Open Rank Tenure Track Faculty Position in Virtual Production

The Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology at The University of Texas at Dallas invites applications for a tenure system faculty position (open rank) to begin fall 2025. The Bass School at UT Dallas is a multidisciplinary academic research school with leading-edge programs in animation, games, emerging media, and the arts. We seek candidates with a record of accomplishment in virtual production, motion capture, and LED volumes to join our faculty. The ideal candidate will have experience within the virtual production industry.

Candidates will have records of excellence in creative practice and immersive media and demonstrate expertise in virtual production tools and techniques, including familiarity with industry-standard software (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity, Autodesk Maya, Blender, motion capture systems). Areas of secondary specialization may include interactive art installations, interactive narrative, digital storytelling, animation/vfx, and tools development.

Essential duties include teaching four courses annually at the undergraduate and graduate level in virtual production, including but not limited to areas such as real-time rendering, virtual environments, motion capture, virtual/augmented reality, and immersive media; mentoring undergraduate capstone students; and contributing to public-facing programming. Faculty members are expected to develop creative works or research that achieve peer reviewed recognition for innovation and excellence.

This appointment commences for the fall 2025 semester.

Minimum Education and Experience: An MFA, PhD or equivalent in game design, computer science or a related discipline is required prior to employment. Applicants for positions at the Associate or Full Professor level should have a record of creative and scholarly accomplishment commensurate with the rank. Candidates are expected to demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative, engaging, and dynamic environment comprised of individuals with a range of backgrounds, skills, and perspectives. We are seeking candidates able to produce research and scholarly or creative achievements that enhance the program and the discipline, and able to deliver high quality teaching using evidence-based practices to effectively engage students from a range of backgrounds and experiences.

Preferred Education and Experience: Candidates will have records of excellence in creative practice and immersive media and demonstrate expertise in virtual production tools and techniques, including familiarity with industry-standard software (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity, Autodesk Maya, Blender, motion capture systems). Areas of secondary specialization may include interactive art installations, interactive narrative, digital storytelling, animation/vfx, and tools development.

The Animation and Games Area at The University of Texas at Dallas is one of the top programs in the state of Texas. We are ranked as the #1 Game Design program and the #2 Animation program in the state according to the Princeton Review. Our program has 17 full-time faculty members with numerous film, television, and game credits that have garnered many awards including the Academy Awards, BAFTA's, Annie Awards, Esports Game of the Year, and others. Our state-of-the-art labs give students and faculty the opportunity to learn and engage in research across all aspects of animation and games whether their interests lie in 3D, 2D, Motion Capture, VR, AR, and anything else they can imagine.

The Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology (Bass School) is a community of scholars, artists, and creative practitioners defined by their creativity, critical thinking, and cross-cultural understanding. Within the context of a Carnegie R1 doctoral research institution, the Bass School fosters the fluid movement between traditional disciplines and cutting-edge experimental investigation of emerging technologies. We prepare students with the skills to craft exceptional work, the ambition to take on new challenges, and the critical thinking to make a difference in a globally connected world.

Applicants should upload the following:

* Full curriculum vitae and cover letter summarizing their interests and qualifications for the position.

* Statement of teaching philosophy describing their conceptualizations of teaching and learning, and teaching and assessment methods, and how their teaching practices will engage students from a range of backgrounds and experiences.

* Research statement describing past, present, and future research, including how they mentor (or will mentor) student researchers and foster (or will foster) collaborative research environments.

* A writing/publication/creative works sample.

* Full contact information for at least three academic or professional references.

Priority will be given to completed applications received by February 3, 2025. Reviews will continue until the position is filled or the search is closed on April 30, 2025.

UT Dallas is a top public research university located in one of the nation's fastest-growing metropolitan regions. Our seven schools offer more than 140 undergraduate and graduate programs, plus professional certificates and fast-track programs. Our student body is 30,000 strong, reflecting students from over 100 countries and a multiplicity of identities and experiences. Over 65% of our undergraduate students receive some form of need- or merit-based financial aid; and 66% of graduating seniors have no student debt compared to 48% in Texas and 32% in the nation (2021 TICAS report).

UT Dallas is committed to graduating well-rounded members of the global community whose education has prepared them for rewarding lives and productive careers in a constantly changing world. A diversity of people, ideas, and perspectives is crucial to our vision and mission. UT Dallas is a place where members of the community from all backgrounds are welcomed, treated fairly, and encouraged in their pursuit of excellence.

The University has a variety of programs and initiatives to support engagement and success for all members of the campus community. Employee benefits include a range of physical and mental wellness resources. "LilyPad" lactation facilities are located throughout the campus. There are several Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) comprised of individuals who share common interests to help build community among UT Dallas faculty and staff (e.g., Universal Access ERG, Military and Veteran ERG, UT Dallas Young Professionals).

Rich with visual and performing arts venues, museum districts, professional and semi-professional athletics teams, botanical gardens, accessible trails and so much more, the Dallas-Fort Worth ( DFW) metroplex has something for everyone to explore. UT Dallas partners with regional higher education institutions and school districts and with the Richardson Innovation Quarter (Richardson IQ), a major hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and educational activities.

The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. The University prohibits unlawful discrimination against a person because of their race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status.

Candidates will have records of excellence in creative practice and immersive media and demonstrate expertise in virtual production tools and techniques, including familiarity with industry-standard software (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity, Autodesk Maya, Blender, motion capture systems). Areas of secondary specialization may include interactive art installations, interactive narrative, digital storytelling, animation/vfx, tools development.

Demonstrate a commitment to teaching excellence.
Prepare and teach undergraduate and/or graduate classes.
Contribute assessment information and data as requested.
Mentor and/or advise undergraduate and/or graduate students.
Establish and/or continue an independent line of research.
Continue to expand professional influence in the academic discipline through research and/or publication.
Engage in service within the academic unit, the university, and the profession as appropriate based on teaching and research constraints.
Teach four (4) classes each academic year.

1) All employees serve as a representative of the University and are expected to display respect, civility, professional courtesy, consideration of others and discretion in all interactions with members of the UT Dallas community and the general public.

2) The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment. EOE, including disability/veterans. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator . For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator.