Description
Assistant Professor of XR Technologies - Media and Immersive eXperience Center
Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University
Description:
The School of Arts, Media and Engineering at Arizona State University seeks a dynamic developer and technologist for a tenure-track assistant professor in XR Technologies appointment that will join the team in Fall 2024 as part of the Media and Immersive eXperience (MIX) Center (mix.asu.edu). This expert in technologies for extended reality (XR) will be a critical part of a highly collaborative team devoted to transdisciplinary approaches to public impact through the creative use of technology. This appointment requires in-person instruction on both the Tempe Campus and at the MIX Center in downtown Mesa.
About ASU
Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 80,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city.
About the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
Arizona State University’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts is the largest comprehensive design and arts school in the country, located within a dynamic research university focused on transformative change. Built on a unique combination of disciplines, the Herberger Institute comprises the Schools of Art; Arts, Media and Engineering; Music, Dance and Theatre; The Design School; The Sidney Poitier New American Film School, and the ASU Art Museum. The Herberger Institute is committed to redefining the 21st-century design and arts school through developing and scaling ideas that strengthen the role of designers and artists across all areas of society and culture, increasing the capacity of artists to make a difference in their communities. For more information on the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, visit herbergerinstitute.asu.edu.
The primary responsibilities for this position will be in the programs of the MIX Center, a cross-disciplinary trio of graduate programs bringing together researchers, designers and engineers to leverage XR technologies, immersive experience design, and practices for public impact. The successful candidate will be expected to develop an independently funded and collaborative research program; teach and mentor students; participate in professional and university service; engage stakeholders in the university and the community, and demonstrate national and international leadership in their field.
Required qualifications:
Candidates for this position must have:
- Demonstrated excellence in teaching in higher education or other settings, and commitment to teaching in a higher education environment with a strong mission for accessibility.
- A PhD or other terminal degree in computer science, engineering, computational media, media arts or related fields by the start date of the appointment.
- Demonstrated expertise in and experience with research in software and content development for XR, game design and/or interactive media, as well as demonstrated proficiency in one or more of the following tools and practices: building 3D applications in Unity, Unreal or equivalent game engines; in web frameworks like webGL, html canvas, three.js, or webXR; C#, C++, javascript; XR optimization; motion graphics; motion capture, Machine Learning (ML) and/or computer vision (CV).
Desired qualifications:
Highly qualified candidates for this position may possess a combination of some of the following skills, however, the search committee does not anticipate that applicants will meet all of the desired qualifications listed.
- Commitment to research, creative activity and/or scholarship that has public impact outside of the academy, including work related to community engagement, social justice, communication of science, cross-cultural communication or similar endeavors.
- Evidence of ability to inspire and instruct learners from diverse backgrounds.
- Ability to communicate effectively in and across multiple disciplinary cultures; expertise in engaging multiple viewpoints and audiences in a variety of formats.
- Advanced proficiency in using computer languages and technologies including, but not limited to C++, C#, JavaScript, Python, webGL, html canvas, three.js, HTML5, AWS, and PostgreSQL.
- Proficiency in one or more of the following tools, practices, and systems: cloud infrastructure for XR and mobile application development; iOS and/or Android development; developments for VR/AR frameworks like Oculus, Hololens, SteamVR, ARKit/ARCore, MRTK, ARFoundation; and hardware/interface development for XR.
- Knowledge of virtual production environments and tools and workflows.
- Experience collaborating with colleagues from different disciplines (including engineers, game designers, and/or artists, among others) to develop and grow dynamic research and academic programs.
- Demonstrated experience in working with external stakeholders and communities in a highly collaborative or co-creative manner.
- Experience teaching online or creating resources for training/education in an online environment.
Instructions to Apply:
Please submit the following materials as separate items:
1. A C.V.
2. A letter of Interest
3. A Statement about Equity and Inclusion
4. Names and contact information for three professional references
All applications must be submitted electronically via http://apply.interfolio.com/142471.
Application Deadline:
The application deadline is April 6, 2024. Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool. Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is filled.
ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses and certifications.
Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.
(See https://www.asu.edu/aad/manuals/acd/acd401.html and https://www.asu.edu/titleIX/.)
In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf. You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.