Description
Instructor or Lecturer – Programming
Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA)
The Nicholson School of Communication and Media (NSCM) in the College of Sciences (COS) at the University of Central Florida (UCF) invites applications for a 12-month, non-tenure track instructor or lecturer in the Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA). This position is anticipated to begin in August 2025.
The successful candidate will contribute to the mission of the FIEA M.S. Interactive Entertainment graduate program by teaching low-level game programming and team-based project courses. The candidate may instruct in an undergraduate course in the fall and/or spring semester in programming, technical tools, production or support research or sponsored activities in the game-related or simulation industries. At the graduate level, the instructional assignments are expected to be in-person. Virtual technologies are utilized for team and one-on-one instruction within the program, and various modes may be applied in any undergraduate instructional assignment. In addition to a teaching assignment in accordance with the department’s current equitable workload policy, service responsibilities, are part of the faculty assignment. This includes recruitment, student advising (academic, professional and career), participating in the school's academic life (e.g., attending faculty meetings, serving on school committees), and professional, instructional and community service in the game and simulation industries.
Additionally, we are especially interested in a candidate who can contribute through their teaching and service to the excellence of our academic community and foster an environment in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive.
The FIEA program is ranked as the #1 graduate game design program by The Princeton Review. For more information about the program and school, visit https://fiea.ucf.edu/. NSCM is a student-centered school with a collegial and friendly faculty and staff. We strive to be a premier academic program known for excellence in research, teaching, and service to students and the community. Our students are active in internships and organizations on and off campus, making a significant impact on the local and global community. NSCM currently offers eight baccalaureates, four master’s degree programs, and a Ph.D. program in strategic communication. For more information about the school, visit https://communication.ucf.edu.
The UCF College of Sciences (COS) houses most of the university’s natural, computational, and social sciences in ten departments and schools, and several centers. Seven departments hold national rankings for best graduate programs. The college’s programs play a key role in advancing UCF as a national research university that is determined to help students from all backgrounds achieve success. For more information, visit https://sciences.ucf.edu.
Located in Orlando, Florida, UCF is classified as a Very High Research Activity (R1) university by the Carnegie Foundation. With a diverse student body of more than 70,000 students, UCF is one of the largest universities in the country. The university offers more than 220 degree programs. UCF is at the center of the Florida High Tech Corridor where industries include software, defense, space, simulation and training, and entertainment. Adjacent to UCF is a thriving research park that conducts over $2 billion in funded research. Great weather, easy access to the seashore, one of the largest convention centers in the nation, and one of the world’s best airports are just a few features that make Orlando an ideal location. Learn more about UCF at http://www.ucf.edu/faculty.
Minimum Qualifications:
- A master's degree (for an instructor) or a terminal degree (for a lecturer) from an accredited institution in computer science, interactive technologies or a related field with game industry related and/or instructional Candidates with a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field with more than 5 years of game industry-related and/or instruction experience may be considered.
- Must have some teaching or training experience, formal or informal (e.g., tutoring, teaching, workshops, creating tutorial videos, supervising, mentoring, etc.)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Highly motivated and proficient in programming languages C/C++, C#, demonstrated programming and problem-solving skills, are familiar with network architectures and data structure, and evidence of effective teaching and/or mentoring.
- Demonstrable knowledge and experience in game engines, Unreal Engine, Unity or a proprietary engine or system.
- Experience in interdisciplinary team-based approaches to
- A master's or terminal degree in a related field with more than 5 years of game industry and/or instructional experience.
Additional Application Materials Required:
UCF requires all applications and supporting documents to be submitted electronically through the Human Resources employment opportunities website, https://www.ucf.edu/jobs/. In addition to the online application, interested candidates should upload the following:
- A letter of application outlining how you are prepared to join the faculty at UCF, highlighting teaching experience and other qualification of the position.
- A curriculum vitae or
- A list with contact information (phone and email) for three (3) professional references (please do not submit a letter of recommendation.
Note: Please have all documents ready when applying so they can be simultaneously uploaded. Once the online submission process is finalized, the system does not allow applicants to submit additional documents later.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Questions regarding this search should be directed to Mr. Rich Grula, Senior Instructor, search committee chair, at richard.grula@ucf.edu.