Lecturer TouchDesigner Interaction Station

WdK Station Interaction

Our organisation

The Willem de Kooning Academy, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences (WdKA/RUAS), offers a variety of bachelor and master’s programmes in the field of visual culture, art, design, education in arts, and leisure management. The curriculum of the Willem de Kooning Academy is founded on an interdisciplinary ethos. The Majors are the entry point of study for all Bachelor students; the Practices of the interdisciplinary research contexts in the second half of the Bachelor programs; and the highly unique Stations (advanced workshops focused on Research through Making) complete the three pillars of the institute.

The Stations

The stations are centers of knowledge and expertise. They are both physical and non-physical locations that cover traditional as well as innovative technologies. The stations are at the vanguard of the developments within the professional field and the processes of production that are relevant for the art and design practice. Stations are not only a space of execution and production, but also a space in which tutors, instructors and students question why we make, how we make and for whom we make. Stations are part of a collaborative effort (an educational instrument) to develop a student-driven curriculum that supports self-directed learning.

About the Interaction Station

At the Interaction Station, we explore a wide range of computational tools and techniques: from programming and machine learning, to augmented/virtual reality, electronics, and hardware hacking. We adopt an open and experimental approach to technology, recognizing that the definition of interaction is continually shifting. We encourage experimentation with new tools, technologies, and hardware, while critically assessing how developing technologies can be appropriated for creative purposes. We also focus on how older technologies can be re-evaluated in contemporary contexts. Our instructors and teachers come from diverse backgrounds, bringing a wealth of expertise to support students in transforming their ideas into working projects through individual consultations, short skills workshops, and longer classes.

What are you going to do?

• Deliver existing TouchDesigner modules developed at the Interaction Station across various Bachelor programmes (e.g. animation, photography, graphic design, audiovisual design, and interdisciplinary programmes).
• Collaborate with teaching teams and course leaders to plan, develop, and evaluate your classes and align with overarching curriculum goals.
• Adapt existing modules or create new ones in response to technological advancements and the evolving needs of the different majors.
• Mentor instructors at the station who wish to enhance their skills in this area and who will assist you in your classes.
• Provide individual support to students with advanced queries regarding these technologies.
• Work with the academy’s IT department to ensure the station facilities are appropriately configured for the tool chains used in our classes.
• Contribute to maintaining a safe working environment, both physically and socially.

Are you the right person for the job?

We are seeking an experienced lecturer with extensive knowledge of visual programming languages for real-time interactive multimedia content, particularly TouchDesigner. The ideal candidate will possess a high level of skill and knowledge in this area, along with relevant teaching experience and an organised approach to work.

Our “ideal” candidate can bring the following:

• Expertise in designing real-time interactive multimedia projects using TouchDesigner, and an understanding of Python programming language (intermediate level).
• A combination of technical abilities and a well-articulated perspective on the relevant issues, opportunities and challenges posed by interactive media in art and design education.
• The ability to communicate clearly in English.
• A qualification in didactic skills for higher education (NL: basiskwalificatie didactische bekwaamheid) OR demonstrable relevant teaching experience (references may be requested).
• The ability to apply a range of pedagogical and didactic methods to meet individual students’ needs.
• A relevant Master’s degree in arts or design.
• A motivation to engage with the learning journeys of aspiring artists and designers.
• A proactive and collaborative attitude.
• An affinity for and curiosity about the broader field of computational art.
• Additional skills that may be relevant to the station (e.g. knowledge of other visual programming languages, software development, game engines, machine learning, electronics and hardware hacking, audio design).

What do we offer you?

We offer a temporary contract, with the possibility of extension for an additional year, subject to satisfactory performance.

Secondary benefits include opportunities for professional training and an attractive pension scheme. All staff members of Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences must be able to submit a Certificate of Conduct (NL: Verklaring Omtrent Gedrag, VOG) issued by the Dutch Minister of Justice and Security.

WdKA invests in motivated and well-trained employees. Working at WdKA means that you can use time and facilities for professionalization. A good work-life balance (45+ days off per year for full-time employment, possibility of paid parental leave 75% and flexible working hours.

Do you wish to apply?

For more information about this position contact Loes Bogers (l.bogers@hr.nl)

We aim at diversity and recruiting colleagues from groups currently underrepresented in our education. We give preference to a candidate who strengthens the diversity within our team in case of equal suitability.

Being able to provide a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) is a condition of employment as well as a valid EU work permit if you are from outside the EU.

To apply, please submit:

• A letter of motivation including your contact details.
• A CV that includes a link to an online portfolio (we encourage you to include commercial, autonomous, as well as educational/teaching projects).

After a first selection of applications, an interview will be part of the selection procedure and is expected to take place in the week of January 20th.

Closing date: January 12th, 2025