Lecturer in Animation - (9606)

The School of Digital Arts is a purpose built, interdisciplinary school at one of the UK's leading universities. Offering industry and research informed courses and specialist spaces with the latest technologies, SODA is a £35M investment into the workspaces, networks, teaching, and research that will drive the next generation of creative content. Our students study disciplines that span film, animation, UX, photography, games design, games art, music and sound design and more, often working on live projects with industry partners and frequently collaborating with fellow students and researchers. They choose from a flexible mix of courses: foundation year, undergraduate, postgraduate and research degrees that run alongside degree apprenticeships, summer schools and short courses. 

SODA builds on the award-winning strengths of the Manchester School of Art, and brings together creative and craft disciplines, technical and scientific skills, industry partnerships and global research to teach the next generation of talent. Rated sixth in the UK for its research power, and with a history of generating ideas and innovation that stretches back 180 years, Manchester School of Art has pioneered the interdisciplinary approach that guides how we teach and work at SODA. 

Opened in September 2021, SODA works closely with a diverse range of cultural and industry partners and are ideally placed in a creative global city that has transformed to be a leading powerhouse of the UK's digital economy. Industry connectivity and inclusion within the School is critical.  

Role Overview:

We are looking to appoint a Lecturer in Animation.  The ideal candidate should have experience of a creative approach to designing and delivering HE curriculum in subject-specific contexts. We are seeking someone with a core focus on 3D animation, who can support students in developing strong creative, technical and production skills across the animation process. The applicant should demonstrate a strong understanding of 3D animation practice, with experience of developing and producing animated work and of supporting students to explore animation as both a creative discipline and a professional practice.

The applicant should have strong skills in 3D animation and digital production, with experience of working with Autodesk Maya and other relevant 3D software. A strong understanding of 3D workflows, including modelling, texturing, character animation and rigging, is essential. The applicant should also demonstrate knowledge of visual storytelling, character performance and animation principles.

We are particularly interested in candidates with additional strengths in 1 to 2 of the following areas:

• Look development
• 2D animation and digital 2D workflows using Toon Boom Harmony or Moho
• Blended or hybrid animation practices combining 2D and 3D approaches
• Experimental, interdisciplinary or emerging animation practices

The applicant should also have an in-depth understanding of current industry trends within this field and be able to conduct research and deliver programmes that are grounded in the present but offer space to explore the future - leading students to investigate what it means to be a creative media practitioner at the convergence of storytelling, technology and innovation. 

To Apply:

• Please submit a CV and covering letter outlining, in particular, how your profile, experience and ambition make you the ideal candidate for the role.
• For full details of the role and responsibilities, refer to the job description and person specification provided.
• To arrange an informal discussion, please email m.patera@mmu.ac.uk       
• Due to the volume of applications, we receive, we sometimes close our vacancies early. It is therefore advisable to apply as early as possible if you would like to be considered for a role.  

Further Information

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.   

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.   

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.   

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy. This vacancy is expected to attract a high volume of applications. Therefore, under the Disability Confident Scheme, only disabled people who apply under the scheme and best meet the essential criteria will be offered an interview.