Assistant/Associate Professor- Game Design and Development
School of Fine Arts, Digital Media & Design Program
University of Connecticut
The University of Connecticut School of Fine Arts Digital Media and Design Program invites applications for a full-time nine-month, tenured or tenure-track faculty position at the level of Assistant or Associate Professor in the area of Game Design and Development. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate-level classes within the context of a new BFA/MFA digital games program, in addition to supporting faculty collaborations in game design and implementation through the Digital Media Center (http://dmc.uconn.edu/).The position begins 8/26/2013.
The successful candidate will have working knowledge of the underlying academic disciplines and professional practices involved in game design, including graphic design and animation, artificial intelligence, theater, narrative development, human cognition, computer programming, and human-computer interaction. This candidate will develop and deliver core courses in game studies and game design. These courses may include “History and Culture of Games,†“Introduction to Game Design,†“Advanced Game Design and Mechanics,†and “Narrative Design.†The candidate will participate in building collaborations across the disciplines intersecting with game studies, including the fields within the humanities and social sciences; art; design; education; engineering; and business. Excellent communication skills and a collaborative predisposition are essential.
More after the jump
Minimum Qualifications
The following are the minimum qualifications for a successful candidate:
· BFA, BS, BA, or equivalent foreign degrees are acceptable.
· Significant professional game creation experience;
· Demonstrated expertise in developing engaging and dynamic digital games;
· Familiarity with major game engines, game programming languages, and game platforms;
· Familiarity with a range of game genres including single and multi-player, role playing, simulation, and alternate or mixed-reality games;
· Knowledge of the complete process of game creation and implementation, including character development, game narrative structures, and associated game mechanics;
· An understanding of the game project management process;
· Familiarity with supporting graphics and animation software applications;
· A strong portfolio demonstrating ideation, design, final project implementation in the field of digital games.
Preferred Qualifications
· MFA or Ph.D. degree;
· Experience working on published commercial games, especially AAA titles,
· Production experience in one or more major game engines such as: Unreal, CryEngine, Unity, or Source;
· Experience in developing games in an academic setting;
· Strong ability in at least one or more programming language: JavaScript, C++, C#, Python, PHP, Actionscript, or other language commonly used in game implementation;
· Experience with major middleware, Game Engines, and asset management software.
· Experience with game development processes including 3D and 2D workflow, play testing, and post-mortem project evaluation techniques;
· AI experience with a full understanding of the core concepts;
· Game modification experience;
· Experience creating a complete Game Design Document;
· Experience with Serious Games as well as Entertainment Games;
· iOS publishing experience;
· The ability to contribute to the diversity and excellence of the learning experience through innovative research, teaching, and public engagement;
· A record of distinguished teaching and mentoring at the undergraduate/graduate level.
Salary is competitive and based on qualifications and professional experience. The successful candidate’s primary academic appointment will be at the Storrs campus with the possibility of work at UConn’s Stamford campus.
Applications must be submitted to Husky Hire: http://jobs.uconn.edu/cg_interim.html. Provide a cover letter, CV, evidence of teaching effectiveness, and a digital portfolio and/or reel of professional work including unpublished but completed games;. Three letters of recommendation should be sent to: Randall Hoyt, Chair: Game Design and Development Search Committee, Digital Media and Design Program, randall.hoyt@uconn.edu). Review of applications for this position will begin January 7, 2012. The University of Connecticut is an EEO/AA employer.