Assistant Professor (New Media & Video), Faculty of Fine Arts

Field of Specialization – New Media & Video
Academic Unit – Department of New Media
Category of Appointment – Tenure Track
Rank/Position Title – Assistant Professor
Open Date – April 22, 2024
Application Review Start Date – May 10, 2024
Position Start Date – July 1, 2024

About the Position:
The Department of New Media, Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Lethbridge invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track appointment in New Media & Video, at the rank of Assistant Professor commencing July 1, 2024, subject to budgetary and Board approval. Joining a dynamic team of artists and scholars, the successful candidate will build on existing strengths in New Media by contributing to the dynamic multidisciplinary curriculum t hrough the lens of New Media & Video.

Qualifications and Responsibilities:
Qualified candidates will have a terminal degree (MFA or equivalent) in new media or a related field. The successful candidate will have considerable experience with current and emerging video technologies and production methods, and demonstrate knowledge of and active engagement with industry/creative fields of practice. A mastery of non-linear editing is essential. Additionally, the candidate will have a record of research or production practice using spatially-based technologies and production workflows. This may include, for example: volumetric video capture, virtual compositing, immersive installation, 360° video, projection mapping, and video applications for augmented and virtual reality.

Typical teaching in the Faculty of Fine Arts is five undergraduate courses (or the equivalent) per year, plus supervision of independent studies and/or participation in graduate programs. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to teach introductory and intermediate courses in video production to students from a range of fine arts programs, as well as in their area(s) of expertise. The department is particularly interested in candidates who might teach in one or more of the following areas: digital video production, emerging video technology, documentary studio, and visual effects. The successful candidate will also teach practice-oriented courses in the BA Cinema and Media Studies program, which is expected to launch in 2026. Preference will be given to candidate who can also teach introductory New Media courses. The successful candidate will participate in graduate programming, as a supervisor, a graduate committee member, or through teaching graduate courses.

A commitment to Indigenization, decolonization, and EDIA is essential and should be evident in the candidate’s approach to teaching. Candidates will have the ability to apply interdisciplinary approaches to instruction, and will bring theoretical, social, cultural knowledge and critique to new media practice and pedagogy.

The successful candidate will conduct research/creative work in their areas of expertise and will have a record of research/creative production appropriate to their career stage. Additionally, candidates must demonstrate the potential to develop a robust research program, including the potential to successfully apply for external funding.

Faculty are responsible for teaching, research, and service and play an integral role in the current and future curricular direction of programs. The successful candidate is expected to participate in collegial governance at the department, faculty, and university levels and to actively engage with broader communities.

About the Academic Unit:
The Department of New Media offers a New Media Major (BFA), combined BFA degrees in New Media / Education, New Media / Computer Science, and New Media / Management, as well as Minors in New Media and New Media Studies. A generalist program, New Media emphasizes experiential learning, technical and creative innovation, critical thought, transdisciplinarity, and collaboration. Supported by three computer labs equipped with high-end work stations, three specialized video editing and finishing facilities, as well as the Cove Studio (featuring a green screen cyclorama, photographic backdrops, and specialized lighting), the department offers core courses in a range of areas including: new media history and theory, web design, programming, game design and development, interaction, animation, and video production, as well as a rotating selection of upper-level electives.

The Faculty of Fine Arts includes two Canada Research Chairs: one in Indigenous Music, Culture, and Politics (Music) and one in Digital Extremism (New Media), and supports collaborative, community-oriented scholarship.

Piiksinaasin, which means Manifesting Beauty, represents the Faculty of Fine Arts as a place where students create, explore and research, transforming the world around them through creative practice and critical thinking. The name reflects the Faculty’s long-standing support of Indigenous arts and creative initiatives and exemplifies the work done to advance reconciliation and decolonization.

About the University:
Oki, and welcome to the University of Lethbridge. Our University’s Blackfoot name is Iniskim, meaning Sacred Buffalo Stone. The University is located in traditional Blackfoot Confederacy territory. We honour the Blackfoot people and their traditional ways of knowing in caring for this land, as well as all Aboriginal peoples who have helped shape and continue to strengthen our University community.

The University of Lethbridge, a comprehensive university with approximately 8,700 students from 37 countries, aims to support the spirit of free inquiry and the critical interpretation of ideas. Our University’s work also focuses on fostering an inclusive, equitable, and diverse campus grounded in the principles of truth and reconciliation. Many world-class researchers, visual, sound, and performing artists have made their home here, contributing to a thriving arts community supported by numerous galleries, including the SAAG (Southern Alberta Art Galley Maansiksikaitsitapiitsinikssin), CASA Community Arts Centre, the Trianon Gallery, the University’s Dr. Margaret (Marmie) Perkins Hess Gallery, as well as theatre and music venues. The University is a vital part of Lethbridge, a community of over 100,000 people, located near the Oldman River, close to the Rocky Mountains, and within easy driving distance to Calgary’s International Airport. The many recreational and cultural amenities of the Lethbridge area offer a wonderful quality of life, reflected in its 2022 recognition as one of Canada’s best small cities.

Application Instructions:
Applications must be submitted through the ULethbridge PeopleAdmin posting (https://uleth.peopleadmin.ca/postings/7327). Applications should contain the following documents, each uploaded as a single PDF file:
• Letter of Interest
• Curriculum Vitae

You will also be required to provide contact information for three references. References will be contacted directly, with information on how to submit their reference letters. The application submission triggers this request to your references, so please ensure that they are prepared to submit their letters no later than May 10, 2024.

Shortlisted candidates may be asked to provide the following:
• Statement of Research/Creative Practice
• Portfolio of Research/Creative Practice: 20 images OR links to video/audio files and professional websites if relevant, description of works for context
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy
• Portfolio of Teaching: two sample syllabi including assignments, documentation of student work, student evaluations, if available

All application materials may be addressed to:

Dr. Heather Davis-Fisch
Dean, Faculty of Fine Arts
University of Lethbridge
4401 University Drive W, Lethbridge, AB, T1K 3M4

Employment Equity:
The University acknowledges the potential impact that career interruptions can have on a candidate’s record of achievement. We encourage applicants to explain in their application the impact that career interruptions have had on their record if that is the case.

The University of Lethbridge invites applications from all qualified candidates; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given preference.

The University of Lethbridge is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, including through all aspects of the hiring process. If you require support during the hiring process, please contact Human Resources at human.resources@uleth.ca so that accommodations can be put in place to support you. All private information received in relation to your request for support will be kept confidential, only information required to facilitate the accommodation will be shared with the selection committee.

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