Assistant Professor of Instruction or Practice in Animation & Games - Programming for Games

Job Summary:

Position Description

The Bass School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology (AHT) at The University of Texas at Dallas invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Instruction or of Practice (non-tenure track). AHT at UT Dallas is a multidisciplinary academic research school with leading-edge programs in animation, games, emerging media arts, and the arts.

We seek candidates with a record of accomplishment in animation and games to join our faculty. Candidates should have experience within the animation or game industry, particularly dealing with technical skills in game development.

Essential duties include teaching four courses in the fall semester and four courses in the spring semester at the undergraduate level (with the possibility of graduate level courses); mentoring undergraduate capstone students; and contributing to public-facing programming. We are especially interested in applicants who can contribute to a campus community through their teaching and mentoring.

The appointment commences for the fall 2026 semester.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience: An MFA or PhD in Animation, Game Development, Computer Science is required prior to employment, those with ABD status will be considered at the application/interviewing stage. Candidates for appointment as Assistant Professor of Practice should have a BA with extensive industry experience. 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 deliver high quality teaching using evidence-based practices to effectively engage students from a range of backgrounds and experiences.

Preferred Education and Experience: Advanced professional experience in the animation or game industry, including work on commercially released or widely distributed projects, is preferred. Experience teaching at the college level, mentoring student work, and developing curriculum in animation or game development is also desirable.

Animation & Games

The Animation & Games program at The University of Texas at Dallas, housed within the Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology, offers an interdisciplinary curriculum that blends creative design with technical skills in digital media. Students develop expertise in areas such as 3D animation, motion graphics, motion capture, and game design while working in collaborative, studio-based environments. The program emphasizes visual storytelling, game mechanics, and project development, preparing students for careers across animation, gaming, and emerging media industries.

Application Instructions

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

Priority will be given to completed applications received by May 20, 2026. Reviews will continue until the position is filled or the search is closed on May 31, 2026.

Preferred Education and Experience:

Minimum Experience:
Candidates must hold an MFA or PhD in Animation, Game Development, Computer Science, or a related field, or a BA with extensive industry experience. Applicants must have demonstrated professional experience in the animation or game industry, with a focus on the technical aspects of game development, including proficiency in game programming and experience with modern development tools and pipelines such as Unreal Engine. All candidates are expected to work effectively in a highly collaborative, engaging, and dynamic environment comprised of individuals of diverse backgrounds, skills, and perspectives.

Preferred Experience:
Advanced professional experience in the animation or game industry, including work on commercially released or widely distributed projects, is preferred. Experience teaching at the college level, mentoring student work, and developing curriculum in animation or game development is also desirable.