The Wonderful, Fluorescent, Massive World of Tiny Invisible Things: Creating Transformative Science Stories for Children. A collaboration between science and the creative arts.
Value
$37,000 per annum (tax-free)
Duration
3.5 years FT (PhD)
Status
Open
Opens
01/02/2025Closes
15/04/2025Overview
We are SEEKING candidates for two fully funded animation PhD positions at the University of Technology, Sydney on a major AUSTRALIAN RESEARCH COUNCIL DISCOVERY PROJECT.
This project aims to address the lack of representative science content for children by creating animated hybrid documentary science stories for ages 11-12 featuring a diversity of scientists (especially women) as protagonists which can in turn influence STEM career choices. The project expects to generate new knowledge pioneering a new model of science communication translating scientific research visual data into engaging animated narratives, enhancing diversity and scientific visual literacy for children. Outcomes are an education-focused series showcasing diversity for broadcast and the classroom. Benefits include user-tested, science content for students and a lucrative, exportable economic model of practice for Australian filmmakers.
Who is eligible?
- These positions are available to Domestic applicants only.
- Applicants need to provide demonstrated hands-on experience of specific skills to create 2D or 3D animated character performance OR 2D or 3D environments and world building design for animation (see details below) at an animation Honours and Masters level, or to be able to demonstrate equivalent animation professional experience to this level.
Selection process
Essential skills required from successful applicant PhD 1.
CHARACTER DESIGN – The successful applicant needs to have a demonstrated ability to create character designs based on primary and secondary research, reflecting the personality, behaviour, physical appearance, and aesthetics of the character. This is achieved through direct observation of the subject matter, in this case the scientists and the phenomena they study, with a focus on creating an animated, anthropomorphised character through the application of design, psychology, and storytelling.
PERFORMANCE ANIMATION – The successful applicant needs to have a demonstrated ability to create animated character performance. Candidates should display a solid understanding of the animation principles and provide evidence of this understanding in their showreel and portfolio. They should demonstrate the ability to apply those principles to a character designed for animation, displaying an understanding of animated movement aesthetics, with a particular focus on performance. Animated performance requires that the animated character behaves in such a way as to engage the audience through authentic design and behaviour representing the core concepts of the research project.
Desirable skills from the successful applicant
- Experience working as a research assistant
- Experience working with primary school aged learners
- Pedagogical or classroom-based research (including any experience with teaching or curriculum development)
- Experience writing collaborative research outputs and/or reports
Essential skills required from successful applicant PhD 2.
An ability and experience in animation production of effectively employing fundamental design techniques and rigour to develop and communicate abstract and relatable ideas as visual concepts for a final cinematic form. The candidate can demonstrate a broad and critical knowledge of historical and contemporary animation works and artists. Ideally, they will have designed and created complete environments across multiple projects employing different styles of animation or theatrical productions - including illustration, digitally modelling and rendering, physical miniature construction, set design, sound design, and digital hybrid extensions and augmentations using photography. Ideally have strong experience working with abstract two-dimensional forms and models of the representation of cinematic depth including light and composition, plus experience with three dimensional Euclidean models of camera, materials, light and space. Experience in each mode is of high value. A practical knowledge of cinematography, lighting techniques, sound design and effects creation (both digital and practical) would be highly valued.
Desirable skills from the successful applicant
- Experience working as a research assistant
- Experience working with primary school aged learners
- Pedagogical or classroom-based research (including any experience with teaching or curriculum development)
- Experience writing collaborative research outputs and/or reports
How to apply
- For more information about the application process see FASS HDR page for details
Also see link to application guide.
Need more information? Contact...
Please contact Professor Rachel Landers, or the animation academics Dr Pat Grant, Deborah Cameron or Matt Gidney for more information.
Deborah.Cameron@uts.edu.au
