Professor, Digital Arts - (6180)

To raise the bar, drive performance at School, Faculty and University level, and build on our national and international reputation in research, we are looking to make a key professorial appointment. If you have an international reputation of your own and have made a sustained, significant and original impact on knowledge in your field, this is your opportunity to join us as Professor of Digital Arts in the School of Digital Arts (SODA) within the Faculty of Arts and Humanities.

About us
With over 5,100 staff members across the university, and around 41,000 students – including some 6,000 choosing to study for a postgraduate qualification – we are a big institution with even bigger ambitions. We are proud to be an integral part of the great city of Manchester, and our impact reaches around the globe. We are committed to providing excellent education to transform our students' lives, and to delivering high quality research with powerful real-world impacts and benefits, as evidenced by our highly successful REF outcome: 30% of our research, across more than 740 academics, has been rated as world leading. And 90% of our research impact is world leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021).

About the School of Digital Arts (SODA)
SODA represents a £35m investment into the workspaces, networks, teaching and research that will empower the next generation of creative practitioners at the intersection of storytelling, technology and innovation. This interdisciplinary school offers industry informed courses that span film, animation, UX, photography, music and sound design, games art and design, immersive production and more – together with purpose built spaces to collaborate and specialist facilities that include a UX suite, film studios, virtual production, edit suites, sound, music and production studios, a cinema and a gallery. It is ideally placed within a global city that has become a powerhouse of the UK's digital economy and is widely recognised as a national and international media hub: home to MediaCityUK, the BBC, ITV, Factory International at Aviva Studios and a thriving creative and cultural scene.

In addition to the creative, science, tech and business strengths of a university whose world-leading research is changing the way we live, work, learn and play, SODA also builds on the pioneering interdisciplinary approach and unparalleled heritage of Manchester School of Art, with its history of generating ideas and innovation stretching back over 180 years.

About the role
The role of Professor is one of the highest academic distinctions conferred by the University and post holders are expected to make a powerful contribution to academic citizenship and leadership, as well as to knowledge exchange. You will also build on your existing achievements to pursue one of two equally valued pathways for academic progression, leaning either towards national recognition for excellence in teaching, learning and assessment, or towards an ‘internationally leading' research profile.

About you
You will have an in-depth understanding and experience within digital storytelling, and specifically within immersive and interactive storytelling through virtual production, AI, XR, AR, VR, game engines and/or other emergent technologies. You will also have a breadth of knowledge of practice-based and/or theoretical leadership within the landscape of digital arts, and an understanding of the latest industry and academic developments and trends in your specialism

Capable of conducting research and supporting the delivery of academic programmes that are rooted in contemporary practices, you are equally enthusiastic about encouraging both staff and students to explore future possibilities at the intersection of storytelling, technology, and innovation.

With a good first degree and PhD in a relevant discipline (or equivalent), plus a PGCE, Certificate of Education or PGCLTHE, you have Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (or commitment to obtain within three years of appointment) and membership of relevant professional bodies. You should also have an international reputation as a thought leader in your field, with evidence of contribution to the development of the discipline, showing impact and influence through conferences, national and international networks and papers, etc.

In addition to substantial experience of innovative teaching, learning and assessment practices, you have demonstrated the leadership and organisational skills to lead, manage, train and mentor research teams, staff and students, and the ability to communicate and negotiate effectively with a wide range of audiences and stakeholders, including professional, statutory and regulatory and funding bodies.

Further Information

To make an initial informal enquiry, please contact Jill Griffiths, Head of School of Digital Arts at j.r.griffiths@mmu.ac.uk

Applications must be submitted via the university's vacancies portal and should include a full CV and a letter of application setting out your interest in the role and details of how your knowledge, skills and experience match the essential criteria being sought (cover letter no more than two pages of A4).

The deadline for receipt of applications is midnight on Sunday 19 May 2024
Interview Date: Monday 8 July 2024

Manchester Metropolitan University is committed to supporting the rights, responsibilities, dignity, health and wellbeing of staff and students through our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. We promote applications from all sections of the community, irrespective of background, belief or identity, recognising the benefits that a diverse organisation can bring.