Adjunct Associate Professor of Animation and Digital Arts –Introduction to the Art of Animation

The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is located in the heart of downtown L.A. and is the largest private employer in the City of Los Angeles.  As an employee of USC, you will be a part of a world-class research university and a member of the "Trojan Family," which is comprised of the faculty, students and staff that make the university what it is.

The John C. Hench Division of Animation + Digital Arts of USC’s School of Cinematic Arts teaches animation from a maker’s point of view with a focus on creation, design and innovation.  Classes are taught by seasoned filmmakers and current industry professionals who inspire and enable students to develop as artists and embark on creative careers.

The division is seeking applicants for a faculty position at the Adjunct Associate Professor level to teach an Introduction to the Art of Animation course to first year undergraduate students pursuing their Bachelor of Fine Arts.  This is an opportunity to introduce, inspire and encourage incoming artists in the first year of the program.  This course is taught in person at the USC campus in Los Angeles for Fall 2025 semester.

Qualified candidates will have professional experience at major animation studios as an Animator, Motion Graphic Artist, Creative Director, Storyboard Director, Supervising Producer or similar roles. Candidates should be currently engaged in the entertainment industry and possess hands-on working knowledge of the principles and practices of visual development, storyboarding, animating, editing and creating animatics.  This course teaches fundamentals within art, design and animation with a focus on creative methodologies and practices.  Hands-on experience using industry standard tools such as: Adobe CC, Storyboard Pro, Maya, Blender, Premier, Avid and/or TVPaint.  Previous teaching experience is preferred.

Please submit a cover letter and CV online.

Minimum Education:   BA or BFA degree from an accredited university

Minimum Experience:

• 5 years of professional experience working in motion graphics, feature and/or TV animation

• Professional experience as an Animator, Motion Graphic Artist, Creative Director, Storyboard Director, Supervising Producer or similar roles

• Experience managing and supervising creative disciplines 

Preferred Education: Master of Fine Arts degree from an accredited university or art school

Preferred Experience:

• 8 years of professional experience working in motion graphics, feature and/or TV animation

• Demonstrated teaching experience, ideally at the college level, but inclusive of professional and community seminars, workshops, and mentorships

The core salary range for this position is $38 - $43.75 per hour. This is an adjunct 25% FTE position. 

When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

USC reserves the “Adjunct” appointment for faculty teaching less than full-time at USC, who are employed full-time in a primary profession or career elsewhere. Adjunct faculty typically teach only one course per year but, in exceptional cases, may teach one course per semester, if approved by the dean.