Position Description

 The School of Performance, Visualization & Fine Arts (PVFA), Texas A&M University, invites applications for an open rank instructional professor faculty position in the Visual Computing and Computational Media (VCCM) Section. VCCM is the focus for scientific and technical research and teaching in PVFA. The school’s strength is in the merging of art and science across a broad range of creative pursuits. This will be a nine- month, full-time, non-tenure appointment with rank consistent with the applicant’s prior academic experience.

We are developing an instructional team consisting of faculty whose career aspirations are in teaching. They will develop and teach courses in computer programming and the mathematical elements of visual computing at the undergraduate and graduate level, advise and mentor students, and participate in all aspects of the School’s activities. The team will provide key support for our BS, MS, and MFA programs in visualization. These programs train students for careers in computer animation, games, visual effects, interactive media, and graphic design, where strong technical skills, together with sound artistic skills, are a must for building lasting careers. In addition, new degree programs within the school are being planned that will also combine the artistic with the technical.

Therefore, the appointment will require developing innovative ideas to solve the many curricular challenges created by our students’ diverse interests and educational backgrounds. Successful applicants will be encouraged to disseminate these ideas and experiences widely.

The School of Performance, Visualization & Fine Arts is charged with supporting research, innovative works, and teaching built upon our strength in merging art, science, and technology. The School offers excellent resources for interdisciplinary work, including the creation and use of specialized facilities for research in computational media and the arts, access to diverse populations of faculty and students, and recognition of collaborative work that is rewarded in the annual review and tenure and promotion processes.

Visual Computing and Computational Media is the technical teaching and research arm of the school. Our seven current faculty members all hold Ph.Ds in Computing, Engineering, or Physics.

The School of Performance, Visualization & Fine Arts is a new School within the Texas A&M University System and has a diverse and dynamic mission with 60 faculty and over 15 staff members and a projected exponential growth in the next 5 years. The school was formed from three departments/programs spread across the university: the Department of Visualization, the Department of Performance Studies and the Dance Science program. The mission of the school places a heavy emphasis on faculty and student collaboration and interdisciplinary work in both scholarly and creative research. Texas A&M University leadership has charged the new School with developing innovative research and creative works, public performances, and degree offerings at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels that build upon our strength in merging art and science. The new school is projected to move into a new, $175m state-of-the-art visual and performing arts center. Construction is slated to begin in 2024.

Qualifications

A Ph.D. in computer science or related field is required. In unusual circumstances candidates without a PhD but who have a Master level degree appropriate for the field in which the faculty member will teach and significant teaching experience at the college/school level in the field or in a related field, or who have an extraordinary record of accomplishment in an applied setting could be considered. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required as is an enthusiasm for working with students from the range of backgrounds consistent with the technical, artistic, and humanistic disciplines represented in the School.

Applicants at the associate instructional professor or instructional professor level should have a recognized record of teaching accomplishment. Applicants should consult the school’s website (pvfa.tamu.edu) to review our academic and research programs, paying particular attention to our historically groundbreaking BS, MS, and MFA programs in visualization.

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, teaching statement, diversity statement, and a list of three references (including postal addresses, phone numbers and email addresses) when applying for this specific position at http://apply.interfolio.com/116475.

Review of applications will begin 30 days from posting. Applications will continue to be considered until the positions are filled.

For additional application information, please contact the search committee chair Dr. Ergun Akleman, ergun.akleman@tamu.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment for all visitors, students, faculty, and staff by promoting a culture that embraces inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability. Diverse perspectives, talents, and identities are vital to accomplishing our mission and living our core values.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer committed to diversity.