Working/Functional Title

Professor of Practice

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 maker 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 games and XR/AR/VR. We welcome applications with relevant experience from disciplines such as interactive and immersive media, computer science, simulation, 3D graphics, and animation. Expected start date is August 16, 2023.

Candidates will have the opportunity to contribute to the broad range of undergraduate and graduate courses in areas such as AR/VR, game development, game programming, and game design, serious games, as well as design courses of their own that may become part of the core curriculum. Moreover, the successful candidate is expected to contribute to our vibrant departmental community. While not required of the position, Professors of Practice in M&I are supported and encouraged to work on creative projects and funded research.

Games have always been made by and embodied the experiences of many types of people, but the broader gaming community has not always welcomed all types of people. We seek to reflect and cultivate diversity and community in our faculty. We particularly value applicants with experiences and backgrounds in developing games for diverse and underserved communities. An advanced degree, such as a MA, MS, MFA or Ph.D., is desirable but not required. We welcome applications from individuals from a broad range of disciplinary and methodological traditions who thrive in a vibrant academic environment. 

Our undergraduate Game Design and Development program at MSU was ranked #1 among public universities (#6 overall) and the graduate program was rated #12 by Princeton Review in 2022 and #9 by US News & World Report. M&I is part of a communication program ranked #3 in the world in the Shanghai Ranking, and #9 in Communication & Media Studies in the QS World University Rankings (see department statement below.)

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

Other -equivalent combination - see below

Minimum Requirements

A bachelor’s degree or master’s degree; however equivalent education and professional experience will be considered.

This is an open rank posting and the selected individual will be hired at the title that aligns with their degree and experience qualifications. Equivalency will be based on the below criteria:

• Candidates with an MFA or PhD would be hired as Assistant Professor
• Those with a master’s degree will be qualified for the Academic Specialist- Teacher title.
• Candidates with a bachelor's degree would be hired as an Assistant Instructor
• Candidates with no degree would be hired as a Lecturer

4+ years of applicable experience

Desired Qualifications

We particularly value applicants with experiences and backgrounds in developing games for diverse and underserved communities.

A master’s degree or an advanced degree, such as a MFA or Ph.D., is desirable but not required.

We welcome applications from individuals from a broad range of disciplinary and methodological traditions who thrive in a vibrant academic environment.

Required Application Materials

To apply, please visit the Michigan State University Employment Opportunities website (careers.msu.edu), refer to Posting #833463, and complete an electronic submission.

Applicants should submit the following materials electronically:

(1) a cover letter summarizing your game design experience and teaching qualifications,

(2) a diversity statement describing your commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in your research, teaching, and service,

(3) a curriculum vitae (CV) and/or portfolio, and

(4) the names and contact information for three qualified individuals willing to serve as your recommenders to the search committee if letters are requested.

Together-we-will Statement

Special Instructions

This is an open rank posting and the selected individual will be hired at the title that aligns with their degree and experience qualifications. Equivalency will be based on the below criteria:

• Candidates with an MFA or PhD would be hired as Assistant Professor
• Those with a master’s degree will be qualified for the Academic Specialist- Teacher title.
• Candidates with a bachelor's degree would be hired as an Assistant Instructor
• Candidates with no degree would be hired as a Lecturer

Review of applications begins on December 16, 2022 and will continue until the position is filled. We plan to begin campus interviews in mid-February.

Please direct any questions to Brian Winn, Search Committee Chair, Department of Media and Information at Michigan State University, at winnb@msu.edu. 

Review of Applications Begins On

12/16/2022

Department Statement

The M&I faculty, including tenure-stream, professors of practice, and fixed-term faculty, come from a range of disciplines, including communication, information science, media, human-computer interaction, management, psychology, sociology, economics, science and technology studies, and design to complement and create a unique intellectual energy. Our faculty advance theory and research, build human-centered technology, design traditional and interactive games and media experiences, work with policy makers, and pursue new forms of scholarship. Our department is a member of the iSchools consortium and has a top ranked program in communication, and game design and development.

The Department is housed in MSU’s world-renowned College of Communication Arts and Sciences at Michigan State University. Established in 1955, as the first of its kind in the country, “ComArtSci” is now one of the largest and most respected colleges of Communication in the world. The College of Communication Arts and Sciences combines a research-intensive faculty with a strong professional mission to prepare students for rewarding careers and to influence the professional practice of communication globally. 

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are integral to our practice as communicators, storytellers, and innovators. We believe it is our responsibility to foster an open and welcoming environment that aspires to attract, recruit, and sustain diverse students, faculty, and staff. Diversity is among the main drivers of institutional excellence, and we are proud to embrace and promote broad communities of knowledge, backgrounds, and experiences. Our efforts to advance DEI are guided by a shared vision grounded in a culture of caring, belonging, transparency, and accountability. In alignment with the University’s DEI plan, we commit to actively challenge, disrupt, and dismantle systems that reinforce and/or maintain historical and contemporary social inequalities and inequities. We are dedicated to ongoing dialogue to strengthen our commitment to social justice, advocacy, and activism. We strive to be DEI thought leaders who inspire, influence, and cultivate progress in our College and throughout the MSU community.

MSU is one of the nation’s largest and greenest campuses and is in East Lansing, a college town just three miles from Michigan’s capital, Lansing.  Michigan, the Great Lakes State, offers countless things to do, see and experience — from art galleries, concerts and restaurants to gardens, parks, and trails.  You needn’t venture far to discover sandy beaches or metropolitan life. 

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.

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About Michigan State University

Spartans work every day to advance the common good in uncommon ways.Together, we tackle some of the world?s toughest problems to find solutions that make life better?from alternative energy to better food safety to breakthrough medical and environmental applications achieved through rare isotope research.We teach. We explore and we discover. We collaborate and lead. We innovate, inspire, and empower. We achieve our potential and create circumstances that help our students and others achieve theirs.We're good at it, and we've been at it for more than 150 years.The nation?s pioneer land-grant university, MSU began as a bold experiment that democratized higher education and helped bring science and innovation into everyday life. The revolutionary concept became a model for the nation.Today, MSU is one of the top research universities in the world?on one of the biggest, greenest campuses in the nation. Home to nationally ranked and recognized academic, residential college, and service-learning programs, we?re a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, scientists and leaders.In ways both practical and profound, we work to create a stronger, more sustainable, and more hopeful future for all.

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