SODA Reader - Photography

SODA

The School of Digital Arts is a purpose built, interdisciplinary school at one of the UK's leading universities. Offering industry and research informed courses and specialist spaces with the latest technologies, SODA is a £35M investment into the workspaces, networks, teaching, and research that will drive the next generation of creative content. Our students study disciplines that span film, animation, UX, photography, games design, games art, music and sound design and more, often working on live projects with industry partners and frequently collaborating with fellow students and researchers. They choose from a flexible mix of courses: foundation year, undergraduate, postgraduate and research degrees that run alongside degree apprenticeships, summer schools and short courses. 

SODA builds on the award-winning strengths of the Manchester School of Art, and brings together creative and craft disciplines, technical and scientific skills, industry partnerships and global research to teach the next generation of talent. Rated sixth in the UK for its research power, and with a history of generating ideas and innovation that stretches back 180 years, Manchester School of Art has pioneered the interdisciplinary approach that guides how we teach and work at SODA. 

Opened in September 2021, we work closely with a diverse range of cultural and industry partners, for example Quay Street Productions, Black Magic Design, BBC, ITV, and HOME, and are ideally placed in a creative global city that has transformed to be a leading powerhouse of the UK's digital economy. Industry connectivity and inclusion within the School is critical.

Reader - Photography 

We are looking to appoint a Reader in Photography, with an expectation to work towards a promotion to Professor, typically within a period of four to five years. 

You will have the clear vision and drive for the future direction of digital photographic practices and how this vision can be realised in the context of SODA.  You should be able to demonstrate an interdisciplinary approach to photography through your own practice and will have significant knowledge of and engagement with leading-edge critical theory. Your portfolios will include contributions to the understanding of the complexities of the digitally networked image through journal, book, and conference papers.

Working as SODA and leading in the area of expanded photography means that you will inspire, lead, and support colleagues in developing a strong digital research culture and influence new pedagogic approaches and practices within the school. Experience of teaching and learning across UG and PGT, both Physical and online, with clear evidence of outstanding communication and teaching practice skills, is crucial.  Experience of developing partnerships in the cultural and/or digital industries is also important in SODA given the connectivity of the school to regional, national, and international industry. With a state-of-the-art photographic studio, SODA is ambitious to expand research and industry engagement to match our teaching excellence. Reader will support this through contribution to teaching as well as research and/or knowledge exchange. 

To Apply:

Submit a cover letter and CV via our application portal that specifically refers to the Job Description that accompanies this advert, addressing your strengths in relation to Research and/or Knowledge and Enterprise (industry experience); Learning & Teaching; Academic Citizenship and Leadership. If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact sodarecruitment@mmu.ac.uk

Please note that this vacancy is for a 1.0 fte (37.5 hours) position. 

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