Assistant Professor Tenure-Track - Digital Media

Department, Visual Arts and Design

Job Description

Tarleton State University, a distinguished Doctoral National Comprehensive University, invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor Tenure-Track of Digital Media in the Department of Visual Arts & Design . As part of a vibrant academic community dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service, this role offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a university that values innovation, collaboration, and inclusive growth. Join us in advancing knowledge and transforming lives—on campus and beyond. Tarleton State University continues to grow its impact across Texas, with four distinct campuses located in Stephenville, Fort Worth, RELLIS-Bryan and Waco , along with a robust online community that extends our reach even further.

At the heart of it all is Stephenville , where Tarleton State offers a dynamic environment for faculty and staff. From a lively live music scene and numerous local festivals to rich traditions rooted in the surrounding community, Stephenville provides a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.

No matter where you're located—on campus or online—you are part of a mission that transforms lives and makes a difference across the state of Texas and beyond.

This is a 9-month tenure-track position located on Tarleton’s main campus in Stephenville, Texas. Work hours: Mon-Fri; 8 AM-5 PM or as work and teaching requirements indicate. May be required to teach at other campuses or online at the institution’s discretion.

The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate excellence and innovation in teaching, maintain an impactful research program, mentor undergraduate and graduate students, actively engage in mentoring and guiding doctoral students through their academic and research endeavors, fostering a supportive and enriching environment within our PhD* program, and participate in the necessary operation of the institution.

*The Civic Engagement and Humanities PhD is under submission and awaiting THECB approval with a proposed launch date of Fall 2026/Spring 2027.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

40% Teaching and Service:

Plan, prepare, and deliver lectures, seminars, and/or laboratory offerings to undergraduate and/or graduate students, which may include general education core curriculum.
Develop course syllabi, select instructional materials, and design assessments such as exams, quizzes, papers, etc.
Assess student performance, provide timely feedback, and evaluate student learning outcomes to inform teaching practices and curriculum improvements.
Engage students in active learning, foster critical thinking skills, and provide opportunities for discussion, collaboration, and hands-on learning.
Provide academic support and guidance to students through office hours, feedback on assignments, and mentoring.
Adhere to university policies, academic integrity standards, and accreditation requirements related to teaching responsibilities.
Incorporate innovative teaching methods, technologies, and pedagogical approaches to enhance student learning and engagement.
Engage in ongoing professional development activities to stay current in the field, improve teaching skills, and explore new instructional strategies.
Collaborate with colleagues, departmental faculty, and university staff to coordinate course offerings, share resources, and contribute to program development and improvement.
Participate in institutional service roles including but not limited to, college committees, advisory committees, student/faculty recruitment, and mentoring of new and part-time faculty.
Assist Department Head with building the MFA program.

20% Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity:

Maintain an active agenda for research, scholarship, or creative activity appropriate to the applicant's academic discipline.
Make original contributions to the advancement of knowledge/creative expression in the applicant's discipline through scholarly publication, presentation, or exhibition.
Demonstrate potential for external funding, national impact, or professional recognition.

Minimum Education and Experience

Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) degree in Digital Media, Animation, Game Design, Film/Video, or a related field.
Minimum of three years of higher education teaching experience, preferably in digital media or a related field.
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Demonstrate expertise in interaction design, 3D, and 4D design.
Exhibit an understanding and mastery of established and emerging industry practices relevant to visual communication.
Strong proficiency with industry-standard software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Autodesk Maya/3ds Max, Unity, Unreal Engine, or similar).
Demonstrated excellence in professional, creative, or academic contributions to digital media, gaming, animation, or film/video.
Knowledge and understanding of disciplinary subject matter at a level adequate for graduate-level instruction; written and oral communication skills sufficient to conduct effective teaching and research activities; ability to interact with students, staff, and faculty in a professional, collegial, and collaborative manner.

Preferred Education and Experience

PhD in Game Studies, Film and Media Studies, Communication, or Arts and Technology.
Six or more years of professional experience.
Experience developing curriculum or leading workshops in digital media or related disciplines.
Advanced skills in motion capture, virtual production, or interactive media design.
Knowledge of visual effects (VFX), including proficiency with Houdini, and compositing techniques.
Experience with scripting or programming languages related to gaming and animation (e.g., C#, Python, MEL, JavaScript).

***Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience***

Application Procedure

During the application process applicants have one opportunity to enter the requested information, upload documents, and Submit the application. Applicants will not be able to make changes or add additional documents once the application materials have been submitted via the "Submit" action.

Employment applications must include (required):

Completed online application
Cover Letter / Letter of Interest addressing qualifications
Curriculum Vitae or Resume
At least 3 current professional references and their full contact information
Link to Creative Work (20 images) – captions include title, media, year, and size.
Link to Student Work (20 images) – captions include course and brief project.
Philosophy Statement related to Teaching, Research, and creative practice or Artist Statement.
Unofficial transcripts
Applicants with degrees earned outside the United States must submit transcripts translated into English, along with an official credential evaluation from a recognized service.

Applications received by Tarleton State University must have all job application data entered. Failure to provide all job application data could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. “See resume” is not an acceptable entry in the job application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Anticipated start date Fall 2026 .

Official transcripts must be received directly from each degree‐granting institution prior to a letter of appointment being issued.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.

Tarleton State University

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Assistant Professor, Digital Media