Assistant Professor of Practice in Technical Game Design

University of Texas at Austin   Austin, TX   Full-time     Education
Posted on April 17, 2024
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Assistant Professor of Practice in Technical Game Design


College/School/Unit: College of Fine Arts
Department: School of Design and Creative Technologies
Posted: Nov 6, 2023
Apply By: Open until filled

Description

The Department of Arts and Entertainment Technologies (AET) at The University of Texas at Austin seeks a faculty colleague with a focus in Technical Game Design. This is a non-tenure track position at rank of Assistant Professor of Practice. Salary commensurate with experience. Position requires relocation to Austin, TX.

AET offers a unique opportunity for design and tech enthusiasts to expand their knowledge while embracing the vibrant spirit of Austin. Join our community of creators, leaders, and educators who redefine and enhance the future of creative technologies and human experiences.

Responsibilities of this position may include:
  • Developing and teaching introductory, intermediate, and advanced undergraduate courses, including one or more game prototyping, game systems design, game scripting, physical game design, procedural content for games, game modding, and game development topics courses in the candidate's areas of expertise.
  • Developing course content that prepares students for careers, integrates with the various disciplines practiced in AET and SDCT, cultivates clear student outcomes, and promotes a positive experience for all students.
  • Collaborating with faculty members across campus on interdisciplinary projects.
  • Collaborating with the community/industry to connect students with career opportunities.
  • Supporting and advising students on senior projects, independent studies, honors coursework, student showcase, and other culminating activities.
  • Teaching interdisciplinary team-taught courses which enroll students from multiple specializations and/or university departments.
  • Teaching courses in various formats, including face-to-face, hybrid, or online, with small and large enrollments.
  • Applying varied instructional methods to successfully teach different kinds of learners with varied abilities and different backgrounds.

Qualifications

To be considered for this position, candidates must hold a terminal degree in their field by date of hire, though exceptional professional experience or creative achievement without a terminal degree may be considered.

Qualified candidates must also demonstrate expertise in:
  • Developing, directing, and iterating on game systems using rapid prototyping techniques and industry standard game design principles and processes.
  • Technical underpinnings of common game systems including data management, production code, and performance optimization.
  • Software engineering concepts, computer programming, and scripting for games (OOP, CPP, C SHARP, Blueprint, etc.).
  • Comprehensive experience with common real-time 3D engines such as Unity, Unreal, or similar.
  • Developing and publishing games for PC, mobile, VR, XR, or other platforms.
  • Developing coursework and/or teaching materials in a professional or higher educational context, including publishing tutorials, creating technical or design documentation, or oversight of learning resources.
  • Serving as a team lead or mentor in professional or instructional contexts.

Candidates with any of the following skills will be given special consideration:
  • Developing games within a larger team in a professional context.
  • Experience with technical art workflows such as automation, shader coding, and production pipelines.
  • Experience applying game design within non-gaming domains such as automotive, architecture, medical, marketing, or other contexts.
  • Experience applying game design methods to research challenges in an academic setting.

Application Instructions

To apply for the position, please submit the following to Interfolio at https://apply.interfolio.com/136095
  • A letter of interest describing your qualifications for this position, most significant professional/creative work, and accomplishments as an instructor.
  • A curriculum vitae (CV) or professional resume.
  • A link to or pdf of a portfolio of recent game design or relevant professional work.
  • Contact information for three references (letters will be requested only for finalists).

Applications received by January 31, 2024 will be assured a full review. Applications received after that date will be reviewed as needed until the position is filled.

Questions about the application process and Interfolio may be directed to SDCT Executive Assistant Cameron Weed at cweed@austin.utexas.edu; questions about the positions themselves may be directed to search committee chair Assistant Professor of Practice Jessie Contour at jessiecontour@utexas.edu.

If you are excited about the possibilities of working in the Department of Arts and Entertainment Technologies, but don't fit this particular job description, please see our open call for faculty at https://apply.interfolio.com/130946.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.


To apply, visit https://faculty.utexas.edu/career/128001



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University of Texas at Austin

Austin , TX