The Interactive Arts and Media department of Columbia College Chicago has an opening for a full-time, non-tenure track lecturer (one year, renewing) specializing in Game Art, beginning August 17, 2015.
Posting Quick Link: https://jobs.colum.edu/psc/careers/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_CE.GBL?Page=HRS_CE_HM_PRE&Action=A&SiteId=1&
Review of applications will begin immediately.If you are qualified and interested, please apply or pass this information on to another qualified candidate.
ABOUT COLUMBIA COLLEGE CHICAGO
Columbia College Chicago is an urban institution that offers innovative degree programs in the visual, performing, media and communication arts for nearly 10,000 students in 120 undergraduate and graduate programs. An arts and media college committed to a rigorous liberal arts curriculum, Columbia is dedicated to opportunity and excellence in higher education.
The Department of Interactive Arts and Media (IAM) is seeking applications for a full-time, renewable Lecturer to teach courses in the Game Art major and serve as Coordinator of the Game Art program, beginning August 17, 2015.
The Interactive Arts and Media department is a vibrant mix of full-time and part-time faculty preparing students for their future in interactive arts, interaction design, applied programming, web development, and game production, including design, art, sound, programming, and producing for entertainment and simulation/serious games. The department’s over three-hundred and fifty students are a significantly diverse (by gender and race) body at rates higher than the tech industry average. Our department fosters a balance of creative expression backed by a solid foundation in technical sophistication, critical thinking and analysis, collaboration and teamwork, experimentation and iteration, and disciplined production techniques.
For more information about the programs offered in the Interactive Arts and Media department please visit http://www.colum.edu/academics/media-arts/interactive-arts-and-media/.
POSITION SUMMARY
Lecturers teach 4 courses per semester, mentor students, and participate in departmental service including curricular development and leadership. Use of active teaching and learning approaches is expected, as well as demonstrated ability to embed course concepts in real world application.
Successful candidates will demonstrate expertise in all areas of 3D asset creation and technical art matched by a vibrant, complementary practice in programming that directly supports 3D game asset strategy. They will also exhibit excellent teaching and scholarly credentials and be passionate about undergraduate education. Intellectual curiosity, an ability to communicate and work well in teams, in addition to an understanding of team production methodologies is essential. Of particular interest are those with proven leadership skills, experience in curriculum development, and an interest in coordination of a major in Game Art. Additional responsibilities include departmental and college wide committees, plus administrative duties as assigned
Applicant will act as departmental leader in the game art and game production areas, and will teach courses in one or more of the following areas: 3D modelling, digital sculpting, game visual design and direction, 3D animation and rigging, game art pipeline, and technical art scripting.
Women and minority applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.
QUALIFICATIONS
· Master’s Degree or a Master’s Degree in-progress in Digital Arts or similar.· Demonstrated proficiency in a 3D application such as Autodesk Maya, 3D Studio Max or similar. Experience with polygon modeling, UV unwrapping, character rigging, particle effects, rendering and animation. A deep understanding of the Maya Embedded Language and/ or Python is a plus.· Demonstrated proficiency using real-time technology like Unity3D or the Unreal Engine. Experience importing static and skeletal assets into a game engine. Experience with animation state machines like Mecanim.· Experience working with particles and physics simulation in a game engine; experience with light-mapping and lighting workflows; experience with post process workflows; experience with shader and material creation in a real-time environment, required.· UI/UX design using game engine tech, knowledge of scripting in C# in Unity3D or working with UE4 Blueprints or C++ in UE4 are plusses. Mobile Development experience and knowledge of physically based rendering workflows is also a plus.· Demonstrated experience creating concept art or 2D art assets for games; work with 2D animation workflows in a game engine.· Demonstrated experience with a digital sculpting package like Mudbox or ZBrush; experience with sculpting techniques, texture painting and texture map creation workflows from a sculpting package.· Experience with version control software like Tortise SV; experience with production software like Hansoft.· Current or recent teaching experience past the teaching assistant level; Demonstrated or strong potential for success in teaching at college level.· Contribution to at least three shipped games; Compelling professional experience in the fields mentioned above.· An understanding of the current state of game art creation (tools and techniques) as well as independent and commercial game production.· Willingness to actively advise and work with students outside the classroom.· Experience in curriculum development.
ASSOCIATION STATUS
This is a non-union position.
APPLICATION GUIDELINES
Include in the application a letter of introduction, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy, and link to an on-line portfolio, as well as the names and contact information for three professional references as ONE document (.doc .docx or .pdf).
Document submission file name should be short and include the applicants last name with only letter characters and no numbers or special characters. Upon successful submission, an e-mail notification will be sent to the e-mail provided in your application. If you experience difficulties, please check the Applicant FAQs at www.colum.edu/careersatcolumbia.
Candidates considered for interviews will be asked to provide three letters of reference, evidence of successful teaching, and a vision for the evolution of the interactive media field.
Review of applications will begin immediately.
EEO STATEMENT
Columbia College Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Columbia has a strong commitment to diversity and does not discriminate on any protected basis. Qualified candidates of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
