Assistant Teaching Professor of Digital Animation

University of Colorado

Denver (CO)

On-site

USD 78,000 - 88,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Job summary

University of Colorado Denver is seeking an Assistant Teaching Professor of Digital Animation to teach in the Digital Animation curriculum. The role emphasizes teaching undergraduate courses, developing new courses, and engaging in research and service within CAM.

The position requires teaching load of 3 courses per semester (6 per academic year), with a start date in August 2027. The program focuses on 3D graphics, Unreal Engine, and collaboration across the CAM.

Qualifications

MFA or terminal degree in animation, film, digital arts, or related field.
OR a Baccalaureate degree with five years of significant professional experience in animation, film, or related industry.
At least one year of college-level teaching experience.
Experience with industry-standard digital content creation applications including Maya and Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Premiere).
An online portfolio or demo reel showing the applicant's role in each piece.

Responsibilities

Teach three classes per semester (6 classes per academic year).
Develop and revise courses within the Digital Animation curriculum.
Prepare syllabi, lectures, and student assignments; evaluate work; manage courses in Canvas; maintain office hours.
Participate in department and CAM meetings and contribute to curriculum refinement.

Skills

Maya

Adobe Creative Cloud

Education

MFA or terminal degree in animation

Baccalaureate plus 5 years experience

Tools

Portfolio or demo reel

Job description

University of Colorado | Denver

Position Details

University of Colorado | Denver

Faculty Level/Title: Assistant Teaching Track

Working Title: Assistant Teaching Professor of Digital Animation

FTE: Full-time

Salary Range: $78,000 - $88,000

Position #00668617 – Requisition #41624

Join the University of Colorado Denver

About The University Of Colorado Denver

Millions of moments start at CU Denver, a place where innovation, research, and learning meet in the heart of a global city. We’re the state’s premier public urban research university with more than 100 in-demand, top-ranked bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. We partner with diverse learners—at any stage of their life and career—for transformative educational experiences. Across seven schools and colleges, our leading faculty inspires and works alongside students to solve complex challenges and produce impactful creative work. As part of the state’s largest university system, CU Denver is a major contributor to the Colorado economy, with 2,000 employees and an annual economic impact of $665 million. To learn more about how CU Denver helps learners meet their moment, visit ucdenver.edu.

Job Description

At the College of Arts & Media (CAM), we empower a diverse community of makers, scholars, and innovators to thrive in the rapidly evolving creative industries. Through a dynamic blend of critical inquiry, creative exploration, and real-world engagement, CAM prepares students for lives filled with opportunity, meaning, and purpose. Rooted in community and driven by a spirit of intellectual and artistic freedom, CAM embraces risk‑takers, visionaries, and cultural disruptors by providing access to cutting‑edge technology, global perspectives, and a nurturing environment where bold ideas flourish. CAM offers top‑ranked degrees and programs in Film & Television, Media Forensics, Music & Entertainment, and Visual Arts.

The Visual Arts Department has an opening for a full‑time Assistant Teaching Professor of Digital Animation in the Teaching Professor track (unclassified, non‑tenure‑track). The appointment will have a start date of August 2027 and will require a 3‑3 teaching load. The incumbent will teach undergraduate courses across the Digital Animation curriculum in their area of expertise and will engage in research, creative work, and service. The continuance of this appointment will be based on merit/performance, budget, and enrollment numbers.

The program also welcomes candidates whose expertise extends beyond what we currently teach. Areas of interest include virtual production, real‑time lighting and rendering, layout and previsualization, motion capture, visual effects, and technical art. The successful candidate will have room to develop new courses in their area of strength.

Digital Animation at CU Denver is embedded within the BFA in Fine Arts degree program with an emphasis in 3D Graphics and Animation, housed in the Digital Animation Center (DAC). The program culminates with a three‑semester capstone in which student teams produce an animated short through an academic simulation of a studio pipeline. Student films have screened at more than 300 national and international festivals in 22 countries and have won more than 75 Best Animated Short Awards.

CU Denver's animation program in the 2026 Animation Career Review rankings:

#1 in Colorado
Top 5 in the Southwest (#5)
Top 40 nationally among public schools and colleges (#15)
Top 50 nationally (#40)

What you will do:

Teaching 80%

Teach three classes per semester (9 credit hours), for a total of six per academic year (18 credit hours).
Teach required and elective courses in the Digital Animation curriculum, which may include:
- Digital Cinematography (FINE 2822)
- Introduction to Unreal Engine (FINE 3855)
- Creating Visual Story: Narrative Techniques and Visual Design (FINE 3841)
- DAC: Preproduction for Story (FINE 3845)
- International Perspectives through Animation (FINE 1002)
- or other course(s) that align with the candidate’s area of expertise
Develop new or revised courses in the candidate's area of expertise as the curriculum and industry practice change.
Faculty are responsible for the preparation of course syllabi, lectures, presentations, and student assignments; evaluation of student work; tracking and progress of student attendance and engagement; management of courses in the online platform Canvas; etc.
Maintain office hours.
Meet with Digital Animation colleagues about refinement of the curriculum to address current industry practice.
Attend Visual Arts Faculty and CAM meetings.

Research/Creative Practice 10%

Maintain an active scholarly and/or creative practice in animation, film, games, or related field.

Service 10%

Engage in and contribute to the function and operations of the department, as defined by the department chair and in collaboration with the senior associate dean.
Work with the broader community in representing the university, college, department, and students.
All other duties and projects as requested.

This description is a summary only and describes the general level of work being performed; it is not intended to be all-inclusive. The duties of this position may change from time to time and/or based on business need. We reserve the right to add or delete duties and tasks at the discretion of the supervisor and/or hiring authority.

Qualifications You Already Possess (Minimum Qualifications)

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

MFA or other terminal degree in animation, film, digital arts, visual effects, game art, or a related field and at least 3 years of significant professional experience in the animation, film, game, or related industry.
OR Baccalaureate degree and at least five years of significant professional experience in the animation, film, game, or related industry.
At least one year of successful teaching at the college level, which can include animation, modeling, look development, post‑production, pre‑production, narrative development, interactive/real‑time/game production.
Experience with industry-standard digital content creation applications including but not limited to: Maya and Adobe Creative Cloud Applications such as Photoshop and Premiere.
An online portfolio or demo reel demonstrating professional quality work in applicant’s area of expertise with a breakdown of the applicant's role on each piece.

Preferred Qualification To Possess (Preferred Qualifications)

4 or more years of college‑level teaching experience
6 or more years of professional experience in animation, visual effects, games, virtual production, or a related field
Professional credits on released film, television, game, or commercial productions, or other demonstrable record of accomplishment in creative research and practice such as festival screenings or exhibitions.
Experience working in or teaching a collaborative studio production pipeline.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

Knowledge of the 3D animation production pipeline from story and pre‑visualization through layout, lighting, rendering, and post‑production.
Depth in at least one area of the pipeline, such as cinematography and layout, lighting and rendering, rigging, technical art, visual effects, or real‑time production.
Working knowledge of industry‑standard 3D software and real‑time engines (e.g., Unreal, Unity), or willingness to learn and teach them.
Ability to teach and work with a diverse student body.
Ability to communicate in a positive and effective manner, across various modalities.
Proven experience in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with a diverse population at all levels throughout the institution and into the community.
Willingness to explore and teach new tools and trends in animation and real‑time production.
Ability to create equitable and positive experiences for all.
Ability to mentor student teams working toward shared production deadlines.
Broad knowledge of the history of animation, film, and contemporary visual storytelling.
Ability to outwardly contribute to a respectful, positive, and professional workspace.
Ability to work independently.

Conditions of Employment

This position requires an on‑site presence on campus for teaching, student mentoring, and departmental engagement
Occasional work during the evening and/or weekends may be required for departmental events, screenings, or industry guest events

Mental, Physical, And/or Environmental Requirements

This position will be performed on site and will require the ability to sit for extended periods, stand and walk occasionally, reach with hands and arms, use hands to manipulate a keyboard and mouse, and have good near vision for computer work; often requiring minimal lifting, but may involve bending or reaching to retrieve items from shelves or drawers.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

The University will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at workplaceengagement@ucdenver.edu.

Employment Sponsorship

Please be advised that this position is not eligible now or in the future for visa sponsorship.

Compensation And Benefits

The salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established at $78,000-$88,000.

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training.The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

This position is not eligible for overtime compensation. Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado Denver provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line. Benefits statement to include in all benefits‑eligible positions. See Eligibility Matrix.

Benefits: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

Application Deadline

Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, and interviews begin. Preference will be given to complete applications received by December 6th, 2026. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.

Background Check Policy

The University of Colorado Denver strives to maintain a safe and productive educational, clinical, research and employment environment. All prospective employees and current employees must, therefore, consent to and pass background checks prior to any final appointment/employment.

Department