Assistant Professor of Emergent Media

Position Description

The Animation & Game Design Program in the Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology at The University of Texas at Dallas invites applications for a tenure-system Assistant Professor specializing in one of the following: Emergent Media (Virtual Reality, VR), Augmented Reality (AR) or Virtual Production (VP). Professional experience in VR/AR, or virtual production studios, LED wall environments, motion capture, real-time rendering, or volumetric capture workflows is preferred along with experience with Unreal Engine, Unity, real-time VFX, or virtual cinematography pipelines.

We seek a creative scholar whose research, professional practice, and teaching advance emerging immersive media fields. The successful candidate will contribute to curricular growth in virtual production, real-time interactive media, and immersive storytelling, with opportunities to collaborate across campus in areas such as computer science, simulation, visualization, digital humanities, and interdisciplinary arts.

This is a full-time, 9-month, tenure-track appointment.

The appointment commences for the fall 2026 semester.

Minimum Education and Experience: A Terminal degree ( MFA, PhD, or equivalent) in Animation, Game Design, Interactive Media, Film/Media Production, Virtual Production, or a closely related field is required prior to employment; those with ABD status will be considered at the application/interviewing stage. Candidates are expected to demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative, engaging, and dynamic environment comprised of individuals with a range of backgrounds, skills, and perspectives. We are seeking candidates able to produce research and scholarly or creative achievements that enhance the program and the discipline, and able to deliver high quality teaching using evidence-based practices to effectively engage students from a range of backgrounds and experiences.

Preferred Education and Experience: Professional experience in VR/AR, or virtual production studios, LED wall environments, motion capture, real-time rendering, or volumetric capture workflows. Experience with Unreal Engine, Unity, real-time VFX, or virtual cinematography pipelines. A strong portfolio showing innovation in immersive storytelling, simulation, or hybrid XR experiences. Evidence of successful student mentorship or lab-based project leadership.

Animation and Game Design Program

Animation and Games at The University of Texas at Dallas is one of the top programs in the state of Texas. We are ranked as the #1 Game Design program and the #2 Animation program in the state according to the Princeton Review. Our program has 17 full-time faculty members with numerous film, television, and game credits that have garnered many awards including the Academy Awards, BAFTA's, Annie Awards, Esports Game of the Year, and others. Our state-of-the-art labs give students and faculty the opportunity to learn and engage in research across all aspects of animation and games whether their interests lie in 3D, 2D, Motion Capture, VR, AR, and anything else they can imagine.

The Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology (Bass School) is a community of scholars, artists, and creative practitioners defined by their creativity, critical thinking, and cross-cultural understanding. Within the context of a Carnegie R1 doctoral research institution, the Bass School fosters the fluid movement between traditional disciplines and cutting-edge experimental investigation of emerging technologies. We prepare students with the skills to craft exceptional work, the ambition to take on new challenges, and the critical thinking to make a difference in a globally connected world.

Applicants should upload the following:

* Full curriculum vitae and cover letter summarizing their interests and qualifications for the position.

* Statement of teaching philosophy describing their conceptualizations of teaching and learning, and teaching and assessment methods, and how their teaching practices will engage students from a range of backgrounds and experiences.

* Research statement describing past, present, and future research, including how they mentor (or will mentor) student researchers and foster (or will foster) collaborative research environments.

* Samples of creative work.

* Full contact information for at least three academic or professional references.

Reviews will continue until the position is filled or the search is closed on May 31, 2026.

The University and Community

UT Dallas is a top public research university located in one of the nation's fastest-growing metropolitan regions. Our seven schools offer more than 140 undergraduate and graduate programs, plus professional certificates and fast-track programs. Our student body is approximately 30,000 strong, reflecting students from over 100 countries and a multiplicity of perspectives and experiences. Over 65% of our undergraduate students receive some form of need- or merit-based financial aid; and 66% of graduating seniors have no student debt compared to 48% in Texas and 32% in the nation (2021 TICAS report).

UT Dallas is committed to graduating well-rounded members of the community whose education has prepared them for rewarding lives and productive careers in a constantly changing world. Our mission centers on providing Texas and the nation with excellent and innovative education and research. The University's rapid growth is fueled by our creative and enterprising spirt, bright students, innovative programs, renowned faculty, dedicated staff, engaged alumni, and research that matters.

The University promotes a welcoming environment through programs and initiatives designed to support engagement and success for members of the campus community. Employee benefits include a range of physical and mental wellness resources, competitive insurance and retirement plan options, lactation facilities located throughout the campus, and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) comprised of individuals who share common interests to help build community among UT Dallas faculty and staff (e.g., Universal Access ERG, Military and Veteran ERG, UT Dallas Young Professionals). Additionally, the University's modern campus, 400+ campus organizations, and prime location foster collaboration and community.

Situated in Richardson, Texas, the University's location offers abundant professional development and entertainment options. The Dallas-Fort Worth ( DFW) metroplex is rich with visual and performing arts venues, museum districts, professional and semi-professional athletics teams, botanical gardens, accessible trails, and much more, ensuring there's something for everyone. The University's partnerships with regional higher education institutions, local school districts, numerous companies, and the Richardson Innovation Quarter (Richardson IQ) - a major hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and educational activities - promotes collaboration, professional growth, and educational excellence.

The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. The University prohibits unlawful discrimination against a person because of their race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status.

Professional experience in VR/AR, or virtual production studios, LED wall environments, motion capture, real-time rendering, or volumetric capture workflows. Experience with Unreal Engine, Unity, real-time VFX, or virtual cinematography pipelines. A strong portfolio showing innovation in immersive storytelling, simulation, or hybrid XR experiences. Evidence of successful student mentorship or lab-based project leadership.

To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.

Demonstrate a commitment to teaching excellence
Prepare and teach undergraduate and/or graduate classes
Contribute assessment information and data as requested
Mentor and/or advise undergraduate and/or graduate students
Establish and/or continue an independent line of research
Continue to expand professional influence in the academic discipline through research and/or publication
Engage in service within the academic unit, the university, and the profession as appropriate based on teaching and research constraints
Teach four (4) classes each academic year.

1) All employees serve as a representative of the University and are expected to display respect, civility, professional courtesy, consideration of others and discretion in all interactions with members of the UT Dallas community and the general public.

2) The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator . For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator.