Assistant Professor - Digital Animation and Game Design

Ferris State University

United States, Michigan, Big Rapids

1201 South State Street (Show on map)

Mar 25, 2025

Position Title:	Assistant Professor - Digital Animation and Game Design
Location:	Multiple Locations
Department:	42140 - GR Business
Advertised Salary:	$62,000 - $72,000 Salary commensurate with education, experiences and other requirements.
Benefits:	Comprehensive benefits package (health care, vacation, etc.). Please see the following link for a list of benefits offered with this position. Faculty Health Benefit Plans
FLSA:	Exempt
Temporary/Continuing:	Continuing
Part-Time/Full-Time:	Full-Time
Union Group:	Ferris Faculty Association (MEA-NEA)
Term of Position:	9 Month
At Will/Just Cause:	Just Cause
Summary of Position:	* Ferris State University's School of Digital Media invites applications for a Tenure-track faculty position in the Digital Animation and Game Design Program. * The School of Digital Media (SDM) at Ferris State offers bachelor's degree programs that provide applied learning experiences for students through small class sizes, and project-oriented coursework using industry standard software. * This position is based on the campus of Ferris Grand Rapids, but will require instruction in Big Rapids, and potentially online, as well. * Courses are to be taught in person on one of Ferris State University's campuses. The candidate selected for the position must reside in Michigan after acceptance of employment. * The anticipated start date of this position is August of 2025 at the earliest and January of 2026 at the latest.
Position Type:	Faculty - Temporary & Continuing
Required Education:	* Master's degree in related field.
Required Work Experience:	* Three years of professional experience animating in Maya for game development and/or computer animation. * The successful candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills needed to work effectively with a diverse array of students and colleagues.
Required Licenses and Certifications:
Physical Demands:	Office Environment Inclement Weather Sitting Driving Standing
Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered:	* MFA / Terminal Degree preferred. * Teaching experience and experience running courses through blended or online instruction. * Professional experience with Real Time rendering and/or VFX. * Familiarity with game engines, including Unity or Unreal Engine 5.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities:	* Teach courses for the DAGD program. Teaches a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester. * Serve as an academic advisor for the Digital Animation and Game Design (DAGD) program, including regularly scheduled advising dates and times. * Advise students on equivalent community college courses; assist with student registration; verify consortium forms; and review graduation audit requirements. * Assist with program development and support recruitment of new students. For example, attend career and college fairs and open houses; visit local middle and high schools to inform students and counselors of careers in DAGD. * Participate as a liaison with industry to promote the DAGD program. * Participate in university committees and other traditional functions that have academic significance such as graduation exercises. * Present recommendations for curriculum development / changes and other activities deemed necessary for continued program viability. * Review and search new software and hardware; staying current with latest industry technology and techniques; assist IT in lab testing and specifications. * Operates university or personal motor vehicles safely while carrying out job responsibilities. * Support and attend student events such as Frag Fest, Industry Day, graduation, etc. * Candidates must be able to work closely with other faculty members supporting curricula development and department goals. They must be student-centered focusing on the development of learning and assessment. * Demonstrates an understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion, especially in working relationships with students, faculty, staff and community members. * Faculty members also have professional responsibilities which may include; advising students, orientation and registration of students, participation in University committees, keeping regular posted office hours (which are scheduled at times convenient for students), and participation in traditional functions which have academic significance (ex. reporting initial student participation data and submitting final grades on time). * Faculty members may be required to teach off-campus or in an on-line environment. * Support, promote, and develop University student enrollment and retention initiatives. * Any other duties assigned within the position classification area.
Marginal Duties/Responsibilities:
Skills and Abilities:	* Ability to create video tutorials for student review. * Eager to function and participate as a valued member of a team. * Outstanding teaching ability as documented by teaching tools such as the syllabus, grading contracts, assignment sheets, and rubrics. * Demonstrated commitment, experience, and understanding for diversity, equity, and inclusion. * Demonstrate techniques for high-quality character animation. * Utilize both 2D and 3D platforms for development.
Required Documents:	Cover Letter Resume Unofficial Transcript 1 Unofficial Transcript 2
Optional Documents:
Special Instructions to Applicants:	* Unofficial Transcript 1 (REQUIRED): Applicants must attach a copy of unofficial transcript of Master's degree. * Transcript must include: Institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, degree awarded. Finalist will be required to submit an official transcript. * Unofficial Transcript 2 (REQUIRED): Applicants must attach a copy of unofficial transcript of Bachelor's degree. * Transcript must include: Institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, degree awarded. * Finalist will be required to submit an official transcript.
Initial Application Review Date:	February 28, 2025
Open Until Position is Filled?:	Yes
Posting Close Date:
EEO Statement:	Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University's Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement.
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