Assistant Professor, Game and Emergent Technology

Wilkes University invites applicants for a full-time Assistant Professor position specializing in Game and Emergent Technology in the Department of Integrative Media, Art + Design, starting August 2023. The department offers both BA and BFA degrees. Our curriculum blends visual design and technology with the choice of one or more minors in correlating fields: Studio Art, Communication, Computer Science, English, Business, Marketing, Theatre: Acting/Directing, Theatre: Design and Game & Emergent Technology.

The successful candidate will demonstrate expertise in game and interaction design, along with emergent media with skills in one or more of the following media: game design, web development, UX/UI, mobile app design/prototype, creative coding, 3D modeling and animation, or augmented and virtual reality. The ability to teach the production pipeline from concept through completion is necessary. Technical proficiency in and the ability to teach a wide range of software are required. Our studio is equipped with the Adobe Creative Suite, industry-standard 3D toolsets [Cinema 4D, Maya], and Unity/Unreal game engines as well as other specialized software.

To be considered for a tenure-track appointment, applicants must possess a terminal degree (M.F.A., Ph.D. or equivalent) at time of hire in: gaming, animation, computer science, or a digital design-related field. College-level teaching experience is highly desirable. Industry experience is a plus. Please note that candidates with extensive industry experience but without a terminal degree may apply, but could be offered a full-time, non-tenure track appointment as a Faculty of Practice.

The department seeks a team player with the flexibility to teach multiple topic areas in a small, academically diverse, close-knit environment. The department has a strong mentoring philosophy and is open to cross-departmental collaboration and community and service-learning opportunities.

The successful candidate will be expected to support departmental activities including: advising, recruiting, planning, attending meetings and events, and curriculum development. The normal teaching load is 21 credit hours per 9 month academic year. Scholarship; university, department and community service; and mentorship of students are also expected.

Application should include:

1. A cover letter explaining your qualifications for, and interest in, the position.
2. A curriculum vitae.
3. Contact information for three professional references (reference letters may be requested at a later date)
4. A statement of teaching philosophy
5. A link to or pdf of student work examples and
6. A link to or pdf portfolio of personal scholarship.
7. Follow up materials may be requested, such as: summary of course evaluations and graduate transcripts.

Wilkes University is an independent, comprehensive university dedicated to academic excellence in the liberal arts, sciences, and selected professional programs. The University has approximately 2,350 students at the undergraduate level and over 1,350 full time equivalent students at the graduate and first professional levels. Its institutional focus is on developing strong mentoring relationships with each of its students and contributing vitally to economic development of Northeastern Pennsylvania. The University is located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, a revitalized city that is located on the lovely Susquehanna River and is within two and one-half hours driving distance of New York City and Philadelphia.

To apply, visit https://wilkesuniversitycareers.applicantpro.com/jobs/. Please be sure to include the appropriate documents as previously described. Position specific questions may be directed to: Eric Ruggiero, Chair of Integrative Media, Art, + Design. eric.ruggiero@wilkes.edu. Review of applications will start November 1st, 2022, and will continue until the position is filled.

Wilkes University is constantly seeking to become a more diverse community and to enhance its capacity to value and capitalize on the cultural richness that diversity brings. The University strongly encourages applications from persons with diverse backgrounds. Wilkes University does not discriminate in its employment practices or in its educational programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, sex/gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital or family status, military or veteran status, or genetic information.