Lecturer of 3D Graphics & Animation

University of Colorado Anschutz; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 4,800 - 5,900; Part time

Job summary

University of Colorado Denver is seeking a Part-time Lecturer in 3D Graphics & Animation within the College of Arts & Media. The role focuses on teaching 3D modeling, character animation, look development, lighting, storytelling, and animation production.

Ideal candidates hold a Bachelor’s in 3D Graphics & Animation with at least one year of relevant industry experience and proficiency in Maya, Toon Boom, Houdini, Unreal Engine, and Adobe Creative Cloud.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in 3D Graphics & Animation or similar major.
• One year of relevant professional experience in animation, visual effects, or game production.
• Proficiency with software such as Maya, Adobe CC, Houdini, Foundry, Unreal Engine, and Toon Boom Harmony.

Responsibilities

• Teach one or two classes (3-6 credit hours) per semester.
• Deliver instruction in 3D modeling/sculpture, animation, and related areas.
• Contribute to course development and student assessment across introductory to advanced levels.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Collaboration

Time management

Autonomy

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in 3D Graphics & Animation

Master's degree in 3D Graphics & Animation

Tools

Autodesk Maya

Adobe Creative Cloud

SideFX Houdini

Foundry Production Collective

Epic Games 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

Schedule: Part-time

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 $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 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.

In Visual Arts at CU Denver, the city becomes our canvas, industry leaders become professors and a passion becomes a profession. We do our best work designing in a digital lab or putting paint to canvas in a studio. Our students have access to state-of-the-art digital labs, sculpture studios, industrial equipment and darkrooms. They find opportunities at the Denver Art Museum, in galleries across the Front Range and at digital studios like Pixar. That's how the College of Arts & Media unites the ability to create with the means to succeed.

3D Graphics & Animation at CU Denver, recognized as one of the top 50 national programs by Animation Career Review, trains students to be 3D digital content creators—in film, entertainment, medicine, and science. Students graduate with instruction in arts aesthetics, critical thinking, and communication skills while providing an intense level of expertise, instruction, and immersion in digital 3D animation and graphics.

Lecturer appointments are at-will and teaching assignments are determined on a semester by semester basis. Teaching assignments may fluctuate and are contingent upon the schedule of courses offered each term.

Lecturer – 3D Graphics and Animation

What you will do: 100% Teaching

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

Lecturers in the 3D Graphics & Animation Program may be expected to teach in one or more of the following areas at an introductory, 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 (Minimum Qualifications)

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

Preferred Qualification to possess (Preferred Qualifications)

• One year of relevant and demonstrable experience teaching in higher or K-12 education.
• Master's degree in 3D Graphics & Animation or similar major/emphasis.
• Three years of relevant and demonstrable professional experience in the animation, visual effects, or game production industry.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Primary experience as a creative and/or producer in a collaborative media production environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills across multiple teaching modalities
• Demonstrated history of building and maintaining effective working relationships with colleagues, students, and community partners representing a wide range of perspectives
• Ability to work autonomously, taking initiative on tasks, and meeting deadlines
• Outwardly contribute to a respectful, positive, and professional workspace
• Interest in emerging trends and technologies in illustration education and practice
• Demonstrable creative and aesthetic sensibility as it relates to 3D graphics & animation.

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 [e-mail].

Compensation and Benefits

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

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. This position is not eligible for benefits.

Application Deadline

Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, and interviews begin. Preference will be given to complete applications received by November 23rd, 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.

Questions should be directed to Digital Animation Program Director, Jeremy Brown [e-mail].