ENTA Instructor - Advanced VFX

White Spot; Canada; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

Kwantlen Polytechnic University is seeking part-time faculty to teach in their Entertainment Arts program, specializing in Visual Effects and Animation. This role requires expertise in computer graphics, along with a commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment. Successful candidates will demonstrate both technical creativity and instructional effectiveness.

Qualifications

• Experience in VFX and Feature Animation, preferably in recent years.
• Proficient in using relevant technical tools and software.
• Experience in teaching at the post-secondary level is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Teach courses in Visual Effects, Animation, and Project Management.
• Provide support and guidance to students.
• Contribute to program-related and institutional service.

Skills

Technical and problem-solving abilities

Creative eye

Proficiency in visual art

Understanding of energy conservation principles

Knowledge of shading technologies

Education

Degree or professional training in Computer Graphics

Tools

Katana/Gaffer

Arnold

Nuke

Python

Job description

Entertainment Arts KPU:
Foundation, Visual Effects, and 3D Animation & Modelling Instructor
Position Type: NR2 50%
Position Start: September 1st , 2025

KPU proudly offers all learners opportunities to achieve success in a diverse range of programs that blend theory and practice, critical understanding, and social and ethical awareness necessary for good citizenship and rewarding careers.

Faculty Overview:

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is the fourth largest university in the province of British Columbia and serves communities in the South Fraser region and beyond. A leader in innovative, interdisciplinary education with a teaching-focused mandate, KPU offers all learners opportunities to achieve the highest standards of academic performance. Our many programs of study provide applied learning and broad-based university education.

Within KPU, the Faculty of Arts has over 6000 full-time students and over 300 faculty members from across the Humanities and Social Sciences. The Faculty of Arts includes 19 departments and 21 programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The Faculty is also home to two Canada Research Chairs: the first in Lifespan Cognition, and the second in South Asian Literary and Cultural Studies. Many of our programs offer opportunities for experiential education through practicums, co-ops, international field-schools and exchanges, service learning, community engagement, and research collaborations. For more information about the Faculty of Arts, please visit our website at: https://www.kpu.ca/arts .

Position Overview:
Lighting and Design Technical Director for Visual Effects/Animation, & Project Management Instructor

The Entertainment Arts program within the Faculty of Arts at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) seeks to appoint part-time (at least 50%) faculty to a one-year position, and to establish a list of faculty qualified to teach in the program and who will be eligible for future course contracts on a per-semester basis. Applications are invited from individuals with expertise related to the fields of Computer Graphics 3D Character Animation for Feature Film, TV, VFX and/or Game Development, and the areas listed below. Courses may be offered during the day or evening, online or in-person at KPU's Richmond campus, and faculty are expected to be available to teach in either delivery mode. Non-regular, Type 2 positions also come with the expectation of program-related and/or institutional service.

Industry:

• Lighting, Compositing, and Design Technical Director, and Project Management experience required.
• Demo reel required; please include a breakdown of responsibilities for each shot in the reel in the edge of the frame.
  • Must provide Scripting Technical Director for VFX, Lighting and Design demo reel(s) that demonstrates relevant artistic and technical experience that also includes the nuances for this specific role.
• Degree and/or professional training in Computer Graphics, with work experience in VFX; experience in Feature Animation / TV/ Video Games is a plus.
• A thorough knowledge of the VFX pipeline from modeling through texturing, grooming, rendering and compositing.

Skillset:

• We seek an artist with great technical and problem-solving abilities, paired with a keen creative eye.
• Understanding and proficiency in visual art observational and applied skills in light, temperature, colour, form, shape, composition, and design.
• Applying visual art observational concepts within Visual Effects, Animation, and/or Video Games context and in relevant technical tools is priority.
• It is beneficial to have Katana/Gaffer, Arnold, and Nuke experience.
• Knowledge of programing for VFX in relevant languages such as Python for Nuke/Kata/Maya is imperative.
• Strong interest in shading technologies.
• Understanding of energy conservation principles.
• Deep understanding of physically based rendering, shading, and real-world materials.
• Ability to pick-up new techniques and ability to learn new software quickly and easily.

Teaching Pedagogy:

• Exhibit excellent listening and communication skills, able to provide direction, support and guidance in a respectful and humane manner to diverse group of students.
• Enthusiasm for using Universal Design Learning to enhance teaching and learning for all is a plus.
• Team-oriented with ability to work independently.
• Student-centered approach to curriculum and teaching is key.

For more information about Entertainment Arts course offerings, please consult the following link: https://calendar.kpu.ca/courses-az/enta/

Qualifications:

Preference will be given to individuals who have previously taught courses in a field of study listed above, who have significant professional, industry-related experience acquired within the last three years, and who have a record of teaching excellence at the post-secondary level.

More information concerning the working conditions for a faculty member is outlined in Article 12 of the Kwantlen Faculty Association (KFA) Collective Agreement.

Application Requirements:

Candidates are asked to submit:

• A link to Demo reel on CV and Cover Letter.
• A cover letter which clearly identifies:
  • The field(s) of study in which you are qualified to teach.
  • The type of position in which you are interested: a one-year position at 50% or more (Non-regular, Type 2), and/or single-semester contract work of three or fewer sections (Non-regular, Type 1)
• A curriculum vitae with links to a portfolio site.
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness (e.g., course evaluations, student survey results, peer review reports, past syllabi, or equivalent).
• A statement of teaching philosophy that discusses important elements of your teaching, such as:
  • How it is informed by your professional, industry-related experience.
  • How it incorporates approaches to equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonization
• The names and contact information of three references able to comment on your teaching ability and professional, industry-related experience.
• If selected, you will be asked to prepare a short teaching demo on a relevant topic of your discipline expertise with an emphasis on interactivity and inclusivity.

*Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.

This competition is for a maximum FTE of 50% (NR2). When possible, priority will be given to the candidate(s) who can maximize the FTE either individually, or collectively, as such please indicate on your application your preferred workload percentage. This competition could also be used to add candidates to our Qualified Faculty List, therefore also please indicate on your application if you are interested in being added to this list.

Salary Information:

Placement on the salary scale will be dependent on level of education and relevant teaching experience. Advancement up the pay scale is based on FTE and employment status.