Assistant Professor in Animation

Position: Assistant Professor in Animation

Location: Lakewood, CO

Job : 1115

# of Openings: 1

Location:

Lakewood, CO

Target Salary: $65k - $68k per year

Final date to receive applications: 11/1/2026

Start Date:

01/04/2027

Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design is looking for a Full-Time Professor who has expertise in Real-Time Animation. The faculty member works with the Digital Arts + Media Department Chair, and the Program Leads for both Animation and Game Arts programs. They work closely with students, faculty, and administrative staff to advance teaching, curricular development, and co-curricular experiences. They will focus on teaching, and expansion of the Animation curriculum, while monitoring and improving student learning and success, and performing duties as assigned by the Chair and the Program Leads.

RMCAD’s Digital Arts + Media Department offers degree programs rooted in industry-aligned practices, emerging technologies, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The successful applicant will have demonstrated expertise in real-time Animation, with experience in technical animation, virtual production, and/or the integration of Unreal Engine with traditional 3D and 2D asset development for animation workflows. Traditional animation skills such as character motion study and performance-based animation are also highly valued.

This position supports the continued design, development, and delivery of dynamic, studio-centered curricula and the advancement of learning outcomes to prepare students for leadership in an evolving digital landscape.

• A graduate degree (MA, MS, MFA, MDes, or equivalent) in Animation, Game Art, Game Design, relevant Motion Graphics, OR a bachelor’s degree with a sustained record of professional or studio-based work in these areas.
• Proficiency using and teaching industry-leading 2D + 3D Animation software, such as Autodesk Maya, Unreal Engine, Toon Boom Harmony, Toon Boom Storyboard Pro, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe After Effects, etc
• Examples of pedagogical approaches that align with the institution's mission and values, along with evidence of effective and inclusive teaching that values a diverse student body.

• A terminal degree (MFA or PhD) in Art, Design or a related discipline OR equivalent professional distinction recognized at a national or international level.
• 2 years of teaching experience in an accredited postsecondary institution with proven expertise in teaching Animation, Game Design, or related digital media.
• A sustained record of professional or studio-based work in Animation, Game Design, or related digital media, demonstrated through published short/feature films, games, series work, studio credits, freelance projects, portfolio, and/or client-based productions.
• Ongoing engagement with contemporary, emerging industry practices and pipelines with demonstrated expertise in 3D and 2D animation production workflows. This includes character animation, scene development, and rigging/puppetry in Toon Boom Harmony, as well as 3D animation workflows in Autodesk Maya. Experience with storyboarding, motion graphics, or visual development pipelines is also valued.
• Professional experience with visual development, including color, lighting, composition, and aesthetic design to support storytelling and animation production pipelines.

• Comprehensive knowledge of contemporary animation production, relevant software, industry and independent workflows, with a demonstrated ability to integrate real-time technology.
• Candidates should demonstrate expertise in animation fundamentals, time-based storytelling, 2D or 3D character building, real-time animation software.
• Motiv…