The Texas A&M University College of Performance, Visualization & Fine Arts (PVFA) and the Virtual Production Institute (VPI) invite applications for a full-time, 9-month tenure-track position in Interactive Spatial Audio and Multimodal Computing at the rank of Assistant Professor in the Visual Computing and Computational Media (VCCM) section. The anticipated start date is August 1, 2027.
Candidates should demonstrate a strong potential for scholarly achievement and an ability to establish a nationally and internationally recognized research agenda. This position sits at the intersection of AI, multimodal computing, and audio and media technologies, with opportunities for research spanning computing, perception, and immersive systems. Areas of expertise may include, but are not limited to:
3D and Spatial Audio Rendering and Computational Acoustics
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Audio and Multimodal Computing
Visual Computing and Multimodal Perception for Media and Entertainment, Simulation and Training, and/or Health and Wellness
Interactive Audio Systems and Immersive Media for VR/AR/XR and Virtual Production
Perceptual Evaluation and Psychoacoustics
Hardware and Software Integration for Interactive and Multimodal Systems
Audio Capture, Processing, and Sensing
Audio Modeling and Synthesis; Multimodal Content Generation
The successful candidate will be expected to establish an active program of research, pursue external funding opportunities, disseminate work through publications, presentations, software systems, patents, or other recognized scholarly outcomes, and contribute to the national and international visibility of PVFA and the VPI.
The successful candidate will also be expected to teach courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels, advise and mentor graduate students, including the Ph.D. in Visual Computing and Interactive Media program, participate in all aspects of PVFA’s and the VPI’s activities, and serve the professional community.
About the College
The College of Performance, Visualization & Fine Arts was formed in 2022 at Texas A&M University, bringing together the Department of Visualization, the Department of Performance Studies, and the Dance Science Program. PVFA is built without departments. Faculty sections and academic programs sit at the college level, which places musicians, composers, actors, directors, choreographers, dancers, painters, cinematographers, technical artists, level designers, spatial audio engineers, tools programmers, ethnomusicologists, art historians, UI/UX designers, and virtual set designers in one structure rather than in separate units. The College places a heavy emphasis on collaboration and interdisciplinary work in both scholarly and creative research.
The College offers the BS, MS, and MFA in Visualization, a PhD in Visual Computing and Interactive Media, and degree programs in music, dance, and theatre. It operates at the main campus in Bryan-College Station and as part of Texas A&M – Fort Worth, with facilities equipped for work at the intersection of the arts and emerging technology. Applicants should consult the college's website (https://pvfa.tamu.edu/) to review our academic and research programs.
About the Virtual Production Institute
This position is aligned with the mission of the Virtual Production Institute. Formed in 2023, the VPI is a technology-focused ecosystem for teaching, learning, and research. It develops emerging applications and the skilled workforce needed for virtual reality, augmented reality, sensors, projectors, and computing across multiple disciplines and industries. Its facilities in Bryan-College Station and Fort Worth include a performance capture and sound stage with supporting technology studio classrooms. Applicants should consult the institute's website (https://pvfa.tamu.edu/institutes/vpi/).
Qualifications
Required:
PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Media Arts and Technology, Acoustics, or a closely related field. Candidates who are ABD will be considered, provided they demonstrate clear progress forward completion.
Demonstrated potential to establish a nationally and internationally recognized research program
Evidence of research accomplishment appropriate to career stage
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Preferred:
Potential for extramural funding and industry partnerships
University teaching experience and student mentorship
Participation in multidisciplinary research
Record of academic or professional service
Application Instructions
Interested individuals must apply through Interfolio: apply.interfolio.com/195047 and submit the following materials (embed links to your work, student work, etc. where appropriate):
Cover letter
Curriculum vitae (embed links to your work/student work you mentor)
Personal Statement: Your statement should include your philosophy and plans for research, teaching, and service.
Names and contact information of five (5) professional references
Review of applications will begin 30 days after posting and will continue until the position is filled.
Questions about this position should be directed to Xin Li, Chair of the Search Committee (email: xinli@tamu.edu; phone: 979-845-9004).