Instructor or Assistant Professor of Game Design

Department: Col of Visual and Performing Arts

Classification: 9-month Instructional Faculty

Job Category: Instructional Faculty

Job Type: Full-Time

Location: Fairfax, VA

Telework Friendly: On Site Required

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

The Computer Game Design Program, within the College of Visual and Performing Arts, offers courses leading to a BFA in Computer Game Design and Development, and an MA in Computer Game Design.

About the Position:

The role of the Instructor or Assistant Professor of Game Design teaches undergraduate and graduate game design, 3D Modeling, and Animation courses and helps develop this future track in the Computer Game Design Program. Candidates are expected to pursue research (traditional or applied) and/or creative endeavors to contribute significantly to the field.

Responsibilities: 

Key Responsibilities include:

• Teaches a 4-4 load each academic year from an approved curriculum and develops future courses in 3D Modeling and Animation;
• Participates in school recruitment and retention initiatives and activities determined by the Program Director;
• Motivates students to actively participate in all aspects of the educational process;
• Completes professional development and in-service activities in accordance with university standards;
• Maintains expertise in the subject area and recommends improvements in curriculum design;
• When possible, participates in core course academic support programs, student mentoring, and student professional associations; and
• Serves on program, college, and university committees in consultation with the Program Director.

Additional Functions:

• Actively seeks external grants and contracts to support research and creative endeavors; and
• Participates in professional game design and 3D Modeling/Animation-related organizations and conferences.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in a related field;
• Experienced and knowledgeable about all facets of 3D Modeling and Animation for game design and development, including technical, managerial and artistic advances; current research (traditional and applied); and industry developments;
• Extensive knowledge and experience working with and teaching all primary game design, game programming, and management software applications, engines, and tools, as well as related hardware;
• Applicable experience (minimum of five years desired) in the industry; and expertise using current professional game engines, editors, and project management software;
• Knowledge of 3D Modeling and animation software utilized in the industry;
• Knowledge of workflow in multi-platform game production and publication;
• Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills;
• Proven critical thinking, problem-solving, and judgment skills;
• Ability to successfully interact with the industry business and governmental communities;
• Possess an approach that fosters a respectful, nonthreatening workplace environment; and
• Demonstrated commitment and ability to work collaboratively within a complex work environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Terminal degree in game related discipline; and
• Publications of major entertainment or serious games and two years of higher education teaching in the subject matter area.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Instructor or Assistant Professor of Game Design at https://jobs.gmu.edu/; complete and submit the online application; and provide a cover letter, CV, and a list of three professional references with contact information.

Posting Open Date:  January 26, 2024

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  February 23, 2024

Open Until Filled?:  Yes