"Planetarium & VR Program Instructor"

Company Description:

Framingham State University was founded in 1839 for a singular purpose - to meet a public need and promote the public good. At our founding as the nation's first public normal school, that need was for comprehensively educated public school teachers who would, in turn, promote an educated citizenry. FSU continues to offer exceptional teacher education programs, and while we are proud of our roots as a teachers' college, we have grown far beyond them. Public need continues to evolve, and FSU right along with it. Our students and alumni are making waves in the fashion industry, designing nutrition plans for professional athletes, writing for major media and news organizations, working for Fortune 500 companies right here in Framingham, and so much more. FSU is a proudly public and truly transformative institution offering accessible, affordable educational opportunities that integrate an academically challenging liberal arts education with workforce preparation programs in a highly personalized teaching environment. Our programs have expanded, but our purpose and commitment to public education for the public good remain steadfast.

FSU currently enrolls about 3,000 undergraduate and 1,200 graduate and professional students, offers 60 undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts and humanities, behavioral and social sciences, and professional fields, and enrolls 48% BIPOC students and 54% first-generation college students in our undergraduate programs. We are deeply committed to inclusive excellence and strive to promote a culture of equity and antiracism. This commitment has earned FSU eight Insight Into Academia Higher Education Excellence and Distinction (HEED) Awards and led to our recognition in the Great Colleges to Work For program. We encourage applications from those who share our commitment to promoting a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive community.

FSU is ideally situated between Boston and Worcester on land originally stewarded by the Nipmuc people for thousands of years. FSU and the surrounding area are steeped in history, achievement, and innovation, and provide access to urban hotspots, verdant landscapes, natural and cultural amenities, and diverse communities.

Our founding motto, LIVE TO THE TRUTH, was said at the end of each class by beloved first principal, Cyrus Peirce, who sought to discover and teach "truth in theory and principle...truth in spirit and motive...truth in manner and form...truth intellectual and truth moral." Early leaders found this motto "speaks of sincerity of spirit...of intensity of effort, of resolution to succeed, of joy in achievement." LIVE TO THE TRUTH aptly reflects our past and our pledge for the future as it continues to guide our institution in practice and endeavor. If you share in this quest for truth and a commitment to living it fully, make the next chapter of your career the best chapter at Framingham State University.

Learn more about our career opportunities at www.framingham.edu/careers.

Job Description:

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

The Instructor is a critical staff member of FSU's McAuliffe Simulation Laboratory (MSL). The McAuliffe Simulation Laboratory consists of a state-of-the-art digital planetarium and newly installed CAVE stereoscopic wall-projection virtual reality rooms.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Planetarium and Media Technologies Manager

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

N/A

EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform and facilitate daily programs and activities for K-12 students and out-of-school time groups. Assist with hosting FSU undergraduate courses in collaboration with the Planetarium Manager and Faculty.
• Assist with the maintenance and operation of the computer systems of the MSL.
• Work with McAuliffe Center staff to revise and develop new VR-compatible planetarium shows using Unreal Engine and the Center's Sky-Skan planetarium platform. Prepare realtime 3D visuals, audio content, and special effects.
• Work with student interns and outside development organizations that support the work of the Center. Set a positive, professional example for junior staff and third-party groups.
• Assist with planning, facilitating, and executing major public programs, concerts, conferences, talks, and other special events at the Christa McAuliffe Center.
• Communicate effectively with K-16 students, University staff, teachers, community agencies, and the public as required by the role.
• Work with McAuliffe Center staff to assist in facilitating and planning weekend and summer science programs for K-12 students and teachers.
• Need to be available to occasionally work evening and weekends.
• Accountable for ensuring that affirmative action, equal opportunity and diversity are integrally tied to all actions and decisions in areas of responsibilities.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

May have some lifting and moving

Must be available to work evening and weekend shifts

Requirements:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least one of the following:
• Bachelor's degree or work experience in astronomy, physics, computer science, 3D content development, or a related field.
• Experience writing, programming, and deploying planetarium shows or virtual reality content.
• Strong knowledge of astronomy, physics, or 3D content development demonstrated through published work or other significant work experience and accomplishments.
• At least one of the following:
• Experience working in a major realtime 3D engine, such as Unreal Engine (preferred), Unity, Godot, or similar.
• Experience working with 3D modeling tools such as Blender (preferred), Cinema4D, Maya, 3ds Max, Zbrush, or similar.
• Good multimedia production skills, including basic image editing, audio editing, and familiarity with common 3D object formats.
• Commitment to a high standard of educational practice and scientific integrity.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Candidates who are bilingual in English and Spanish or English and Portuguese are strongly encouraged to apply.

Additional Information:

This is a part-time, non-benefited contract position, not to exceed 18 hours per week. The scheduled hours are [insert scheduled hours or flexible]. The pay rate is $25.00-$35.00 per hour.

Framingham State University is an equal opportunity employer. The University considers all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, disability status, Veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristics protected by law.

Members of underrepresented or minoritized groups, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and all persons committed to equity, diversity, and inclusive excellence are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Instructions:

FOR STAFF POSITIONS:

Candidates must apply online by submitting:

• Cover Letter,
• Resume/CV,
• Equity and Inclusion Statement
• Names and contact information for three (3) professional references (references are not contacted automatically upon submission of application).

[IF APPLICABLE: *Regardless of personal demographic characteristics, FSU has a commitment to hiring candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion. The equity and inclusion statement is an opportunity for candidates to discuss past efforts, future plans, research, scholarship, professional skills, experience, and/or willingness to engage in activities that would enhance the University's efforts to promote an equitable and inclusive learning and working community. Equity and inclusion statements will be considered as part of a transparent and comprehensive review of candidates' application materials.]

FOR FACULTY POSITIONS:

Candidates must apply online by submitting:

• Cover Letter addressing teaching philosophy and any areas of specialization/expertise,
• CV/Resume,
• Equity and Inclusion Statement*, and
• Names and contact information for three professional or academic references (references are not contacted automatically upon submission of application).

*Regardless of personal demographic characteristics, FSU has a commitment to hiring candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion. The equity and inclusion statement is an opportunity for candidates to discuss past efforts, future plans, research, scholarship, professional skills, experience, and/or willingness to engage in activities that would enhance the University's efforts to promote an equitable and inclusive learning and working community. Equity and inclusion statements will be considered as part of a transparent and comprehensive review of candidates' application materials.

For best consideration, please submit application materials by September 12, 2025. The review of applications may continue beyond that date and until the position is filled, at the discretion of the search committee.

Framingham State University only accepts application materials through our online application system. We are unable to accept application materials through mail, email, fax, or hand delivery. If you experience technical issues with the online application process, please submit a helpdesk ticket.

Framingham State University understands that persons with specific disabilities may need assistance with the job application process and/or with the interview process. For confidential assistance, please contact the Human Resources Office at 508-626-4530 or humanresources@framingham.edu.