Design Observer
Assistant Teaching Professor of Animation
The Department of Design at the University of Kansas is seeking a faculty member at the Assistant Teaching Professor level to work with undergraduate students in its newly established program in Animation. We are looking for an enthusiastic and engaging design thinker and maker with a passion for visual storytelling, character animation, and the development and exploration of animation tools and techniques, who is interested in working closely with our faculty to build this new program. Candidates with experience in teaching, curriculum development, and robust professional practice will stand out. We also encourage recent master’s degree graduates eager to launch a career in animation education, or education and mentorship minded industry professionals to apply.
Candidates must be able to demonstrate professional level skills in 2D or 3D animation practice with a focus on narrative and character animation, complemented by a strong historical familiarity with the medium, and a passion for educating students in these areas. Candidates should also have a strong background in industry standard production tools and methods, and current professional practice standards.
Ideal candidates will also demonstrate a proficiency in one or more of the following areas: 3D modeling, rigging, texturing, or lighting for animation and games; visual storytelling, directing for animation, storyboarding for animation, visual development for animation and games, acting for animation, animation production and project management.
Job Description
Teaching/Advising (60%)
– Teach required courses in the animation program, as well as animation courses open to all other majors, at the undergraduate level. The typical teaching expectation for this position is a 3/3 course load. Participate in the planning and integration of existing and new coursework & technologies in the animation undergraduate program. Candidates must also meet department expectations in terms of student advising.
Research and/or Applied Professional Practice (20%)
– Conduct research, creative, and/or professional work that focuses on animation and its application. Collaborate with clients on the application of this work and/or disseminate this work through peer‑reviewed publications and conferences.
Service (20%)
– Serve the department, university, state, and the profession. This includes attending departmental meetings, participating in committees and boards, and performing select administrative departmental functions.
Required Qualifications
Master’s degree in animation, illustration, entertainment design, film, visual communications, or a related field.
Candidates with a bachelor's degree in animation or a related field with 5 years demonstrated professional experience will also be considered. Industry professionals with an interest in academia are encouraged to apply.
A strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in teaching, research, and/or industry experience, specifically in the areas of 2D/3D animation and related fields.
Ability to demonstrate a commitment to collaborate and support faculty colleagues, develop curriculum, and help expand animation studio offerings.
Demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills and a strong collaborative spirit for teamwork and service.
Contact Information Jeremy Shellhorn, Chair of the Department of Design jeshellh@ku.edu
Application Details Application review begins Monday, December 1, 2025 and will continue through January 29, 2026. Anticipated start date: August 18, 2026. Position number: TBD. Primary campus: University of Kansas Lawrence Campus. FTE: 1.0. Reg/Temp: Regular. Limited term end date: May 15, 2029. Advertised salary range: commensurate with experience.
Disclaimer The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university’s programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785‑864‑6414, 711 TTY.
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Candidates must be able to demonstrate professional level skills in 2D or 3D animation practice with a focus on narrative and character animation, complemented by a strong historical familiarity with the medium, and a passion for educating students in these areas. Candidates should also have a strong background in industry standard production tools and methods, and current professional practice standards.
Ideal candidates will also demonstrate a proficiency in one or more of the following areas: 3D modeling, rigging, texturing, or lighting for animation and games; visual storytelling, directing for animation, storyboarding for animation, visual development for animation and games, acting for animation, animation production and project management.
Job Description
Teaching/Advising (60%)
– Teach required courses in the animation program, as well as animation courses open to all other majors, at the undergraduate level. The typical teaching expectation for this position is a 3/3 course load. Participate in the planning and integration of existing and new coursework & technologies in the animation undergraduate program. Candidates must also meet department expectations in terms of student advising.
Research and/or Applied Professional Practice (20%)
– Conduct research, creative, and/or professional work that focuses on animation and its application. Collaborate with clients on the application of this work and/or disseminate this work through peer‑reviewed publications and conferences.
Service (20%)
– Serve the department, university, state, and the profession. This includes attending departmental meetings, participating in committees and boards, and performing select administrative departmental functions.
Required Qualifications
Master’s degree in animation, illustration, entertainment design, film, visual communications, or a related field.
Candidates with a bachelor's degree in animation or a related field with 5 years demonstrated professional experience will also be considered. Industry professionals with an interest in academia are encouraged to apply.
A strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in teaching, research, and/or industry experience, specifically in the areas of 2D/3D animation and related fields.
Ability to demonstrate a commitment to collaborate and support faculty colleagues, develop curriculum, and help expand animation studio offerings.
Demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills and a strong collaborative spirit for teamwork and service.
Contact Information Jeremy Shellhorn, Chair of the Department of Design jeshellh@ku.edu
Application Details Application review begins Monday, December 1, 2025 and will continue through January 29, 2026. Anticipated start date: August 18, 2026. Position number: TBD. Primary campus: University of Kansas Lawrence Campus. FTE: 1.0. Reg/Temp: Regular. Limited term end date: May 15, 2029. Advertised salary range: commensurate with experience.
Disclaimer The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university’s programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785‑864‑6414, 711 TTY.
#J-18808-Ljbffr