What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Professor position at NMSU Conference Services?
- 502809
- Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States
- Faculty
- 9-Month Faculty Full-Time
- Closing at: Nov 18 2025 - 23:55 MST
Position Title: Assistant Professor
Employee Classification: LC Faculty TT/TN 9m
College/Division: Arts and Sciences College
Department: 440105-CREATIVE MEDIA
Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants
Location: Las Cruces
Offsite Location (if applicable):
Target Hourly/Salary Rate: Commensurate with qualifications
Appointment Full-time Equivalency: 1.0
Exempt or Non-Exempt: Exempt
Summary: The Creative Media Institute at New Mexico State University is seeking to fill a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Animation and Visual Effects.
Classification Summary
The Creative Media Institute at New Mexico State University invites applicants for a 9-month tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Animation and Visual Effects, with an appointment to begin in the Fall semester of 2026.
The Creative Media Institute (CMI) is a department of The College of Arts and Sciences at New
Mexico State University. CMI is a dynamic, cross-disciplinary program that prepares students
for the 21st century in animation, creative writing, and digital filmmaking. At CMI,
we are dedicated to developing and nurturing the artistic endeavors of student filmmakers
through industry-standard education, research, and collaboration in the art, craft, and
production of the moving image through storytelling. The animation program at CMI was
ranked 17th in the nation in 2024 by the Animation Career Review, placing New Mexico State
University in the top 20% of public animation programs.
The successful candidate will join a collaborative community of arts and media faculty who are shaping the future of media education. You will have opportunities to develop forward-thinking curriculum, engage in scholarly and creative activities, and contribute to our department's tradition of excellence in teaching and learning. We seek a dynamic artist-educator who will collaborate with CMI colleagues to effectively teach the interwoven animation and visual effects curriculum.
Classification Standard Duties
The successful applicant will have responsibilities in the areas of teaching and student advising, creative or scholarly research, and service to the department, university, industry, and community. The position carries a course load of 9 credit hours per semester and may involve classes like Previs, Storyboarding, Visual Effects, and Light/Shade/Render. It also requires research or creative activities with high relevance to Animation & Visual Effects
Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
- Terminal degree (MFA or equivalent) in animation or other relevant field, or equivalent professional experience (2 years or more).
- Demonstrated proficiency in Sequence Design, Visual Effects, Lighting, and /or Compositing.
- A Generalist Animator familiar with the 3D Animation Pipeline.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and teach courses at the foundational and advanced
- A student-oriented teacher, able to support a diverse student body with evidence of instructional effectiveness in higher education,
- An empathetic and team-based teacher who thrives in an interdisciplinary setting.
- A research record or potential research agenda pertaining to animation or related fields.
We are looking for a talented and collaborative colleague who specializes in compositing and visual communication design. Candidates should also have a comprehensive knowledge of 2D & 3D animation / VFX post-production workflows. The candidate must be able to teach undergraduate-level courses in Animation & Visual Effects at both the foundational and advanced levels. Preference will be given to candidates who can teach any of the following:
- Previs
- Storyboarding
- Visual Effects
- Light / Shade / Render
- Other classes in the 3D/VFX Animation pipeline
Teach 3D Animation and Visual Effects classes for the Creative Media Institute in a 3/3 load, perform departmental service and outreach, conduct creative and/or scholarly research, and collaborate with other faculty on new curriculum and program development.
Preferred Qualifications
- Software Proficiencies:
Maya or equivalent 3d software.
Adobe After Effects
- Traditional art background with hand-drawn experience.
- Understanding of the principles of animation.
- Experience in pursuing external funding and involving undergraduates.
To apply, please submit the following:
- A cover letter stating your experience in relation to the required and preferred qualifications and your commitment to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment in the classroom, department and university.
- A Teaching Statement describing teaching philosophy and pedagogical approaches.
- Curriculum Vitae
- URL Links to an online portfolio, with samples of professional and scholarly work.
- The contact information for three references who will be contacted at a later time.
Contingent Upon Funding: Not Applicable
Bargaining Unit Eligibility: This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).
Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)
If Not a Standard Work Schedule
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Environment: Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
Physical Effort: No or very limited physical effort required.
Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking.
Risk: No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
Recruitment Summary
We are New Mexico’s land-grant institution and a comprehensive research university dedicated to teaching, research public service and outreach at all levels. NMSU is a welcoming community of talented faculty, staff and students who are working together to make a difference. We are a NASA Space Grant College, a Hispanic-serving institution (HSI), a minority-serving institution (MSI) and home to the first Honors College in New Mexico. We offer an accessible education that shapes bright futures.
NMSU provides learning opportunities to a diverse population of students and community members at four campuses, Cooperative Extension offices located in each of New Mexico’s 33 counties, 12 research and science centers, and through distance education.
NMSU Global Campus
Since 1888, NMSU has proudly embodied this tradition, building relationships that last a lifetime while serving students who want to earn their degree and grow in their field. Today, NMSU Global Campus provides flexible, career-focused online education that helps our students transform their lives – and the lives of the people they love – through over 70 degree and certificate programs, skill-building microlearning courses, and career and talent development.
NMSU Main Campus
Located in Las Cruces, NM, New Mexico State University's 900-acre main campus is located at the crossroads of I-10 and I-25 in the Southwestern United States. As a thriving center of higher education, deeply rooted in the regional tradition, its role as a comprehensive university is recognized throughout the state.
Doña Ana Community College
Founded in 1973 in collaboration with local school districts to support occupational education, DACC is now a leading community college that provides transformative educational opportunities that meet the workforce needs of Doña Ana County. With a focus on access, innovation and excellence, DACC offers over ninety degrees and certificates, adult education, specialized workforce training, and small business assistance.
Alamogordo Campus
Established in 1958 to serve the needs of the airmen and families stationed at Holloman Air Force Base located only 10 miles west of Alamogordo, NMSUA is a community college with a long history of excellence that is supported by a caring community of hard-working students and dedicated faculty and staff. The campus is situated “on the hill” above Alamogordo and provides inspiring views of the city and the Tularosa Basin, offering the perfect venue for creative and motivated learning.
Grants Campus
NMSU Grants was established as a branch of New Mexico State University in 1968 through the cooperative efforts of New Mexico State University and Grants Municipal Schools. As a two-year branch community college, NMSU Grants serves the local communities in Cibola and McKinley counties, including the Pueblos of Acoma, Laguna, and Zuni, as well as Tohajiilee, San Mateo, San Rafael, Cubero, the City of Grants, and the Village of Milan.
Special Instructions to Applicants
The electronic application is the *official* document that will be used to qualify applicants. Paper/email documents will not be accepted. Required documents must be attached to this application.
EEO Statement
New Mexico State University does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, military service, or other non-merit factor.
