Inside Higher Ed is hiring: Assistant Professor Film and Media in Animation in C

Overview

Assistant Professor Film and Media in Animation – 9-month, full-time tenure-track position at the University of South Carolina, Columbia campus, in the School of Visual Art and Design (SVAD), McCausland College of Arts and Sciences. Begin August 16, 2026. The position includes teaching, course development, service to the Media Arts program and school, and ongoing research/creative work in animation.

Responsibilities

• Teach 4 courses per year (2 per semester).
• Develop new courses in animation that create synergy with existing courses in 2D and 3D animation, game design, new media, and manga.
• Collaborate with other school disciplines such as drawing, graphic design, illustration, and potentially interdisciplinary programs (e.g., industrial design).
• Enhance student skills and career readiness to prepare them for multiple animation applications across industries (entertainment, industrial, medical, etc.).
• Provide service and leadership to the Media Arts program, the School, the College, and the University.
• Maintain a high level of research/creative activity through exhibited work and/or scholarship and pursue professional opportunities in the field.

Required Education and Experience

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Research profile in media production with a focus on animation and potential for ongoing contributions as an artist-researcher.
• Ability to incorporate 2D animation concepts and techniques in teaching and research to contribute to industry and/or arts and culture.
• Research should align with SVAD’s focus on media industries (video game design, 3D animation, film/video production, manga) and may extend to interdisciplinary work (e.g., industrial design).
• Examples of acceptable research focus include narrative animation production for entertainment, documentary or experimental animation, animation for industry and science communication, or a combination of interests.

Details

• Advertised Title: Assistant Professor Film and Media in Animation
• Campus: Columbia
• College/Division: College of Arts and Sciences
• Department: CAS School of Visual Art and Design
• Salary: We offer a competitive salary and benefits package
• Position Type: Full Time
• Hours Per Week: 40
• Basis: 9 months
• Work County: Richland
• Tenure Information: Tenure-Track/Tenured
• Job Search Category: Faculty

Application Process

How to Apply: All applicants must apply online at USCJobs. Applications must include a cover letter describing research and teaching interests, a current curriculum vitae, a portfolio of animation production and work samples with a brief narrative describing contributions (website URL or online file; password if required), and the names and emails of 3 references (letters solicited at semi-finalist stage).

Review of applications will begin on November 10, 2025. Inquiries may be directed to the Chair of the search committee, Professor Evan Meaney (EMEANEY@mailbox.sc.edu).

Open Until Filled: Yes

Open Dates

Job Open Date: 09/08/2025

Desired Start Date: 08/16/2026

About University Of South Carolina

The University of South Carolina system offers a network of eight institutions and 20 locations across the state, with more than 50,000 students enrolled across campuses, Palmetto College campuses, and online/blended learning options. All institutions emphasize service and community impact.

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, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.

Open until filled; review of qualifications will proceed on a rolling basis.