About UMass Amherst
The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.
About the Department of Art
The Department of Art at the University of Massachusetts Amherst offers post-secondary education in a full range of disciplines that include painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, animation, intermedia, design and technology, and art education. Interdisciplinary study is at the core of our philosophy, and we encourage students to pursue experience across art disciplines, as well as exploring the diverse fields of arts, humanities, and sciences open to them at this premier research university. We offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts Program tailored to students who plan to become 21st century professional artists and designers, and a Bachelor of Arts degree for majors seeking the broadest available liberal arts education. Future primary and secondary school art teachers are comprehensively prepared in our Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education program.
The UMass Amherst Master of Fine Arts Degree in Art program is a three-year immersive course of study for post-graduates who wish to expand their critical thinking and disciplinary techniques, and develop the experience needed for careers in academics. We also offer a Master of Arts Degree in Art Education for prospective and current teachers to engage in advanced professional development.
Our campus hosts five galleries dedicated to exhibitions of student and professional work. Situated in the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, UMass is an ideal base from which students may join the rich creative community of artists and craftspeople who live and work in this area.
Job Description
The Department of Art at the University of Massachusetts Amherst seeks applicants for a part-time, non-benefited, non-tenure Lecturer position in Stop Motion Animation for the Spring 2026 semester. The Art Department values diversity as a factor in academic excellence, and we are committed to increasing the diversity of the faculty, student body, and curriculum.
The successful candidate will teach a 300-level Stop Motion Animation course to undergraduates and possible graduate students. Candidates must be comfortable teaching object animation, 2D cut-out animation and 3D Armature animation, and must be proficient in Dragon Frame, Adobe Premiere, and Adobe After Effects. Additional expertise in visual development and set fabrication is highly encouraged. Classes consist of demonstrations, discussions, short exercises, independent work time, historical and contemporary animation screenings, in-progress and final critiques, and self-assessments.
The course is scheduled to be taught on Mondays & Wednesdays 4:45 - 7:25 pm. Classes begin on January 29, 2026, and end on May 8, 2026.
Minimum Requirements
- MFA in Art or similar terminal degree at the time of starting the position
- Teaching experience in related field
- Strong background in stop motion animation, storytelling, and fabrication
- Knowledge or experience teaching Stop Motion Animation
- Proficiency in Dragon Frame, Adobe Premiere, and Adobe After Effects
Additional Information
The salary for the course is $8,195. This is a non-benefited role.
Application Instructions
Along with the application, please submit a curriculum vitae and a pdf with active web links to regularly updated materials; do not attach hard copy material or digital documents.
To receive full consideration, submit your application materials by November 5, 2025. The search will remain open until it is filled; however, applications received after the priority deadline of November 5th may not be reviewed.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.