The Department of Fine Arts at the University of Waterloo invites applications for a 3-year definite-term contract at the rank of Lecturer, with a focus on teaching graphic design and digital practice from a Fine Arts perspective. The successful candidate will teach up to 7 courses in the studio and visual culture programs in the Department of Fine Arts (www.finearts.uwaterloo.ca), and in the Global Business and Digital Arts program based at the University of Waterloo Stratford Campus (www.stratfordcampus.uwaterloo.ca). The teaching load will be assigned by the Chair of Fine Arts and the Academic Director of the Stratford Campus. The Department of Fine Arts offers undergraduate degree programs in Studio and in Visual Culture and a Master of Fine Arts in Studio Practice. All include a strong fine arts professional practice dimension. The University of Waterloo Stratford Campus currently offers two academic programs: the Bachelor of Global Business and Digital Arts and the Master of Digital Experience Innovation. The first of their kind in Canada, they combine the study of creativity and visual culture with new technologies, business and entrepreneurship into one interdisciplinary program. The Department of Fine Arts and the Stratford Campus both offer dynamic, vibrant, collegial atmospheres within a university renowned for its innovation.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work across media and across disciplines. Candidates should have a strong background in graphic design (including analogue) and digital arts and imaging, and be actively working in the field. It is expected that candidates are, and will remain, current in the field of design.
Candidates should have an MFA, MDes, or equivalent experience, and must demonstrate potential for excellence in practice and undergraduate teaching.
The candidate’s skills should complement the research and teaching activities of the Department of Fine Arts and the Stratford Campus, in particular an emphasis on one or more of the following: analogue and digital textbased design, web and app design, digital photography, drawing, and 3-D modelling.
A demonstrated ability to analyze critically the role of digital media in contemporary culture is essential. Additional expertise, such as video production/motion graphics, as well as the creation and teaching of online courses is also an asset. Gaming and analysis of gaming are not part of the purview of this position.
We are seeking a person with energy, enthusiasm, and vision who can contribute meaningfully to excellence in teaching, research, collegiality, and community life.
The Waterloo Region is a culturally active community and home to a number of institutions including the Kitchener/Waterloo Art Gallery, Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, the Communitech Hub, Cambridge Galleries, the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery, and UWAG (the University of Waterloo Art Gallery). Waterloo’s Stratford Campus is a hub of digital media education, research, and industryconnected innovation located in the culture-rich community of Stratford.
Applicants should include in their response:
1. Cover letter;
2. A teaching philosophy (one page);
3. Curriculum vitae detailing educational and professional practice, and teaching experience;
4. Documentation of professional practice either (a) presented in video or audio format or on a website, with a maximum running time of five minutes; or (b) a maximum of 10 digital images (please review submitting digital material on the Fine Arts website: http://finearts.uwaterloo.ca/digitalMaterial.html)
5. The names and contact information of at least three persons who may be contacted regarding the candidate’s qualifications.
The University of Waterloo respects, appreciates and encourages diversity. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals including women, members of visible minorities, Aboriginal peoples and persons with disabilities. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. Three reasons to apply: https://uwaterloo.ca/watport/why-waterloo.
The salary range for this position at the Lecturer rank is $59,000 to $80,000. Negotiations beyond this salary range will be considered for exceptionally qualified candidates.
The closing date for applications is April 24, 2015. Appointment begins August 1, 2015.
Please submit applications and related media either by email or regular mail to:
Joan Coutu,
Chair Department of Fine Arts
University of Waterloo
200 University Ave. West
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
Email: joan.coutu@uwaterloo.ca.