Assistant/Associate Professor of Animation

About Alliance University:

Alliance University is a renowned private university located in Bangalore, India, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The Alliance School of Design is committed to providing a world-class design education, fostering creativity, innovation, and critical thinking in its students. We aim to equip our graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the dynamic and evolving field of design. 

About the Alliance School of Design: 

The Alliance School of Design offers a vibrant and intellectually stimulating environment for both students and faculty. We are dedicated to nurturing talent and fostering a culture of experimentation and excellence in various design disciplines. Our Animation programme aims to develop highly skilled and imaginative animators who can contribute meaningfully to the global animation industry. 

Job Description: 

The Alliance School of Design invites applications for the position of Assistant/Associate Professor of Animation. The successful candidate will be a highly motivated and experienced educator with a strong portfolio in animation and a deep understanding of its theoretical and historical contexts. The role involves teaching undergraduate and potentially postgraduate students, contributing to curriculum development, engaging in research and scholarly activities, and participating in the academic life of the School and University. 

Responsibilities: 

The candidate should be proficient in all or some of the following areas: 

• Develop and deliver engaging and theoretically informed lectures, tutorials, and practical workshops in various areas of animation, with a particular focus on 2D classical animation (both on paper and digital), 3D animation using Blender, storytelling principles, and animation/film theory and history. 
• Supervise student projects, providing constructive feedback and guidance to foster their creative and technical development. 
• Contribute to the ongoing development and refinement of the Animation programme curriculum, ensuring its relevance to current industry standards and pedagogical best practices. 
• Assess student work fairly and effectively, providing timely and meaningful feedback. 
• Engage in scholarly activities, including research, publication, and/or creative practice in the field of animation. 
• Contribute to the academic life of the School and University through participation in faculty meetings, committees, and other relevant activities. 
• Mentor and advise students on their academic and career paths. 
• Maintain a strong professional network and stay abreast of developments in the animation industry and related fields. 
• Potentially contribute to outreach activities, such as workshops and presentations, to promote the Animation programme. 

Qualifications and Experience: 

• A Master's degree (for Assistant Professor) or a PhD/Doctorate (for Associate Professor) in Animation, Film Studies, or a closely related field. Candidates with exceptional professional experience and a Bachelor's degree may also be considered for adjunct or visiting faculty positions. 
• A strong portfolio demonstrating significant experience and expertise in 2D classical animation (both traditional and digital techniques), and 3D animation using Blender. 
• A thorough understanding of storytelling principles and their application in animation. 
• A comprehensive knowledge of animation and film theory, history, and critical analysis. 
• Proven ability to teach effectively at the university level, with excellent communication and presentation skills. 
• For Associate Professor positions, a demonstrated track record of scholarly activity (e.g., publications, conference presentations, creative works) and academic leadership. 
• Experience in curriculum development and assessment is desirable. 
• Familiarity with other animation software and techniques would be an advantage. 
• A commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment for students. 

Preferred Skills: 

• 2D Classical Animation: Proven expertise in traditional hand-drawn animation techniques and digital 2D animation workflows (e.g., using software like TVPaint, Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony). 
• 3D Animation (Blender): Strong proficiency in all aspects of 3D production pipeline of animation using Blender, including modelling, rigging, animation, texturing, lighting, and rendering. 
• Storytelling: A deep understanding of narrative structure, character development, pacing, visual storytelling, and screenwriting for animation. 
• Animation/Film Theory and History: Comprehensive knowledge of key theoretical frameworks, historical movements, influential figures, and critical approaches to animation and film. 

Application Procedure: 

• Interested candidates are invited to submit the following documents in English: 
• A cover letter outlining their suitability for the position and highlighting their relevant experience and preferred skills. 
• A detailed curriculum vitae (CV) including educational qualifications, teaching experience, professional experience, scholarly activities, and any relevant awards or recognitions. 
• A portfolio showcasing examples of their animation work (both 2D and 3D) and, if applicable, examples of student work they have supervised. Please provide links to online portfolios or attach digital files. 
• A statement of teaching philosophy. 
• Names and contact details of three professional referees.