Artificial Intelligence in Media Industries & Production, Definite-term Teaching Stream Assist Prof.

University of Waterloo

The Department of Communication Arts in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Waterloo invites applications for a Definite-term (two-year) Teaching Stream Assistant Professor beginning January 1, 2026.

The successful candidate will have a PhD or other terminal degree in Communication, Media Studies, Media Arts, or a related field, as well as a strong practitioner profile and demonstrated excellence in teaching. In addition to teaching Digital Arts Communication (DAC) classes in Communication Arts, they will contribute to a third-party, post-graduate credential incorporating animation, game development, advertising, and storytelling, supported by the department and WATSPEED (https://watspeed.uwaterloo.ca/index.html) by 1) providing curriculum oversight for the AI media production credential delivered by the third-party, and 2) planning and helping to deliver the credential’s optional two-four-week intensive, in-residence, Summer Experience that has three components: a) classroom instruction focused on the social and cultural dimensions of AI, media, and media production, b) a project showcase of work produced by students during the AI media production credential, and c) cultural and professional experiences in Southern Ontario.

The successful candidate will contribute to current departmental programs by teaching primarily undergraduate Digital Arts Communication (DAC) classes in Communication Arts. A demonstrated pedagogical commitment to theoretically-informed practice, student-centered learning, and engagement of broad public concerns is required. We seek a dynamic and innovative scholar-educator whose creative/design practice and teaching explore the intersections of AI, media, and media industries within professional, sociocultural, and global contexts. In addition to teaching the historical and cultural dimensions of media in the Summer Experience, the ideal candidate will be able to teach broadly in the DAC (https://uwaterloo.ca/academic-calendar/undergraduate-studies/catalog#/courses) area, particularly courses such as DAC 248 Project Management in the Arts, DAC 305 Designing and Evaluating Digital Games, and DAC 309 User Experience Design. The ideal candidate will also have a deep understanding of media theory and history, coupled with expertise in artificial intelligence and/or its application in contemporary media industries and media production. Approaches based in principles of anti-racism, feminism, inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility and methodologies informed by critical race, Indigenous, dis/ability, trans, feminist, queer, sustainable, and/or Marxist theories are especially welcome.

The Department of Communication Arts (https://uwaterloo.ca/communication-arts/) is committed to providing students with lifelong capacities 1) to examine agency and implication; 2) to support the development of critical and creative competencies; and 3) to encourage a language and imagination for the public good. The department has undergraduate programs in Communication Studies (https://uwaterloo.ca/communication-arts/communications-programs/communication-studies), Communication Arts & Design Practice (https://uwaterloo.ca/communication-arts/communications-programs/communication-arts-and-design-practice), and Theatre & Performance (https://uwaterloo.ca/communication-arts/theatre-and-performance), and a minor in Digital Arts Communication (https://uwaterloo.ca/communication-arts/communications-programs/digital-arts-communication-minor) open to students across the university.

The salary range for this position is $80,000 - $120,000. Duties include teaching (70%) and academic service (30%).

For full consideration, applications must be received by August 31, 2025. Application materials must be submitted as PDF files through the Online Faculty Application System (https://ofas.uwaterloo.ca/). Application materials should identify how the candidate’s teaching and service aligns with the program objectives (see below) and advances equity, anti-racism, decolonization, and inclusion. Please include electronic copies of a
• cover letter
• curriculum vitae
• evidence of teaching effectiveness (e.g. 1-2 examples of syllabi, small selection of course evaluations, and/or statement of teaching philosophy)
• evidence of publication, practice-based and/or research-creation work
• Names and contact information for 3 referees who will only be contacted to provide references for you should your application advance to the final round of consideration.

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is centralized within the Office of Indigenous Relations (https://uwaterloo.ca/indigenous).

The University of Waterloo is a research intensive university that values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as Indigenous peoples (e.g., First Nations, Métis, Inuit/Inuk), Black, racialized, people with disabilities, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Adrian Buchanan at adrian.buchanan@uwaterloo.ca.

If you have any questions regarding the position, the application process, assessment process, or eligibility, please contact Gerald Voorhees, Chair of Communication Arts at gerald.voorhees@uwaterloo.ca.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Three reasons to apply: https://uwaterloo.ca/faculty-association/why-waterloo.