ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, DIGITAL ANIMATOR/SCULPTOR/NEW MEDIA ARTIST at University of Massachusetts Amherst

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, DIGITAL ANIMATOR/SCULPTOR/NEW MEDIA ARTIST, DEPARTMENT OF ART

Job Description

The Department of Art at the University of Massachusetts Amherst seeks a tenure-track Assistant Professor in 3D Animation, Sculpture, and New Media with an emphasis in digital modeling and fabrication. The ideal candidate will be an exceptional artist with a strong exhibition record and a portfolio that challenges the expectations and conventions of the field. Applicants should possess a skill set that covers working in 3D modeling and animation, motion graphics, and digital-to-physical output.  We anticipate applications from artists who self-define as animators, sculptors, new media artists, etc.  Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.  

Responsibilities

Research

  • Engage in scholarly research or other creative activity that leads to exhibition appropriate to the profession.
  • Commitment to contemporary art practices and critical theory, especially as these involve digital media.
  • Achieve and maintain high distinction in the field of art.

Teaching

  • Teaching load consists of four courses per academic year.
  • Commitment to undergraduate and graduate teaching in a professional program within a college of humanities and fine arts.
  • Teach undergraduate and graduate courses relevant to students in animation, sculpture and new media.
  • Maintain expertise in emerging technologies and practices.
  • Teaching includes the possibility of collaboration and interdisciplinary activity with faculty and students across the Arts and with areas of interest to the candidate. The Department of Art encourages the development of collaborative teaching strategies.
  • Advise undergraduate and graduate students; participate in graduate reviews, seminars, and thesis committees.

Service

  • Serve on department, college, and University committees.  Achieve and maintain a visible and proactive service profile.
  • Advise undergraduate and graduate students; participate in graduate reviews and thesis committees.
  • Collaborative role in curricular development in the Department of Art.

We are seeking talented applicants qualified for an assistant professor position.  Under exceptional circumstances, highly qualified candidates at other ranks my receive consideration.

Requirements

  • Ability to move fluidly between digital and physical modes.
  • Ability to contextualize work within a contemporary art, film, or animation dialog.
  • Familiarity with relevant modeling, animation, and production software.
  • Familiarity with digital fabrication as well as 3D capture and output including 3D scanning and printing.
  • Knowledge of historical and contemporary critical discourse in digital art, animation and filmmaking.
  • Ability to work across disciplines.
  • Willingness to teach at all levels of curriculum including foundations, BFA and Graduate seminars.
  • MFA or equivalent with 3-5 years teaching beyond graduate school; demonstrated commitment to program and course development. 

Preferred Requirements

  • Experience with CNC and or laser cutting.
  • Experience with conceptual design.
  • Understanding of VFX (e.g., destructible objects, lighting systems, reflection, volumetric lights) and their contribution to animations.
  • Experience with interactive software (sensing/input/output) and physical computing (installation, motion capture, etc.).
  • Experience in script to screen production.
  • Experience and knowledge of software scripting and or coding.

 Additional Information

 The University is committed to active recruitment of a diverse faculty and student body.  The University of Massachusetts Amherst is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer of women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities and encourages applications from these and other protected group members.  Because broad diversity is essential to an inclusive climate and critical to the University’s goals of achieving excellence in all areas, we will holistically assess the many qualifications of each applicant and favorably consider an individual’s record working with students and colleagues with broadly diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds in educational, research or other work activities. We will also favorably consider experience overcoming or helping others overcome barriers to an academic degree and career.

 Application Instructions

This is a two-part application process:

  1. Please upload the following items in PDF format to Interview Exchange at the link http://umass.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=53908
  • cover letter highlighting teaching and professional work
  • CV
  • graduate transcript
  • names, e-mails and contact information for three references.  
  • We also welcome a statement of teaching methods/philosophy, course outlines, and syllabi.
  1. Documentation of your work and of student work, with captions.  Please submit 20 images of your

work and 20 images of student work, with captions, to:           https://umassamherstart.slideroom.com/#/permalink/program/23488

You will create an account that is a combination of fill-in fields and uploads.

Applicants should apply by the priority deadline of January 15, 2015, in order to ensure consideration.

You are encouraged to begin the application well before the deadline.  Applicants can save and continue work on the application until the priority deadline submission date.