Instructor, Virtual Environments/ Algorithmic Animation

Virtual Producer; Tampa (FL); In loco; USD 77.000 - 94.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

University of South Florida in Tampa invites applications for a Faculty Instructor in Residence at InEd Studios for Virtual Environments / Algorithmic Animation. The role includes developing curricula, teaching courses for undergraduates and majors, mentoring MFA students, and expanding the Animation program.

The ideal candidate has strong Unreal Engine expertise, teaching experience, and a track record of interdisciplinary creative research. Appointment begins August 2024.

Competenze

• MFA in Animation or related field with significant professional experience.
• Proven Unreal Engine expertise with material editor, lighting, Blueprints, particles.
• Knowledge of teaching Animation and embracing pedagogy.
• Strong artistic/design sensibilities and ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary teams.

Mansioni

• Create assets and design levels for virtual productions in Unreal Engine.
• Deliver content for virtual productions and assist on-set operations.
• Collaborate with Virtual Production Supervisor on concept development and sequence blocking.
• Mentor graduate students and contribute to curriculum development.

Conoscenze

Collaboration

Communication

Artistic sensibility

Teaching readiness

Formazione

MFA in Animation or MFA in Studio Art/Filmmaking

Strumenti

Unreal Engine

Maya

Blender

Houdini

Substance Painter

Descrizione del lavoro

Department: School of Art & Art History Dept ID #240400

College/Division: College of The Arts

Salary Plan: Full time Faculty 12 month

Hiring Salary/Salary Range: $85,000 or commensurate with experience

Position Summary

In a cross‑department collaboration, The School of Art & Art History and Innovative Education at the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa invite applications for a Faculty Instructor in Residence at InEd Studios for Virtual Environments / Algorithmic Animation. Appointment to begin in August 2024. The role encompasses developing new curricula, teaching courses ranging from undergraduate non‑majors to art specialization majors, mentoring graduate students in a multidisciplinary MFA program, and organizing the needs of an expanding Animation program.

As an Unreal Engine Artist and Faculty in Residence at InEd Studios, responsibilities include asset creation, level design, content delivery for virtual productions, collaboration with the Virtual Production Supervisor on concept development, sequence blocking, and interactive experiences, support of on‑set virtual production operations, optimization of virtual sets for real‑time rendering, enhancement of visual quality through lighting, seamless integration of assets into Unreal Engine, and collaboration with stakeholders to translate artistic vision into virtual environments. The position also involves keeping abreast of industry developments, mentoring students, developing course materials, conducting research, and aligning curriculum with industry standards in collaboration with the College of Arts animation program.

This is a unique opportunity between Innovative Education and the College of the Arts to contribute to cutting‑edge virtual production projects while shaping the future of the industry through education and mentorship.

The ideal candidate will have a strong technical and theoretical foundation, an expansive approach that embraces the evolving role of the moving image in a global society, and a record of producing, presenting, and exhibiting creative original work at the national/international level. They will help shape the future of Animation within the School of Art & Art History and expand the program through interdisciplinary and innovative creative research, including contributing to Innovative Education’s virtual production efforts.

Qualifications (Education & Experience)Minimum Qualifications

• Terminal degree (MFA) in Animation or MFA in Studio Art, Filmmaking, or a related field with significant professional experience in Animation.
• Proven experience using Epic’s Unreal Engine, with a strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in the material editor, lighting system, Blueprints, and particle systems; a solid understanding of real‑time rendering principles, shading techniques, and optimization strategies.
• Knowledge of current practices, techniques, technology, and issues related to teaching Animation.
• Strong artistic and design sensibilities, with an eye for detail and composition; excellent communication and teamwork skills; ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of two years teaching experience after completion of a terminal degree.
• Demonstrated expertise in at least two of the following areas: Storyboarding and Visual Storytelling, Character Design, 3D Modeling, Motion Graphics, Digital Illustration/Concept Art, Character Rigging, and Character Animation.
• Knowledge of 3D content creation software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, Houdini, or Substance Painter to complement Unreal Engine workflows.
• Awareness of contemporary visual culture, animation, and theory.
• Experience collaborating on film or television productions, understanding the unique challenges and workflows involved in integrating virtual production into traditional media.
• Basic understanding of programming languages commonly used in 3D environment development (C++, C#, or Python) for developing custom tools or scripts.
• Demonstrated experience with advanced Unreal Engine features such as Niagara, Sequencer, and Blueprints.
• A record of creative research.

Application Documents

• Letter of interest
• Curriculum vitae
• Artist’s Statement
• Contact information for three references
• Links to a curated online portfolio of work examples (passwords needed if applicable)
• Links to student works that demonstrate teaching effectiveness, accessible online