Assistant Professor Emerging Media, Animation & 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. The position is located at the UCF main campus and is anticipated to start in August 2026.

The ideal candidate will have professional industry experience and/or academic research experience. They will guide students in developing technical proficiency, industry readiness, a strong sense of purpose, integrity, and digital citizenship. They will carry 3/3 teaching load supporting both the Emerging Media BFA in Animation & Visualization program and the Emerging Media MFA in Animation and Visual Effects program. Faculty are also expected to actively pursue external funding opportunities and to produce creative work, both artistic and applied, that achieves regional and national peer-reviewed recognition for innovation and excellence.

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.

UCF is home to a growing and diverse student population of over 70,000 students, almost 2,000 faculty, and more than 4,700 staff. 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.

Minimum Qualifications:

• MFA or terminal degree in an appropriate discipline (digital art, motion graphics, 3D visualization, film, animation, game design, or an applied media-related discipline) from an accredited institution by the time of appointment.

• Able to demonstrate a recognized agenda of research or creative work in relevant areas of digital art.

• A minimum of 1 year of formal/information teaching experience (e.g. tutoring, holding workshops, creating tutorial videos, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Teaching experience in one or more diverse sets of software packages such as: Toon Boom Harmony, Maxon ZBrush, Houdini, Autodesk Maya, Unreal Engine, Dragon Frame, Adobe Creative Cloud, or Substance Suite.

• Undergraduate level teaching experience.

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

• Evidence of being a theorist and practitioner, with a demonstrated sustainable research agenda related to digital arts and/or have a record of obtaining research funding. Research could include artistic and commercial efforts/projects.

• Knowledge in areas of digital arts and visual storytelling through 2D & 3D animation, pre-production, storyboard, and concept art, motion graphics, video editing, lighting and composition, visual effects, stop-motion and fabrication, 3D printing, rendering, or VR/AR/XR.

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 interest describing qualifications for the position and explaining their industry and academic experience.

• A curriculum vitae.

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

• Statement of research or research plan for tenure track process.

• Statement of teaching philosophy.

• An unofficial copy of transcripts from an accredited institution(s).

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.

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.

Questions regarding this search should be directed to: Stephanie Toth, Assistant Professor, at stephanie.toth@ucf.edu

Special Instructions to the Applicants:

The selected candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship, now or in the future.

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.

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Type of Appointment

Expected Salary

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

UCF is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer.

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 407-823-1336 or email onac@ucf.edu.

For general application or posting questions, please email talent@ucf.edu.