Cinematography & Audiovisual Production Assistant Professor

The School of Communication and Creative Industries at Canadian University Dubai (CUD) invites applications for a full-time faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor in Cinematography and Audiovisual Production.

We seek an accomplished, practice-based cinematographer and film educator who holds a PhD in Cinematography or Film Production (not in Film Theory) and possesses formal professional authorization or accreditation to practice as a cinematographer within the cinema or audiovisual industry (e.g., ASC, BSC, AFC, IMAGO, or equivalent).

The successful candidate will bridge academic excellence and professional expertise, bringing a deep understanding of visual narrative design, lighting and image science, camera systems, editing workflows, and storytelling through moving images.

They will be expected to engage with investigative, scientific, and pedagogical approaches to cinema, combining artistic creativity with research-based innovation and applied practice aligned with the highest international standards of professional film education.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• The successful candidate will demonstrate:
  
  • A practice-led PhD in Cinematography or Film Production focused on applied, technical, or aesthetic innovation in visual storytelling.
  • A recognized professional career as a Director of Photography (DOP), Cinematographer, or Film Director with screen credits in cinema, television, or streaming platforms.
  • Accreditation or professional membership in an international or national cinematography organization (e.g., ASC, BSC, AFC, IMAGO, or equivalent).
  • Proficiency in cinematography’s artistic and technical dimensions, including lighting design, digital imaging, lens and sensor technologies, visual composition, and post-production workflows.
  • Familiarity with AI-assisted cinematography, immersive media (XR, VR), and emerging image technologies.
  • The ability to integrate investigative, scientific, and pedagogical cinema practices into a contemporary learning environment.
  • A demonstrated passion for mentorship and team-based creative collaboration in the academic and professional film community.

Key Responsibilities:

Teaching:

• Teach undergraduate courses in Cinematography & Audiovisual Production, including but not limited to:
  • Cinematography and Lighting
  • Audiovisual Production
  • Digital Imaging and Postproduction
  • Text, Image, and Sound
  • Multiplatform Storytelling
  • Art and Business of Gaming
  • Directing for the Screen (with AI-integrated Cinematography)
• Develop, update, and teach course syllabi that merge creative vision, technical mastery, and applied research, reflecting the realities of the professional film industry.
• Supervise student productions, short films, and capstone projects, ensuring professional workflow standards (camera, sound, editing, color grading).
• Guide students in portfolio and showreel development, emphasizing composition, continuity, and storytelling impact.
• Promote cross-disciplinary collaboration with students in directing, producing, editing, and sound design courses.
• Mentor students through the creative, technical, and ethical dimensions of visual storytelling.

Research & Scholarship:

• Conduct practice-based and investigative research in Cinematography, Audiovisual Storytelling, and related visual disciplines.
• Engage in scientific cinematography projects exploring lighting physics, optics, colorimetry, motion analysis, or digital imaging systems.
• Publish scholarly and creative outputs such as peer-reviewed articles, creative research films, or industry white papers advancing the discipline.
• Seek external research funding, film development grants, or co-productions that support innovation in visual storytelling.
• Present work at academic conferences, film festivals, and professional cinematography symposiums.
Contribute to the growth of pedagogical cinema as an evolving field—developing curriculum models that merge cinematic practice, teaching, and creative inquiry.

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Industry Engagement and Service:

• Maintain active professional involvement with regional and international film industries.
• Foster collaborations with production houses, film festivals, and cultural institutions.
• Facilitate student access to professional internships and studio productions.
• Participate in curriculum development, accreditation, and enhancement of CUD’s media studios and facilities.
• Serve on academic committees and contribute to community and outreach initiatives promoting creative industries in the UAE and the MENA region
  .

Qualifications & Experience:

• PhD in Cinematography or Film Production from a recognized institution (practice-based or applied research focus).
• Professional certification or authorization to practice cinematography (e.g., ASC, BSC, AFC, IMAGO, or equivalent).
• Proven professional record as a Director of Photography, Film Director, Producer, or Camera Operator with visible screen credits.
• At least three years of university-level teaching experience in film production, cinematography, or audiovisual arts.
• Demonstrated creative or scholarly output such as film projects, cinematographic works, or peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience mentoring students in creative, technical, and narrative film production.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Extensive industry experience in narrative, documentary, scientific, or commercial cinematography.
• Competence in digital cinema and postproduction workflows (ARRI, RED, Sony, DaVinci Resolve, HDR mastering).
• Knowledge of AI-driven and virtual production environments.
• Familiarity with film financing, production management, and set protocols.
• Experience in curriculum development, accreditation, and experiential learning models.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and leadership skills.
Commitment to innovation, lifelong learning, and pedagogical excellence in film education.

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COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Our eligible faculty enjoy competitive compensation and benefits, including:

• Competitive Tax-free salary
• Generous annual leave
• Housing & Transportation allowance
• Annual flights
• International health insurance for self, spouse, and dependent children
• Life Insurance
• Professional development opportunities
• Full access to campus facilities
• Paid sick leave, Maternity leave, Paternity leave, and other leave categories as applicable
• Working visa and residence permit in the UAE for self, spouse, and dependent children

RESIDENCY AND VISA REGULATIONS

Employment at CUD is regulated by UAE labour law and must comply with the regulations of the national government. These regulations stipulate who is eligible for legal employment with regard to obtaining work permits and visas.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

CUD is committed to an inclusive and equitable academic community. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and celebrate diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. All appointments are made on the basis of merit and in accordance with UAE laws and University policies.

ABOUT CUD

Established in 2006, CUD is one of the most promising universities in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia region, QS ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide, #1 in Dubai, and 21st in the Arab Region according to the QS Arab Region Rankings 2025.

Our expanded City Walk campus hosts state-of-the-art amenities with a focus on entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity. Combining all the essential elements of technology, the avant-garde campus brings a new experience to students, featuring: laboratories, research facilities, media studios, high-tech classrooms, a multipurpose theatre, gymnasium, student centre, dining and entertainment options, and more.

With one of the world’s fastest growing populations, Dubai offers a diverse, multicultural environment with outstanding lifestyle and employment opportunities. For detailed information about the University, please visit www.cud.ac.ae

ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION & CREATIVE INDUSTRIES

The School offers research led, practice based programmes across two departments: Communication and Media, and Creative Industries. Taught by international academics, our curricula integrate creative study with technology, business and contemporary research to develop strong professional skills.

We use outcomes based teaching with an Invention Focused Curriculum, encouraging every student to create, test and apply new ideas through authentic projects. Learning is supported by modern facilities, real briefs, and portfolio development that aligns with employer needs.

Collaboration sits at the core, bringing together students, staff and industry practitioners from the arts, science and business. Our global education and corporate partnerships provide placements, networking and progression opportunities.

Students graduate with practical experience, evidence of innovation, and the confidence to compete in a dynamic job market.