University of Central Florida
Assistant Professor, Games and Interactive Media
University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, us, 32885
Overview
The Nicholson School of Communication and Media (NSCM) in the College of Sciences (COS) at the University of Central Florida (UCF) invites applications for an assistant professor in Games and Interactive Media (GaIM), anticipated to begin in August 2026. This 9-month, tenure-track position contributes to the GaIM program through teaching graduate and/or undergraduate courses, conducting research/creative work, providing service related to games and interactive media, and participating in NSCM and university service. The successful candidate may teach in different modalities, including face-to-face and online, and should demonstrate creativity in immersive technologies and a desire to mentor students. We seek a highly collaborative individual to develop partnerships across the university, including FIEA, Modeling and Simulation, and other UCF Space U programs.
The candidate will also contribute to student advising (academic and career) and participate in the school’s academic life, including faculty meetings, graduations, and assessing student learning. External service with appropriate academic bodies and professional organizations may be expected. We value a candidate who can contribute to creating an inclusive academic community that welcomes faculty, staff, and students from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Context
The GaIM program at NSCM is located on UCF’s Downtown campus, near Disney and Universal Studios. The Digital Media graduate program emphasizes studio projects or theses. In 2024, Princeton Review ranked GaIM’s undergraduate program #5 worldwide. UCF facilities include the NSCM/GaIM Maker Space for games and interactive media research, including traditional games, mixed reality, physical computing, and UI/UX research, equipped with high-performance gaming computers, VR gear, and eye-tracking equipment. Our aim is to advance research at the intersection of entertainment, science, and technology to educate the next generation to design, develop, and evaluate immersive media experiences and applications. We value excellence in collaborative game development and creative research beyond traditional entertainment.
UCF’s NSCM provides a student-centered experience at the intersection of technology, media, film, advertising, communications and public relations. The school connects students to internship and career opportunities and offers eight bachelor’s, four master’s, and a Ph.D. in strategic communication. For more information, visit ucf.edu and the GaIM pages.
Minimum Qualifications: A terminal degree in an area closely related to immersive digital media (e.g., computer science, games and interactive media; other related fields such as information science, AI, software engineering, modeling and simulation, AR/VR/XR, or game engine programming) from an accredited institution by the start of employment. Some teaching or training experience (formal or informal) is required. Preferred Qualifications: Expertise in AI, industry-standard game engines, API and plugins development, and programming. Excellent communication and organizational skills and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative educational environment with faculty, students, and administrators. Experience or ability to teach game development and programming courses at undergraduate and graduate levels. Experience or ability to teach in different modalities, including face-to-face and online. Additional Application Materials Required: Applications and supporting documents must be submitted electronically through the UCF Human Resources website. In addition to the online application, upload: A letter of application indicating how you are prepared to join the faculty at UCF. A curriculum vitae (CV) or professional resume highlighting teaching/training and professional experience. Research statement and portfolio (e.g., publications and/or links to games or applications developed). Teaching statement and portfolio if available (e.g., syllabi, sample assignments, and student perceptions surveys). The selected candidate must submit official transcripts and, if applicable, U.S. degree equivalency evaluations to document credentials. Note:
Please have all documents ready when applying so they can be uploaded simultaneously. The online submission system does not allow late document submissions. Questions regarding this search should be directed to Dr. Sercan Sengun, Search Committee Chair, sercan.sengun@ucf.edu. Special Instructions to the Applicants:
N/A Job Close Date:
01/04/2026 Salary and Benefits
Type of Appointment: Regular. Expected Salary: Negotiable. UCF offers benefit packages (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance), paid time off, retirement options, employee discounts, education assistance, a flexible work environment, and more. For details, view the UCF Employee Benefits Guide. UCF reserves the right to disclose application materials and selection procedures as required by law. UCF is smoke-free and an E-Verify employer. If accommodation for a disability is needed to apply, contact the listed office. For general questions, contact talent@ucf.edu.
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The Nicholson School of Communication and Media (NSCM) in the College of Sciences (COS) at the University of Central Florida (UCF) invites applications for an assistant professor in Games and Interactive Media (GaIM), anticipated to begin in August 2026. This 9-month, tenure-track position contributes to the GaIM program through teaching graduate and/or undergraduate courses, conducting research/creative work, providing service related to games and interactive media, and participating in NSCM and university service. The successful candidate may teach in different modalities, including face-to-face and online, and should demonstrate creativity in immersive technologies and a desire to mentor students. We seek a highly collaborative individual to develop partnerships across the university, including FIEA, Modeling and Simulation, and other UCF Space U programs.
The candidate will also contribute to student advising (academic and career) and participate in the school’s academic life, including faculty meetings, graduations, and assessing student learning. External service with appropriate academic bodies and professional organizations may be expected. We value a candidate who can contribute to creating an inclusive academic community that welcomes faculty, staff, and students from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Context
The GaIM program at NSCM is located on UCF’s Downtown campus, near Disney and Universal Studios. The Digital Media graduate program emphasizes studio projects or theses. In 2024, Princeton Review ranked GaIM’s undergraduate program #5 worldwide. UCF facilities include the NSCM/GaIM Maker Space for games and interactive media research, including traditional games, mixed reality, physical computing, and UI/UX research, equipped with high-performance gaming computers, VR gear, and eye-tracking equipment. Our aim is to advance research at the intersection of entertainment, science, and technology to educate the next generation to design, develop, and evaluate immersive media experiences and applications. We value excellence in collaborative game development and creative research beyond traditional entertainment.
UCF’s NSCM provides a student-centered experience at the intersection of technology, media, film, advertising, communications and public relations. The school connects students to internship and career opportunities and offers eight bachelor’s, four master’s, and a Ph.D. in strategic communication. For more information, visit ucf.edu and the GaIM pages.
Minimum Qualifications: A terminal degree in an area closely related to immersive digital media (e.g., computer science, games and interactive media; other related fields such as information science, AI, software engineering, modeling and simulation, AR/VR/XR, or game engine programming) from an accredited institution by the start of employment. Some teaching or training experience (formal or informal) is required. Preferred Qualifications: Expertise in AI, industry-standard game engines, API and plugins development, and programming. Excellent communication and organizational skills and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative educational environment with faculty, students, and administrators. Experience or ability to teach game development and programming courses at undergraduate and graduate levels. Experience or ability to teach in different modalities, including face-to-face and online. Additional Application Materials Required: Applications and supporting documents must be submitted electronically through the UCF Human Resources website. In addition to the online application, upload: A letter of application indicating how you are prepared to join the faculty at UCF. A curriculum vitae (CV) or professional resume highlighting teaching/training and professional experience. Research statement and portfolio (e.g., publications and/or links to games or applications developed). Teaching statement and portfolio if available (e.g., syllabi, sample assignments, and student perceptions surveys). The selected candidate must submit official transcripts and, if applicable, U.S. degree equivalency evaluations to document credentials. Note:
Please have all documents ready when applying so they can be uploaded simultaneously. The online submission system does not allow late document submissions. Questions regarding this search should be directed to Dr. Sercan Sengun, Search Committee Chair, sercan.sengun@ucf.edu. Special Instructions to the Applicants:
N/A Job Close Date:
01/04/2026 Salary and Benefits
Type of Appointment: Regular. Expected Salary: Negotiable. UCF offers benefit packages (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance), paid time off, retirement options, employee discounts, education assistance, a flexible work environment, and more. For details, view the UCF Employee Benefits Guide. UCF reserves the right to disclose application materials and selection procedures as required by law. UCF is smoke-free and an E-Verify employer. If accommodation for a disability is needed to apply, contact the listed office. For general questions, contact talent@ucf.edu.
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