Associate / Assistant Professor, Theory of Creative Practice

Young and research-intensive, Nanyang Technological University (NTU Singapore) is ranked among the world's top universities. Agile, bold, and inventive, NTU Singapore shapes the future by combining technology and human creativity to tackle the toughest challenges facing society today.

The School of Art, Design and Media (ADM) is situated within the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (COHASS), aims to be Asia's leading centre for innovative, interdisciplinary humanities, arts and social science teaching and research. At home in a technological university, CoHASS's scholars connect systems of knowledge from continents and disciplines. Much of our research focuses on four interdisciplinary priorities: Digital Culture and Society; Health, Culture and Society; Global Asia; and Art, Science and Ecology.

The School of Art Design and Media offers one degree at the undergraduate level, and several degrees at the graduate level. ADM is firmly rooted in a studio-based learning model and interprets globally established theories and practice extended into a contemporary Asian cultural context.

ADM offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Design and Media:

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art, Design and Media prepares students to thrive at the intersection of artistic expression and emerging technologies. At the heart of the programme, creativity is nurtured as a tool for innovation, cultural transformation and new forms of storytelling. Students learn to create original work to respond to real-world challenges and succeed in the fast-evolving creative industries. They will gain a broad-based yet focused creative education that encourages experimentation and cross-disciplinary exploration.

This single degree programme offers four distinct specialisations, enabling students to develop expertise in their chosen field:

• Animation and Game Art
• Cinematic Arts
• Communication Design and Photographic Practice
• Transversal Design: Object and Interaction

ADM Graduate Programmes:

ADM graduate programmes provide research and coursework opportunities in a wide spectrum. Candidates are encouraged to develop innovative ways of thinking and to produce creative works in a diverse range of media.

The Master of Arts (M.A.) by Research and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) by Research degree is available in Art, Design and Media; and the Master of Science (M.Sc.) by coursework is available in Game Design Art and Technology.

ADM Research:

ADM areas of research and practice are informed by the strategic research directions of the school and the interdisciplinary practice led by its highly versed industry-related professionals, academics and educators. Therefore, ADM faculty are expected to continue their creative practice while also contributing to scholarly research in line with the college’s major research directions: Digital Culture and Society; Health, Culture and Society; Global Asia; and Art, Science and Ecology.

Some of the relevant topics include: AI industry practices, ethics and governance, Southeast Asian Art, Design and Media; Art, Design and Media Histories and Criticism; Cultural

Identity and Heritage; Visual Art and Digital Humanities, Audio and Media Art (Animation / Film / Interactive); and Design Studies.

Job Purpose:

ADM is seeking an exciting scholar who will help define the theory of creative practice for the future — at a moment when AI is reshaping aesthetics, when the boundaries between STEM and the humanities are dissolving, and when the most interesting questions sit at the intersection of disciplines and practices. Connecting strongly to NTU’s commitment to interdisciplinary research, across art and technology, the successful candidate will connect theory with artistic practice, including but not limited to generative design, algorithmic aesthetics, interactive media, game design, experimental typography, motion graphics, participatory VR/AR and UI/UX experiences and AI generated content.

Educational Profile

Through the development and delivery of forward-thinking curricula that delve into interdisciplinary, artistic, and design inquiries, the Assistant Professor or Associate Professor plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of creative professionals.

The purpose of this new role at ADM is to educate students towards the academic negotiation of their creative practice in scholarly terms, inclusive of in-depth literature review, rigorous methodologies and exegesis of practical outcomes. This educational approach equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to not only thrive but also respond adeptly to the constantly evolving global landscape. ADM is not only educating professional artists but also as able researchers, unique in their ability to combine creative discovery with intellectual pursuit. The successful candidate is expected to contribute to courses in the new curriculum, with a focus on critical thinking, ethics, AI literacy, and research practice within the context of art, design and media.

Research Profile

In addition, the Assistant Professor or Associate Professor will contribute significantly to the international visibility of the institution through research that significantly contributes to the body of scholarship in the theory of art, design and media practice.

This might include but is not limited to media-and film theory, animation, design, culture and adaptation studies as well as computer sciences or interdisciplinary studies. Much of our research focuses on four interdisciplinary priorities: Digital Culture and Society; Health, Culture and Society; Global Asia; and Art, Science and Ecology. Faculty will demonstrate their excellence by publishing internationally in academic outlets of high repute, e.g. top-tier journals, conferences and books. Where it applies, candidates are strongly encouraged to continue their creative practice and disseminate it on a global scale.

By doing so, they enhance the University’s standing as a centre of excellence, solidifying its reputation as a leading institution at the forefront of innovative research and creative endeavours.

The role requires sustained practice-led research or art, design and media related theoretical inquiry, with expectations of international impact demonstrated by a significant publication track record. The successful candidate is expected to maintain a strong balance across research and teaching which includes curriculum development and student mentorship.

Senior candidates appointed at the Associate Professor level will also be expected to provide academic leadership and contribute actively to committees, programme development, and other service roles within the University, mentor junior faculty members and offer

professional services to schools, to the Singapore Ministry of Education, and to other public education-related organizations if requested.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct and disseminate internationally recognised research in the theory of creative practice with scholarly publications in premier international outlets (top journals, conferences and books with top-tier academic publishers).
• Actively pursue applications for internal and major external research grants in Singapore and beyond.
• Develop and teach undergraduate and graduate courses in research methodology, academic writing on creative practice, application of theory in creative practice and interdisciplinary research.
• Supervise undergraduate final-year projects, graduate dissertations, and practice-based research projects.
• Contribute to curriculum innovation and the development of new courses aligned with evolving industry practices, novel research strategies and technologies and contemporary pedagogies.
• Engage with emerging developments in film and media technologies, including AI-assisted technologies and workflows, and digital production environments.
• Participate actively in academic administration, service, and committee work appropriate to rank.
• Contribute to the School’s strategic development and foster collaborations with industry, cultural institutions, and interdisciplinary research partners.

The successful candidate should demonstrate a collaborative attitude, with the ability to contribute effectively to an interdisciplinary environment that values creative excellence, collegiality, and shared programme development.

Requirements:  

• A PhD (or Practice-based PhD) aligned with NTU’s preferences as a leading research-intensive university. This PhD can be attained in e.g., cultural-, media-, animation-, design-studies, film theory, art history or a related field. However, applicants with a terminal MFA will also be considered. Key to the success of the application will be a thorough understanding of historical and contemporary practice in creative production in the respective fields.
• Demonstrated scholarly impact through an excellent publication track record in top-tier outlets is indispensable; a strong portfolio demonstrating artistic excellence will also be looked at favourably but is not mandatory.
• A focus on Asian creative production will be seen as a plus, e.g. expertise in manga/anime studies.
• Creative practitioners with a strong scholarly publication track record are also strongly encouraged to apply.
• Familiarity with rapidly evolving art design and media technologies and practices, such as virtual production, AI-generated content (AIGC), and AI-assisted workflows
• Proven teaching and student mentorship at undergraduate and/or graduate level
• Strong collaborative, communication, and interpersonal skills
• A commitment to creative excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and academic growth within a research-intensive university environment

Application Procedure:

The School of Art, Design and Media (ADM) seeks a diverse and inclusive workforce and is committed to equality of opportunity. We welcome applications from all and recruit on the basis of merit, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, marital status, family responsibilities, or disability.

Applicants are invited to submit their applications through the NTU career portal by clicking the 'Apply' button

Please provide the following in your application:

1. Cover letter;
2. Curriculum vitae (including records of competitive grants and graduate supervision, if applicable);
3. CV needs to include a comprehensive bibliography of all relevant research publications.
4. Teaching impact statement (maximum 3 pages);
5. Research impact statement (maximum 5 pages);
6. Optional: Artistic portfolio with corresponding link or as PDF-file.

The closing date for applications is 21 October 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified via email.