Assistant Professor of Communications (Digital Media)

About the role

The Department of Communications within the College of Arts and Humanities at California State University, Bakersfield, seeks an Assistant Professor in Digital Media with an emphasis on Game Design and 3D Animation.

Responsibilities

• Teach software and design assignments based on real-world production workflows.
• Develop and deliver courses that emphasize industry-aligned learning experiences.
• Support diverse learners and emerging artists in a dynamic classroom setting.
• Maintain industry-relevant skills and contribute to ongoing creative research in game design, audio/video production, 3D animation, motion graphics, VR/AR, and immersive environments.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in game design, animation, media arts, or a closely related field.
• Extensive experience with game development production skills, game engines (Unreal Engine, Unity), virtual production, level design, world-building, gameplay prototyping, asset integration, and optimization.
• Proven experience in 3D modeling, character or environment modeling, UV mapping, texturing, rigging, animation, lighting, and rendering (real-time or offline).
• Experience with production pipelines (model → texture → rig → animate → engine).

Qualifications

• Clear research program leading to exhibition/publication.
• A strong teaching portfolio with samples of student work and a statement of teaching philosophy.
• Three letters of recommendation, with contact information for reference checks.
• A statement about fostering an inclusive classroom or a statement describing contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• A creative work/reel portfolio including multiple samples of relevant creative work.

Skills

• Ability to teach software and design assignments based on real-world production workflows.
• Strong communication and critique skills.
• Commitment to maintaining industry-relevant skills.
• Commitment to teaching undergraduate students from diverse socioeconomic, cultural, and academic backgrounds, including first-generation students.

Benefits

• Faculty employee benefits are very competitive for the higher education sector.

Pay

Assistant Professor; salary based on qualifications and experience. Anticipated annual salary range: $74,652 – $80,000.

Schedule

Beginning in August 2026.