Toronto Metropolitan University — Tenure Track Position in Virtual Production

Toronto Metropolitan University — Tenure Track Position in Virtual Production

Located in downtown Toronto, the largest and most culturally diverse city in Canada and on the territory of the Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee and the Wendat Peoples, the RTA School of Media in The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University [formerly Ryerson University] invites applications for a tenure track position at the rank of Assistant Professor subject to final budgetary approval. The normal start date for this position is July 1, 2024. Candidates who need to be considered for a later start date may also be considered. Applications from those belonging to one or more equity-deserving communities are particularly encouraged, and such candidates are encouraged to self-identify in our Applicant Diversity Self-ID at the time of application.

The School is particularly interested in candidates whose lived experiences can help further advance and shape the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) culture of the school.

We are seeking a senior content creator and storyteller with a specialization in virtual production techniques combining virtual and physical production to create realistic and immersive environments. This role is ideal for candidates who have a rich background in producing traditional scripted and factual film and television production and are looking to leverage their experience in the cutting-edge field of virtual production. The successful candidate will engage in a combination of teaching, scholarly research or creative activities (SRC) focused on virtual production, and service duties while maintaining an inclusive, equitable, and collegial work environment across all activities.

The School is looking for candidates who are leaders in their field. The successful candidate will establish a high-impact research or creative practice program that will include externally funded projects and produce widely disseminated research or creative works related to virtual production. Their contribution is expected to complement and expand existing research within The Creative School. The successful candidate will be encouraged to work collaboratively within one of The Creative School’s labs or centres.

Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the RTA School of Media’s curriculum, the successful candidate will teach in both the RTA School of Media and the School of Image Arts. Teaching duties will entail teaching courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels, supervising students and developing curriculum focused on virtual production. The successful candidate must have the ability to teach virtual production courses as well as those traditional production courses that provide the foundation for virtual production. Teaching may include Exploring Virtual Environments I and Intro to Multicam (Virtual Production) in the RTA School of Media and courses such as Film Production and Directing Screen Performance (Advanced) in the School of Image Arts. Graduate teaching is encouraged and graduate supervision in the Masters of Arts In Media Production is expected. The position also includes curriculum development across undergraduate and graduate programs. The successful candidate will pursue a strong, innovative research program or creative activity that is externally funded and that produces cutting-edge, high quality results.

The service responsibilities of RTA faculty members include serving on committees (such as curriculum, hiring, admissions, or EDI) and participating in other administrative activities related to the School’s undergraduate and graduate programs. The candidate will also help to ensure that the School maintains an inclusive, equitable, and collegial environment.

The successful candidate must present evidence of the following:

• Completion of at least a Master’s degree in Communications, Media or a related field;
• A legacy of professional practice and publicly recognised professional creative work involving significant experience in both traditional and virtual production techniques in multi camera live studio based as well as film based production. The candidate should have significant experience working with Unreal Engine. Knowledge of other equivalent softwares and the ability to adapt to new technologies in media production are assets;
• A proven capacity to synthesise and critically reflect on production practices, issues, and trends in the field of media production, with an emphasis on virtual production;
• A clear potential to produce current, innovative, and impactful research in virtual production. Impact may be visible in peer-reviewed publications, working papers, public policy contributions, presentations at academic conferences, community-based or professional recognition or honours, grants or research-related awards that contribute to the visibility and prominence of the discipline;
• The potential for teaching excellence in the undergraduate and graduate curriculum, including the ability to teach hands-on production courses covering the entire production pipeline, including pre-production, production, and post-production workflows, ensuring seamless integration of virtual elements with traditional production methods and storytelling;
• A commitment to EDI in service, teaching, and SRC activities, including a demonstrated ability to make learning accessible and inclusive for a diverse student body or the profession;
• A willingness and an ability to contribute to the life of the RTA School of Media and the University through collegial service.

This position falls under the jurisdiction of the Toronto Metropolitan Faculty Association (TFA, previously RFA) (www.tfanet.ca). The TFA collective agreement can be viewed here, and a summary of TFA benefits can be found here.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit their application online via the Faculty Recruitment Portal here by clicking on “Start Application Process” to begin.

For guaranteed consideration, applications must consist of the following:

• A letter of application;
• A statement of research interests;
• A teaching dossier and results of teaching evaluations;
• An EDI statement; and
• Names of three individuals who may be contacted for references.

Applications must be received by March 29, 2024. The position will remain open until filled.

Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority, in accordance with Canadian immigration regulations.

Contacts

Any confidential inquiries about the opportunity can be directed to the Department Hiring Committee Chair, James Nadler, at jnadler@torontomu.ca

Candidates who belong to one or more of the equity-deserving groups recognized at TMU are welcome to connect with Debbie Thompson at debbie.thompson@torontomu.ca, Executive Director, Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion.