The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is located in the heart of downtown L.A. and is the largest private employer in the City of Los Angeles. As an employee of USC, you will be a part of a world-class research university and a member of the "Trojan Family," which is comprised of the faculty, students and staff that make the university what it is.

The John C. Hench Division of Animation Digital Arts of USC’s School of Cinematic Arts teaches animation from a maker’s point of view with a focus on creation, design and innovation. Classes are taught by seasoned filmmakers and current industry professionals who inspire and enable students to develop as artists and embark on creative careers.

The division is seeking applicants for a faculty position at the Adjunct Associate Professor level to teach a Cinematography for Animators course to undergraduates. This course is taught in person at the USC campus in Los Angeles.

Qualified candidates will have professional experience at major animation studios as a layout artist, head of layout, co-director or director. Candidates should be currently engaged in the entertainment industry and possess hands-on working knowledge of the principles and practice of digital layout. You possess a solid understanding of how camera composition, character blocking, lighting and editing impact visual storytelling. You should have hands-on layout experience with using industry standard 3D tools like Maya. Previous teaching experience is preferred.

Please submit a link to CV and current professional portfolio.

Minimum Education: BA or BFA degree from an accredited university or art school or equivalent in professional experience at major studios

Minimum Experience:

• 8 years of professional experience working in feature and/or TV animation

• At least 4 years’ experience as a layout artist at major studios

Preferred Education: MFA degree from an accredited university or art school

Preferred Experience:

• 10 years of professional experience working in feature and/or TV animation

• At least 6 years’ experience as a layout artist

• Creative supervisory experience as a director, co-director, head of layout or roles responsible for creative layout supervision and overseeing digital layout production

• Demonstrated teaching experience, ideally at the college level, but inclusive of professional and community seminars, workshops, and mentorships.

USC reserves the “Adjunct” appointment for faculty teaching less than full-time at USC, who are employed full-time in a primary profession or career elsewhere. Adjunct faculty typically teach only one course per year but, in exceptional cases, may teach one course per semester, if approved by the dean.

The hourly rate range for this position is $38 - $43.75 per hour. This is an adjunct 25% FTE position.

When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.