Department Contact: Amy Lanasa, (575) 646-6142, amyla@nmsu.edu

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Advertising Summary: The Creative Media Institute at New Mexico State University invites applicants for a 9-month tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Animation and Visual Effects, with an appointment to begin in the Fall semester of 2027. We are looking for a collaborative and talented colleague, with a strong creative initiative who is well prepared to teach introductory and advanced 3D animation and visual effects classes.

Position Details

Position Title: Assistant Professor

College/Division: Arts and Sciences College

Department: 440105-CREATIVE MEDIA

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate: Commensurate with qualifications.

Appointment Full-time Equivalency: 1.0

FLSA Status: Exempt

Bargaining Unit Announcement: This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Contingent Upon Funding: Not Applicable

Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: 

Job Duties and Responsibilities: Classification Standard Duties:
The successful applicant will have responsibilities in the areas of teaching and student advising, creative or scholarly research, and service to the department, university, industry, and community. The position carries a course load of 9 credit hours per semester and requires research or creative activities with high relevance to Animation & Visual Effects.

Job Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
We are looking for a talented and collaborative colleague who is a 3D Generalist with experience with VFX post-production workflows. The candidate must be able to teach undergraduate-level courses in Animation & Visual Effects at both the foundational and advanced levels.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Teach beginning to advanced courses in 3D animation and / or visual effects in a 3/3 load;
2. Perform departmental service and outreach;
3. Conduct creative and/or scholarly research;
4. Collaborate and with other faculty on new curriculum and program development

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience: 
Minimum Qualifications:
1. Terminal degree (i.e., MFA or equivalent) in animation or other relevant
field (degree must be completed by August 2027), or equivalent
professional industry experience (5 years or more).
2. A demonstrated broad generalist understanding of the interconnected 3D
animation workflow, supported by practical experience in a range of areas such as
visual effects (VFX), previsualization, lighting, rendering, modeling, texturing, rigging,
and/or character animation.
3. A research record or potential research agenda pertaining to animation or related
fields.
4. College-level teaching experience that includes developing and delivering
foundational and advanced undergraduate courses.
5. Evidence of effective, student-centered instruction that supports the learning and
success of students from diverse backgrounds.
6. An empathetic and collaborative teacher who thrives in an interdisciplinary setting.

Equivalent Qualifications: 

Preferred Qualifications: 
1. Professional industry experience and accomplishment in 3D animation as evidenced by creating, directing, and collaborating on projects that incorporate 3D animation.
2. An advanced understanding of the principles of animation.
3. Strong teaching skills with demonstrated communication, collaboration, and creative excellence.
4. Experience in pursuing external funding and involving undergraduates.


To apply, please submit the following:
1. A cover letter stating your experience in relation to the required and preferred qualifications and your commitment to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment in the classroom, department and university.
2. A Teaching Statement describing teaching philosophy and pedagogical approaches.
3. Curriculum Vitae
4. URL Links to an online portfolio, with samples of professional and scholarly work.
5. The contact information for three references who will be contacted at a later time.

Special Certification/Licensure: 

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

Physical Effort: No or very limited physical effort required.

Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking.

Risk: No or very limited exposure to physical risk.