Lecturer of 3D Graphics & Animation

University of Colorado System; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 5,200 - 5,600; Part time

Job summary

University of Colorado Denver, within the College of Arts & Media, seeks a Lecturer in 3D Graphics & Animation to join a dynamic Visual Arts program on campus. The role centers on delivering high-quality instruction in digital 3D media and related practices.

Lecturers teach one or two classes per term and advance hands-on learning across modeling, animation, texture, and light development for industry-relevant outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in 3D Graphics & Animation or related field.
• At least one year of professional experience in animation, VFX, or game production.
• Proficiency with Maya, Adobe CC, Houdini, Unreal Engine, Harmony.

Responsibilities

• Teach one or two classes per semester (3-6 credit hours).
• Teach in areas such as 3D modeling, 3D character animation, 2D animation, look development, lighting, and project/story development.
• Contribute to animated film production and collaborative projects.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Team collaboration

Deadline-oriented

Adaptable teaching

Education

Bachelor's degree in 3D Graphics & Animation

Master's degree in 3D Graphics & Animation (preferred)

Tools

Autodesk Maya

Adobe Creative Cloud

SideFX Houdini

Unreal Engine

Toon Boom Harmony

Job description

Position Details

University of Colorado | Denver

Faculty Level/Title: Lecturer

Working Title: Lecturer of 3D Graphics & Animation

FTE: . 225 per 3 credit course

Salary Range : $5,371.19 per 3 credit course

Position #00638738 – Requisition #41654

Join the University of Colorado Denver

About the University ofColorado - Denver

Millions of moments start at CU Denver, a place where innovation,research, and learning meet in the heart of a global city. We'rethe state's premier public urban research university with more than100 in-demand, top-ranked bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degreeprograms. We partner with diverse learners—at any stage of theirlife and career—for transformative educational experiences. Acrossseven schools and colleges, our leading faculty inspires and worksalongside students to solve complex challenges and produceimpactful creative work. As part of the state's largest universitysystem, CU Denver is a major contributor to the Colorado economy,with 2,000 employees and an annual economic impact of $800 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 diversecommunity of makers, scholars, and innovators to thrive in therapidly evolving creative industries. Through a dynamic blend ofcritical 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 ofintellectual and artistic freedom, CAM embraces risk-takers,visionaries, and cultural disruptors by providing access tocutting-edge technology, global perspectives, and a nurturingenvironment where bold ideas flourish. CAM offers top-rankeddegrees and programs in Film & Television, Media Forensics,Music & Entertainment, and Visual Arts.

In Visual Arts at CU Denver, the city becomes our canvas, industryleaders become professors and a passion becomes a profession. We doour best work designing in a digital lab or putting paint to canvasin a studio. Our students have access to state-of-the art digitallabs, sculpture studios, industrial equipment and darkrooms. Theyfind opportunities at the Denver Art Museum, in galleries acrossthe Front Range and at digital studios like Pixar. That's how theCollege of Arts & Media unites the ability to create with themeans to succeed.

3D Graphics & Animation at CU Denver, recognized as one of thetop 50 national programs by Animation Career Review, trainsstudents to be 3D digital content creators—in film, entertainment,medicine, and science. Students graduate with instruction in artsaesthetics, critical thinking, and communication skills whileproviding an intense level of expertise, instruction, and immersionin digital 3D animation and graphics.

Lecturer appointments are at-will and teaching assignments aredetermined on a semester by semester basis. Teaching assignmentsmay fluctuate and are contingent upon the schedule of coursesoffered each term.

Lecturer – 3D Graphics and Animation

What you will do: 100% Teaching

Lecturers may teach one or two classes (3-6 credit hours) persemester.

Lecturers in the 3D Graphics & Animation Program may beexpected to teach in one or more of the following areas at anintroductory, intermediate, or advanced level:

• 3D modeling/sculpture
• 3D character animation
• 2D character animation
• Look Development, texturing emphasis
• Look Development, lighting emphasis
• Story and project development
• Animated film production

Qualifications you already possess (MinimumQualifications)

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time ofhire.

• Bachelor's degree in 3D Graphics & Animation or similarmajor/emphasis.
• One year of relevant and demonstrable professional experiencein the animation, visual effects, or game production industry.
• Proficiency with commercial software applications commonly usedin the animation, visual effects, or game production industry thatare relevant to the areas in which you specialize. Examples of suchsoftware applications are:
  • Autodesk Maya
  • Adobe Creative Cloud Applications (Photoshop, Substance 3DPainter, etc.)
  • SideFX Houdini
  • Foundry Production Collective
  • Epic Games Unreal Engine
  • Toon Boom Harmony

Preferred Qualification to possess (PreferredQualifications)

• One year of relevant and demonstrable experience teaching inhigher or K-12 education.
• Master's degree in 3D Graphics & Animation or similarmajor/emphasis.
• Three years of relevant and demonstrable professionalexperience in the animation, visual effects, or game productionindustry.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Primary experience as a creative and/or producer in acollaborative media production environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills across multipleteaching modalities
• Demonstrated history of building and maintaining effectiveworking relationships with colleagues, students, and communitypartners representing a wide range of perspectives
• Ability to work autonomously, taking initiative on tasks, andmeeting deadlines
• Outwardly contribute to a respectful, positive, andprofessional workspace
• Interest in emerging trends and technologies in illustrationeducation and practice
• Demonstrable creative and aesthetic sensibility as it relatesto 3D graphics & animation.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with allapplicable federal, state, and local laws governingnondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating aworkplace where all individuals are treated with respect anddignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds toapply, including protected veterans and individuals withdisabilities.

The University will provide reasonable accommodation to applicantswith disabilities throughout the employment application process. Torequest an accommodation pursuant to the Americans withDisabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADACoordinator at [e-mail].

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range (or hiring range) for this position has beenestablished at $5,371.19 per 3 credit course.

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be setbased 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 theUniversity's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range ofpossible compensation at the time of posting.

This position is not eligible for overtime compensation. Thisposition is not eligible for benefits.

Application Deadline

Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, andinterviews begin. Preference will be given to complete applications received by November 23rd, 2026. Those who do not apply by thisdate may or may not be considered.

Background Check Policy

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