Position Title: Asst Prof

Employee Classification: LC Faculty TT/TN 9m

College/Division: Arts and Sciences College

Department: 440105-CREATIVE MEDIA

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:  Commensurate with qualifications

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.00

Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Exempt

Summary:  The Creative Media Institute at New Mexico State University invites applicants for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Animation, with an appointment to begin Fall 2025.

Classification Summary:
The Creative Media Institute at New Mexico State University invites applicants for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Animation, with an appointment to begin Fall 2025.

The Creative Media Institute (CMI) is a department of The College of Arts and Sciences at New Mexico State University. CMI is a dynamic, cross-disciplinary program that prepares students for the 21st century in animation, creative writing, digital filmmaking, and journalism. At CMI, we are dedicated to developing and nurturing the artistic endeavors of student filmmakers through industry-standard education, research, and collaboration in the art, craft, and production of the moving image through storytelling. The animation program at CMI was
ranked 17th in the nation in 2024 by the Animation Career Review, placing New Mexico State
University in the top 20% of public animation programs.

Classification Standard Duties:
Examples of classes, including but not limited to:
• Compositing and FX
• Motion Graphics
• Visual Effects
• Light / Shade / Render

Other responsibilities:
• Scholarship and Creative Activities
• Serving on departmental committees
• Curriculum development
• Student recruitment
• Advising student majors in 2D and 3D animation
• Mentorship

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Required Qualifications:
• Terminal degree (MFA or equivalent) in animation or other relevant field, or equivalent professional experience (2 years or more).
• Demonstrated proficiency in Visual Communication Design, Motion Graphics, and /or Compositing.
• A Generalist Animator familiar with the 2D and 3D Animation Pipeline.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and teach courses at the foundational and advanced
undergraduate level in animation. A student-oriented teacher, able to support a diverse student body.
• An empathic and flexible team player.

Preferred Qualifications
• Software Proficiencies:
• Nuke or equivalent compositing software.
• Maya or equivalent 3d software.
• Toon Boom or equivalent 2d software.
• Experience in digital lighting, texturing, shading, & rendering.
• Traditional art background with hand-drawn experience.
• Understanding of the principles of animation.
• Experience working with multiple media sources including both raster and vector-based content.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
We are looking for a talented and collaborative colleague who specializes in compositing and visual communication design. Candidates should also have a comprehensive knowledge of 2D & 3D animation / VFX post-production workflows.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
The Creative Media Institute at New Mexico State University invites applicants for a tenure track Assistant Professor position in Animation, with an appointment to begin Fall 2025.

To apply, please submit the following:
• A cover letter stating your experience in relation to the required and preferred qualifications. Please also include statements attesting your commitment to diversity and inclusivity in your cover letter.
• A Teaching Statement describing teaching philosophy and pedagogical approaches.
• Curriculum Vitae
• URL Links to an online portfolio, with samples of professional and scholarly work.
• Contact information for three references who may be contacted at a later time.

Preferred Qualifications

Special Requirements of the Position

Department Contact:  Derek Chase, 575-646-6893, chader22@nmsu.edu

Contingent Upon Funding: Not Applicable

Bargaining Unit Eligibility: This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: 

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

Physical Effort: No or very limited physical effort required.

Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking.

Risk: No or very limited exposure to physical risk.