Artificial Intelligence (AI), Automation, Film, Industry Standards, Laboratory Analysis, Mentoring, Performing Arts, Risk, Scholarship, Time Management, Training/Teaching, Visual Effects
The Department of Film and Media Arts within the College of Visual and Performing Arts seeks Part-Time Instructor to teach FIL 532 M001 VFX & AI for Film, a three credit hour course, during the Fall semester, 2026.
This course explores VFX and AI convergence, covering creative and technical practices. Students learn VFX workflows, AI's impact on automation, and engage in projects, labs, and critical analyses using AI-driven tools and techniques.
About The College of Visual and Performing Arts
The College of Visual and Performing Arts at Syracuse University is committed to the education of cultural leaders who will engage and inspire audiences through performance, visual art, design, scholarship, and commentary. We provide the tools for self-discovery and risk-taking in an environment that thrives on critical thought and action. To learn more about the college, our distinguished faculty, and our program, please visit our websites at www.syr.edu, www.vpa.syr.edu.
This position is part of a bargaining unit and is represented by the union SEIU, Local 200United.
Qualifications
- MFA in Film, Film Production, Film and Media Arts, Motion Pictures or related discipline.
- Applicants with an advanced degree or equivalent professional experience are equally encouraged to apply.
- Demonstrated experience in film VFX work and AI.
- Demonstrated commitment to promoting inclusivity and diversity.
Job Specific Qualifications
- Demonstrated professional or academic experience in visual effects production, including hands-on proficiency with compositing workflows.
- Working knowledge of AI-driven media tools, including generative image and video platforms such as Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, Runway ML, or comparable tools.
- Familiarity with industry-standard VFX references and methodologies.
- Experience integrating AI tools into creative production pipelines, with the ability to teach both the technical and critical/ethical dimensions of that integration.
- Demonstrated ability to teach or mentor in a studio or lab-based environment with hands-on project work.
Responsibilities
The selected candidate will be responsible to prepare and teach one class a week.
In addition:
- Developing and/or updating a class syllabus.
- Preparation of lectures, projects or other student assignments.
- Maintaining regularly scheduled office hours.
- Presenting instruction based on the competencies and performance levels of the course.
- Meeting all designated class periods.
- If you are unable to meet your class due to illness or emergency, you should exercise your best effort to reschedule the class or to obtain a substitute.
- You must also notify the department chair of your absence and of your plan to cover the class.
- Submitting completed mid-semester progress reports and final grades according to University regulations.
- Grading student assignments and exams in timely manner.
- Providing departmentally sanctioned forms for completed student evaluations.
- Building a positive rapport with students and other faculty.
Physical Requirements
Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment
Not Applicable
Application Instructions
In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume/curriculum vitae, a cover letter, a portfolio with examples of the candidate's own work, and an optional teaching statement.