The Department of Cinematic Arts at USIU-Africa is seeking a full-time faculty member specializing in 3D Animation. This position involves teaching introductory to advanced 3D courses, supervising student projects, and contributing to curriculum development. The role focuses on practical, hands-on instruction using industry-standard tools to prepare students for professional careers in the global animation and creative industries.
Key Responsibilities
Instruction: Deliver practical, project-based courses in 3D animation, covering polygon modelling, UV unwrapping, texturing, basic rigging, lighting, and rendering using Autodesk Maya.
Curriculum Design: Design and update course materials, syllabi, and assessment rubrics to align with industry standards and the local context.
Student Mentorship: Guide students through project development, technical troubleshooting, and portfolio preparation.
Production Pipeline: Demonstrate the end-to-end 3D production workflow from initial modelling to final render and presentation outputs.
Collaboration: Integrate 2D animation and motion graphics concepts into 3D workflows and collaborate across disciplines including film and sound design.
Academic Engagement: Participate in departmental meetings, recruitment, outreach, and quality assurance activities.
Industry Links: Foster connections with industry partners and support internship placements.
Qualifications and Experience
Required Qualifications:
A PhD in Animation or a Master’s degree in Animation, Digital Media, or a closely related field.
Demonstrated proficiency in Autodesk Maya, specifically in polygon modelling, UV unwrapping, texturing, basic rigging, lighting, and rendering.
Experience teaching or tutoring 3D animation with evidence of practical course delivery.
Clear understanding of 3D production pipelines and basic rendering workflows.
Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
Preferred Qualifications:
Professional studio experience in animation, motion graphics, or related production environments.
Familiarity with complementary tools such as Substance Painter, Arnold/RenderMan/Redshift, After Effects, or Unreal Engine.
Experience supervising undergraduate or postgraduate projects and contributing to creative research.
Background in 2D animation with the ability to relate 3D concepts to 2D workflows.
Experience working in African higher-education contexts.
Skills and Competencies
Technical: Strong understanding of 3D modelling principles, clean topology, and efficient workflows.
Pedagogical: Ability to design practical assignments and scaffold learning from introductory to intermediate levels.
Problem Solving: Aptitude for diagnosing technical issues and guiding students through solutions.
Collaboration: Team player capable of working across disciplines and with external partners.
Teaching Load and Expectations
Typically 3 courses per semester, including lectures, lab sessions, and project supervision.
Assessment involves project-based work, portfolios, and presentations.
Expectation to engage in continuous professional development.
How to Apply
Submit your application as a single PDF to jobs-sccca@usiu.ac.ke with the subject line “3D Animation Faculty Application”. Your application must include a cover letter describing your teaching philosophy, a CV with software/production credits, a teaching portfolio with at least two work samples, and contact details for three referees. Applications close at 5.00pm, Friday, April 10, 2026.
How to Apply
Please submit the following as a single PDF to jobs-sccca@usiu.ac.ke with the subject line “3D Animation Faculty Application”:
Cover letter describing teaching philosophy and relevant experience.
Curriculum vitae including a list of software and production credits.
Teaching portfolio or sample course materials and at least two examples of student or personal work (links or attachments).
Contact details for three referees.
Applications close 5.00pm, Friday, April 10, 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a teaching demonstration and interview. Address applications to: Director, Human Resource, United States International University - Africa, P. O. Box 14634-00800, Nairobi, Kenya.