OPEN POSITION: Assistant Professor of Computer Animation

Assistant Professor of Computer Animation
Assistant Professor 9-month appointment (academic year), Tenure Track
Department of Art and Design, Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri
Starting date: August 1, 2027

Position Description
The Department of Art and Design at Missouri State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Computer Animation. We seek a candidate with the ability to teach computer animation at all levels. The successful candidate will teach three courses per semester (3/3), and a continued creative research agenda is expected. Departmental responsibilities include involvement with program planning, assessment, curriculum development, student advisement, and participation in department governance. Contribute to departmental, college, and university service through committees and foster community engagement in alignment with the Missouri State University Public Affairs mission.

General Function
The Assistant Professor is a member of the ranked faculty with an intermediate academic rank who has demonstrated achievement in the areas of teaching, research, and professional service appropriate to the discipline. The Assistant Professor’s teaching responsibilities are assigned by the academic department head and may include serving as an academic advisor. The Assistant Professor engages in scholarly activities beyond those associated with teaching and is expected to demonstrate professional productivity in research, based upon the availability of resources and consistent with the mission of the University.

About the Department and Our Program
The Department of Art and Design’s faculty are dedicated to specialized courses serving almost 500 undergraduate majors, with majors in Visual Art and Culture, Design, Art Education, Studio Art (with emphases including computer animation and new media), and Electronic Arts. In addition, we offer an MFA in interdisciplinary Visual Studies and a Master of Art Education. Housed in the downtown Brick City complex, the Department of Art and Design offers students and faculty a dedicated creative environment set within the larger Idea Commons urban innovation park in downtown Springfield, Missouri. The Department’s various galleries, including the Brick City Gallery and Carolla Arts Exhibition Center, provide over 6000 square feet of exhibition space, and a Visiting Artists and Scholars series regularly brings recognized artists, designers, and scholars to the Department for lectures, workshops, and portfolio critiques.

Required Qualifications
60-hour MFA in Computer Animation, New Media, Digital Arts, or an equivalent terminal degree in a relevant discipline. Ability to teach all levels of Computer Animation, and other classes—such as game design, new media, or digital fabrication—dependent on experience and research agenda. Successful candidates will demonstrate potential for excellence in teaching and scholarship, commitment to undergraduate education, and possess communication and interpersonal skills sufficient to work effectively with students and colleagues and foster a welcoming and inclusive classroom environment.

Special Instructions to Applicants
Applications are to be made electronically to
https://jobs.missouristate.edu/postings/87705
Upload using the link above:
• A cover letter describing the candidate’s qualifications, interest in this position, and approach to teaching public university students.
• Current cv, including names and contact information of three academic or professional references.
• Unofficial transcript of terminal degree
• Portfolio of samples of candidate’s work: 12–20 pieces as a pdf (attached under “Other Documents”) or on a website (provide a working URL).
• Portfolio of samples of candidate’s students’ work, if available: up to 20 pieces as a pdf (attached under “Other Documents”) or on a website (provide a working URL).
First date of consideration is November 2, 2026. Review of the applicants will continue until the position is filled.

Questions about this posting should be directed to Associate Professor Joshua Albers at JoshuaAlbers@MissouriState.edu.

Employment will require a criminal background check at University expense.

Missouri State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Institution.