Lecturer, Sr. Lecturer, or Professor of Practice (Game Development)

Who we are

Why Rensselaer? Our dynamic global community of changemakers includes some of the world’s leading researchers, students, alumni, and faculty who ask the important questions and devise the scientific and technological innovations that make the world a better place for all of humanity. Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, Rensselaer is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, and one of the world’s fastest supercomputers. 

Rensselaer faculty and alumni include more than 145 National Academy members, six members of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, six National Medal of Technology winners, five National Medal of Science winners, three astronauts, and a Nobel Prize winner in Physics. With nearly 200 years of experience advancing scientific and technological knowledge, Rensselaer remains focused on addressing global challenges with a spirit of ingenuity and collaboration. To learn more, please visit www.rpi.edu.

The Program in Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences (GSAS) is a nationally recognized interdisciplinary program with concentrations in computer science, cognitive science, art and animation, music and game audio, management, and game writing and narrative design. GSAS offers a B.S. in Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences and the M.S. and Ph.D. in Critical Game Design. As a New York State Center of Excellence, GSAS serves as a hub for game development in the Capital Region, including AAA, indie games, serious games, virtual and augmented reality, and other emerging forms of interactive, experiential media. To learn more, please visit https://hass.rpi.edu/games-and-simulation-arts-and-sciences.

Are you ready to change the world? Apply now!

Job Summary

The Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences Program at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute invites applications for a faculty position in Game Development to begin Fall 2024, to teach courses in game design, development, and production. Appointment will be at the rank of Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, or Professor of Practice, with a multi-year, renewable contract.

The successful candidate will teach core courses such as Game Development I, Game Development II, and GSAS Capstone, as well as courses supporting one or more concentrations in the major. Teaching-track faculty contribute to curriculum development, student advising, recruitment, and other service. Furthermore, they will work with graduate students as appropriate to their credentials and expertise.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must possess an MFA, PhD, or foreign equivalent in Game Design, Digital Media, Computer Science, or a closely related field.

Evidence of effective teaching, and the ability to demonstrate, through accomplishment, promise of academic, scholarly and/or research achievement.  They will demonstrate proficiency in one or more game engines, along with a robust background in project management and production processes within the gaming industry. Additionally, candidates must exhibit a commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive learning environment.

For appointment at the rank of Senior Lecturer, candidates must also have attained a significant level of scholarly activity, research output, or individual creative practice. A Professor of Practice has obtained unique professional experience, has distinguished research, and/or has performed at an executive or officer level, and has made a significant impact within the field of games. A Professor of Practice is expected to have substantial leadership experience of at least (10-15 years) and generally a national or international reputation for excellence in their field of expertise. 

Relevant combinations of education, training and experience may be considered.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Qualified candidates at any rank will have demonstrated expertise in game development including expertise in one or more area of games such as design, programming, art, audio, production, or narrative; and substantive teaching experience and/or experience as a professional at a Senior or higher level.

Shift

Business Hours with weekends or evenings occasionally required.

Travel

Driving

No Driving

Starting Salary/Rate

Expected hiring range: 

• Lecturer: $55,500 - $65,000 


• Sr. Lecturer: $65,500 - $75,000 


• Professor of Practice: $75,000-$96,000

Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

Application instructions

Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile with contact information for three (3) references. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter., a statement of teaching that includes evidence of effective teaching, a diversity statement, and a statement of research interests.

If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Prior Applicants are welcome!

Rensselaer is committed to providing a safe and healthy living, learning, and working environment for its faculty, staff and students.  As such, we strongly recommend that faculty, staff and students obtain a COVID-19 vaccination and remain current with available boosters to protect themselves, as well as to protect vulnerable members of the community.

Total Compensation and Benefits Information

Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Rensselaer is recognized locally and nationally for the depth and breadth of its compensation and benefits program. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).

We welcome candidates who will bring diverse cultural, ethnic, national and international perspectives to Rensselaer’s work and campus communities.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity, Race/Gender/Veterans/Disability Employer.