Specialist - Teacher-Fixed Term

Working/Functional Title

Professor of Practice - Games & Interactive Media

Position Summary

The Department of Media and Information (M&I) at Michigan State University (MSU) seeks to hire an in-person, full-time Professor of Practice in Games and Interactive Media at our beautiful and vibrant East Lansing, Michigan campus. We envision an experienced game developer with a compelling portfolio and vision of the contributions creative work can make to this exciting, evolving medium. Ideal candidates would have a background and experience in game programming. We welcome applications with relevant experience from disciplines such as interactive and immersive media, computer science, simulation, and animation. The expected start date is August 15, 2026.

Our undergraduate Game Design and Development program at MSU was ranked No. 1 in the Midwest (No. 3 among public universities) and the graduate program was rated No. 1 in the Midwest (No. 2 among public universities) by Princeton Review in 2025. M&I is part of College of Communication Arts and Sciences, which has a prestigious national and international reputation, reflected in consistent top-tier rankings — including No. 5 in Communication (Shanghai, 2024), No. 16 in Communication and Media Studies (QS, 2025), and No. 9 in Language, Communication and Culture (URAP, 2024) as well as through approximately 200 peer-reviewed publications annually and 34 elected Fellows of the International Communication Association.

This position involves developing and delivering curriculum for undergraduate and/or graduate courses in game programming, covering topics such as game engine architecture, rendering, physics, AI, and networking. There will be an opportunity to contribute to a broad range of undergraduate and graduate courses and develop new ones based on the candidate’s specific expertise. However, expert level experience and proficiency in either C# or C++, along with development experience with either Unity3D or Unreal game engines is a requirement, although experience with both are ideal. Additionally, professional experience making and publishing games or related interactive media products is essential. While not required of the position, Professors of Practice in M&I are supported and encouraged to work on creative projects and funded research. The typical teaching load is 4/3 with opportunities for course reductions based on extramural funding or special assignments.

An advanced degree, such as a MA, MS, MFA or Ph.D., or commensurate experience is required. We welcome applications from individuals from a broad range of disciplinary and methodological traditions who thrive in a vibrant academic environment.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Masters

Minimum Requirements

• An advanced degree, such as a MA, MS, MFA or Ph.D., or commensurate experience is required. We welcome applications from individuals from a broad range of disciplinary and methodological traditions who thrive in a vibrant academic environment.
• Expert level experience and proficiency in either C# or C++, along with development experience with either Unity3D or Unreal game engines is a requirement.
• Professional experience making and publishing games or related interactive media products.

Required Application Materials

1. A cover letter summarizing your game design experience and teaching qualifications
2. A curriculum vitae (CV) and/or portfolio
3. The names and contact information for three qualified individuals willing to serve as your recommenders to the search committee if letters are requested. 

Special Instructions

To apply, please visit the Michigan State University Employment Opportunities website (https://careers.msu.edu), refer to Posting #1076772, and complete an electronic submission. Review of applications will begin on October 1, 2025, and continue until the position is filled. We plan to begin campus interviews in mid-January. Please direct any questions to Brian Winn, Search Committee Chair, Department of Media and Information at Michigan State University, at <winnb@msu.edu>

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As an institution of higher learning, Michigan State University is committed to providing a safe environment for its students, faculty, and staff in support of its educational mission. With this commitment, the University conducts criminal background checks and professional misconduct reviews of all applicants for employment in faculty, academic staff, and executive management searches.

Professional Misconduct R