Assistant Professor of Practice in Game Career Development

Job Description

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Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

The Game Design Program, in the College of Design at Iowa State University (ISU), invites applications for a part time position of Assistant Professor of Practice in the area game career development. This appointment for this position is anticipated to begin August 16, 2026, and the initial length of the appointment will be until Dec. 31, 2026, with possibility of renewal.

Qualified candidates will bring an in-depth knowledge in game design, game implementation, careers in game design, game markets and their specifics, and the knowledge of game industry.

The position includes working with students in game design major leading them through the process of creating a game portfolio, practicing the creation of a personal curriculum vitae, explore ways in which students can prepare for a job interview, explore currently open positions in game industry possibilities for internships, discuss the opportunities and skills needed to be competitive in the game hiring market.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree plus 5 years of relevant industry experience
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated evidence of professional accomplishment in game industry

• Experience in game design and game publishing

• Evidence of successful game team management
  

Department/Program & College Description:

In addition to being classified as a Carnegie Foundation Doctoral/Research University – Extensive, Iowa State is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top public universities in the nation. Over 31,000 students are enrolled and are served by over 6,200 faculty and staff. Committed to its land-grant mission, the University is organized into eight colleges, including the Graduate College. The University provides a broad array of academic degree programs, including more than 100 bachelor degree programs, one Professional degree (the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine offered through the College of Veterinary Medicine), over 100 masters programs, over 80 Ph.D. programs, and over 60 certificate programs. In FY 25, Iowa State secured over $329.9 million in external research funding.

The College of Design brings together nearly 150 faculty members that serve approximately 2100 undergraduate and graduate students in seven fields: architecture, studio arts, industrial design, graphic design, interior design, landscape architecture, and Urban Planning and Development. The collaborative opportunities that emerge from the close interaction of these disciplines are one of the college's greatest advantages. We are dedicated to the broad, interdisciplinary education of design professionals. We are committed to the expanded role of design as an agent of positive change in society and advocate for sustainable practices. The successful candidate is expected to share and advance these values.

Proposed Start Date:

August 16, 2026

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

December 31, 2026

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

09 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Part time

Application Instructions:

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. However, to receive full consideration, applications should be received by March 23, 2026. All interested, qualified persons must apply for this position online at to Job Requisition Number R18605

The following documents are required to be submitted in PDF format:

1) Letter of application

2) Curriculum Vitae

3) Contact information for at least three references, including name, mailing address, email address, phone number, and other pertinent information

Direct questions to Alenka Poplin via email:

Why Choose ISU?

Iowa State Faculty enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
• Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

Original Posting Date:

February 10, 2026

Posting Close Date:

Job Requisition Number:

R18605