Assistant Professor - Sound Design
The School of Drama in the College of Fine Arts at University of Oklahoma invites applications for an Assistant Professor position in Sound Design with an appointment to begin Fall 2026.
We are seeking a colleague who is a committed artist-educator and active sound designer who will share their professional experience, sense of creative discovery, and knowledge of emerging audio technologies with undergraduate students through teaching and mentorship.
The qualified candidate will teach a combination of undergraduate courses in Sound Design, Sound Production, and other areas of related expertise such as Vectorworks. Courses include, but are not limited to: Sound Techniques, Advanced Sound Design, Sound Scoring, and Digital Audio Techniques. As the area of Sound Design is continually evolving, the successful candidate will be encouraged to continue to develop the curriculum based on these foundational courses. The successful candidate may be asked to be a guest lecturer for other classes within the department to facilitate the instruction of relevant subject matter.
In addition to class work, we offer our students the opportunity to put the skills they have learned into practice by designing dramas, musicals, opera, and dance productions in three different spaces for University Theatre. The successful candidate will be responsible for mentoring those undergraduate student sound designers in all aspects of creating and executing their sound designs.
We value the skills of the artist and technical expertise equally. The qualified candidate must have the ability to tune, design and troubleshoot sound systems in a variety of theatrical venues as well as experience with live mixing. They will work closely with studio and shop staff, School of Drama faculty, and representatives from other Fine Arts Schools involved with University Theatre. The candidate may also design sound for University Theatre should there not be a student assigned to the project.
The candidate must have experience with industry standard sound software applications such as Dante, ProTools, Qlab, and Vectorworks. Proficiency in additional similar design and technology platforms is preferred.
The successful candidate must have an MFA degree or equivalent. Previous teaching experience in higher education and an active professional career in sound design are preferred. Applicants should provide an updated professional portfolio and website.
Required qualifications include:
- MFA degree or equivalent.
- must have the ability to tune, design and troubleshoot sound systems in a variety of theatrical venues as well as experience with live mixing.
- must have experience with industry standard sound software applications such as Dante, ProTools, Qlab, and Vectorworks.
Preferred qualifications include:
- Proficiency in additional similar design and technology platforms is preferred.
- Previous teaching experience in higher education and an active professional career in sound design are preferred.
To apply, submit cover letter, CV, sound design/engineering portfolio and/or website, and contact information for 3 references to https://apply.interfolio.com/173810
Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy. To view the policy, visit https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing.
Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma values our community's unique talents, perspectives, and experiences. At OU, we aspire to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere. You Belong Here!
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, gender identity/expression (consistent with applicable law), age (40 or older), religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, housing, financial aid, and educational services.
