Assistant Professor Film and Media in Animation

About University of South Carolina

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Benefits for FTE Positions

The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers state employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu.

Position Description

Advertised Job Summary

The faculty of the School of Visual Art and Design (SVAD) in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences at the University of South Carolina, Columbia campus, invites applications for a 9-month, full time tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin August 16, 2026.

The successful candidate will teach 4 courses per year (2 per semester) and develop new courses in animation that create synergy with existing courses in 2D and 3D animation, game design, new media, and manga. The position’s location in an art and design school means that courses and curriculum can intersect in exciting ways with other school disciplines such as drawing, graphic design, illustration, and a future degree program planned in industrial design. The faculty member’s teaching contributions will accentuate student skills and career readiness so that they can enter industries of multiple kinds where animation is applied (entertainment, industrial, medical, etc.). The faculty member will also provide service and leadership to the Media Arts program, school, college, and university. Expectations include maintaining a high level of research accomplishment via exhibited creative work and/or scholarship, active pursuit of professional opportunities in the field, and strong and engaged teaching.

Required Education and Experience

• Candidates must have an MFA or PhD in film, media or closely related field by the start date of employment, plus research expertise in animation, and either the potential for or a demonstrated record of excellence in teaching.
• We welcome applications from individuals who are interested in moving from industry to academia.

Preferred Qualifications

• The successful candidate will have a research profile in media production with a focus on animation and demonstrate the potential for ongoing contributions to the field as an artist-researcher.
• We are especially interested in candidates who can incorporate 2D animation concepts and techniques in their teaching and research to produce novel and exciting contributions to industry and/or arts and culture.
• While the research profile should align with the film and media program’s existing focus on the media industries (video game design, 3D animation, film/video production, and manga),it may also expand upon it through interdisciplinary research with other fields, including industrial design.
• For example, the candidate’s research profile could center on narrative animation production for entertainment, documentary or experimental animation, animation for industry and science communication, or a combination of research interests.

Posting Detail Information

Desired Start Date

08/16/2026

Job Open Date

09/08/2025

Job Close Date

Open Until Filled

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicant

How to Apply:

All applicants must apply online at USCJobs at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Applications must include:

1. a cover letter that describes their research and teaching interests,
2. a current curriculum vitae,
3. a portfolio of animation production and work samples with a brief narrative that clearly describes the applicant’s contributions. The portfolio may be provided either as a URL link to a website or an online file. If a password is required to view, please include it, and
4. the names and email addresses of 3 references, including current email addresses. Letters will be solicited by the chair of the committee from referees at the semi-finalist stage.

Review of applications will begin on November 10, 2025. Inquiries about this position may be directed to the Chair of the search committee, Professor Evan Meaney, [email protected]

Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This position is open until filled. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.

Quicklink for Posting

https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/194376

EEO Statement

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.