Asst. Prof. of Prac.-Emerging Media Arts:Animation
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, NEThis is a Full Time Job
Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln invites applications for an Assistant Professor of Practice – Emerging Media Arts: Animation and Rigging to join our unique program.
We seek a creative individual with strong dedication to craft, technical expertise, and professional agility in a constantly changing field. We welcome applicants with backgrounds in film, television, game production, or gallery/museum installations. The successful candidate will have advanced experience in 3D animation workflows (film, television, games) and/or rigging, ideally with supplemental familiarity with game engines, and/or motion capture, and be able to creatively integrate traditional techniques with emerging technologies and platforms.
This position involves teaching courses in 3D Animation, Rigging, Motion Capture, and Game Engines. The ideal candidate will be a dynamic artist/teacher who is committed to training and inspiring the next generation of emerging media artists and storytellers.
Key Responsibilities
Teach courses in 3D Animation, Rigging, Introduction to Game Engines, Motion Capture for Real-time Performance, and others as needed.
Collaborate with faculty to develop new courses and curriculum with a focus towards interdisciplinarity.
Provide mentorship to students.
Recruit artist/industry partners and assist students transitioning into their careers.
Remain agile and keep current with advancements in 3D animation, rigging, motion capture, game engine technologies, AI, and creative applications.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree with at least five years of professional experience in 3D animation and/or rigging for film, television, games, or live performance workflows.
Working career as an animator/artist represented through a body of work that has received theatrical, network, or streaming exhibition and/or national/international festival recognition.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in an equivalent arts-related field; OR in exceptional cases, significant professional credentials and experience in lieu of a terminal degree.
Experience with game engines (Unity or Unreal) or other real-time performance systems.
Experience in custom rigging for 3D animation and/or games.
Experience with emerging forms of digital animation workflows, including AI and Machine Learning.
Proficiencies in languages such as MEL (PyMEL), Python, C++, or C#.
University teaching experience above the teaching assistant level; or equivalent experience in a non-university setting (Animation Mentor, Gnomon, VFS, etc.).
A strong network of contacts with other industry professionals and employers.
Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development and the ability to stay at the edge of industry developments.
Salary/Benefits
Nebraska offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, commensurate with the successful candidate’s background and experience. Faculty status with opportunities for promotion in rank and sabbatical opportunities for continued learning and professional development are additional key benefits. This position comes with resources to support innovative teaching and creative practice.
Additional Information
Lincoln, Nebraska, is a vibrant college community that features a dynamic downtown area, home to the state capital and a growing tech industry, alongside a variety of restaurants, coffee houses, movie theaters, clubs, bike trails, and urban residences. The city is known for its excellent public schools, low cost of living, and high quality of life. It fosters a friendly and creative atmosphere, with a strong appreciation for the arts, exemplified by institutions such as the Lied Center for Performing Arts, the Sheldon Museum of Art, the International Quilt Museum, the Nebraska State Museum, and the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center. Additionally, the Johnny Carson Center for Emerging Media Arts, part of the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film, serves as an interdisciplinary research facility focused on filmmaking, interactive storytelling, and innovative design, supported by a $57M investment from the Johnny Carson Foundation. This center aims to unite world-class faculty and students to explore inclusive storytelling that addresses significant human-scale challenges.
The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/.
Job Code: F_250088
The search committee will begin formal review of applications on March 2, 2026, and will continue until an appointment is made. Interested applicants must apply online and complete the faculty information form, and upload the following required documents:
A letter of interest addressing your qualifications specific to this job description.
Artist statement.
Teaching statement – OPTIONAL (1-2 pages).
A current Curriculum Vitae.
A link to an online portfolio of writing work – to include one full-length short screenplay and excerpts from at least one full-length feature film, or episodic work, or game, or other form of storytelling.
The names and contact details of three professional references.
If submitting a teaching statement, please combine it with the artist statement for upload. Website:
