic credentials.

NOTE: Please have all documents ready when applying so they can be simultaneously uploaded. Once the online submission process is finalized, the system does not allow applicants to submit additional documents later.

Questions regarding this search should be directed to: Matt Dombrowski, Associate Professor, at mattd@ucf.edu.

Special Instructions to the Applicants:

N/A

Job Close Date:

Open until filled.

Note to applicants: Please keep in mind that a job posted as ‘Open until filled’ may close at any time without notice. As such, we encourage you to submit your application and all required documentation as quickly as possible to ensure consideration for the posted position.

Are you ready to unleash YOUR potential?

As a next-generation public research university and Forbes-ranked top employer in Florida, we are a community of thinkers, doers, creators, innovators, healers, and leaders striving to create broader prosperity and help shape a better future. No matter what your role is, when you join Knight Nation, you’ll play an integral role at one of the most impactful universities in the country. You’ll be met with opportunities to connect and collaborate with talented faculty, staff, and students across 13 colleges and multiple campuses, engaging in impactful work that makes a positive difference. Your time at UCF will provide you with many meaningful opportunities to grow, you’ll work alongside talented colleagues on complex projects that will challenge you and help you gain new skills and you’ll have countless rewarding experiences that go well beyond a paycheck.

Working at UCF has its perks UCF offers:

• Benefit packages, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending, and Employee Assistance Program. 
• Paid time off, including annual (12-month faculty) and sick time off and paid holidays.
• Retirement savings options. 
• Employee discounts, including tickets to many Orlando attractions. 
• Education assistance.
• Flexible work environment. 
• And more…For more benefits information, view the UCF Employee Benefits Guide click here.

Unless explicitly stated on the job posting, it is UCF’s expectation that an employee of UCF will reside in Florida as of the date the employment begins.

Additional Requirements related to Research Positions:

Pursuant to Florida State Statute 1010.35, prior to offering employment to certain individuals in research-related positions, UCF is required to conduct additional screening. Applicants subject to additional screening include any citizen of a foreign country who is not a permanent resident of the U.S., or who is a citizen or permanent resident but is affiliated with or has had at least 1 year of education, employment, or training in China, Cuba, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Syria, or Venezuela.

The additional screening requirements only apply to research-related positions, including, but not limited to faculty, graduate positions, individuals compensated by research grants or contract funds, post-doctoral positions, undergraduate positions, visiting assistant professors, and visiting research associates.

Department

Work Schedule

Type of Appointment

Expected Salary

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The University of Central Florida is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer including Disabled/Vets.  Click on UCF's Equal Opportunity Statement to view the President’s Statement.

The UCF affirmative action plans for qualified individuals with disabilities and protected Veterans are available for inspection in the Office of Institutional Equity, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., upon request.

As a Florida public university, UCF makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request. 

The University of Central Florida is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer.