Assistant Professor in AR/VR/XR/Virtual Production

University of Texas at Dallas   Richardson, TX   Full-time     Education
Posted on April 13, 2024
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Posting Details

Posting Number

F00787P

Position Title

Assistant Professor in AR/VR/XR/Virtual Production

Functional Title

Assistant Professor in AR/VR/XR/Virtual Production

Department

Arts, Humanities, and Technology

Salary Range

Negotiable

Pay Basis

Monthly

Position Status

Academic Year

Location

Richardson

Position End Date (if temporary)

Posting Open Date

11/10/2023

Posting Close Date

08/01/2024

Open Until Filled

No

Desired Start Date

08/01/2024

Job Summary

Position Description


The Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology at The University of Texas at Dallas invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor (tenure track) to begin fall 2024. 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 reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, and immersive media to join our faculty. The ideal candidate will have experience within the AR/VR/XR/virtual production industry.

Essential duties include teaching four courses annually at the undergraduate and graduate level; mentoring undergraduate capstone students; and contributing to public-facing programming. Faculty members are expected to develop creative works or research programs that are nationally recognized for innovation and excellence. We are especially interested in applicants who can contribute to a diverse campus community through their teaching and mentoring.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience: An MFA, PhDor equivalent in game design, computer science or a related discipline is required prior to employment. 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 should have records of excellence in creative practice in virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, and immersive media. Areas of secondary specialization may include interactive art installations, art games, indie games, interactive narrative, digital storytelling, animation/vfx, tools development, digital sculpting, architecture, gamification, artificial intelligence, machine learning, sustainability.

Animation and Games


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.

Application Instructions

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.

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

Priority will be given to completed applications received by 12/1/2023. Reviews will continue until the position is filled or the search is closed on 8/1/2024.

The University and Community


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 31,000 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action

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.

The University of Texas at Dallas is an equal opportunity/affirmative action university.

Minimum Education and Experience

An earned graduate degree appropriate to the academic discipline and a record of productivity and professional achievement.

Preferred Education and Experience

An MFA, PhDor equivalent in game design, computer science or a related discipline is required prior to employment.

Candidates will have records of excellence in creative practice in virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, and immersive media. Areas of secondary specialization may include interactive art installations, art games, indie games, interactive narrative, digital storytelling, animation/vfx, tools development, digital sculpting, architecture, gamification, artificial intelligence, machine learning, sustainability.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

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;

Physical Activities

Working Conditions

Additional Information

Special Instructions Summary

Important Message

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.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
  1. * How did you learn of this employment opportunity?
    • Governmental Agency Job Posting
    • University's Job Posting
    • Agency Referral
    • Advertisement in The Chronicle of Higher Education
    • Advertisement in a Journal in my Academic Discipline
    • Personal Referral
    • Another Website
    • Other
  2. * Which of the following most accurately describes your highest earned degree?
    • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
    • Doctor of Education (EdD)
    • Other Doctoral Degree (DSci, DAud, MD, etc.)
    • Specialist's Degree (EdS)
    • Professional Degree
    • Juris Doctor
    • Master's Degree
    • Bachelor's Degree
    • Associate's Degree
    • Certificate
  3. * In which Academic Discipline is your highest earned degree?

    (Open Ended Question)
  4. * How many years of relevant work experience do you have in Higher Education, Industry, or Research?
    • None
    • One year
    • 2-3 years
    • 4-5 years
    • 6-10 years
    • Over 10 years
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
  1. Cover Letter/Letter of Application
  2. Unofficial Transcripts
  3. Teaching Philosophy
  4. Curriculum Vitae
  5. Teaching Evaluations
Optional Documents
  1. Writing Sample
  2. Other Document
  3. Relevant URL
  4. Veteran Employment Preference - Form DD-214
  5. Research Statement