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Position Information

**Proposed Faculty Rank** Assistant Professor

**Department** 01508 - Games

**City** Salt Lake City, UT

**Track** Tenure Track

**New Position to Begin** 7/1/2026

Details

The Division of Games at the University of Utah invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Games to begin in Fall 2026. We seek a scholar whose primary area of expertise is game analytics: the study and application of computational methods to understand, model, and enhance games and player experiences. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to develop analytic frameworks, methods, or tools that advance game science and enhance game development practice. Potential subareas include, but are not limited to: game data mining, player modeling, user experience design in games, adaptive and personalized gameplay, player engagement, predictive modeling of player behavior, and applications of machine learning and AI to game data. We especially welcome applicants who can connect these areas to other core technical domains of games research and practice, and who are eager to collaborate through those connections.

Hires will be part of the PRESS PLAY Initiative (**https://games.utah.edu/pressplay/**), a significant, multi-year commitment for faculty growth in the Division of Games that seeks to build the division into a world-leader in both games research and teaching. The successful candidate will join a collegial and supportive community dedicated to advancing both research and pedagogy in games who are excited to help define the division’s research enterprise. They will share our vision of the power that games hold to transform players, groups, and society.

Applicants should hold a terminal degree in a games-related technical field (e.g., Ph.D. in Computer Science, Informatics, computationally focused social sciences, Computational Media) by the time of appointment. Commensurate with their level of experience, candidates should demonstrate an excellent record of research publications, a strong potential for securing competitive external funding, a compelling high-impact vision, and a commitment to excellence in teaching and mentoring students.

Successful candidates are expected to develop and sustain a robust program of research supported by external funding. They should demonstrate the ability to produce high-quality scholarship while fostering interdisciplinary collaborations. Candidates will also be expected to contribute to university and professional service.

About the Division of Games at the University of Utah:

The Division of Games at the University of Utah is one of the world’s leading academic programs in games, ranked #1 among public institutions for three years in a row. Now in its fifteenth year, the Division spans technical, artistic, design, and analytic domains, advancing both the creation and the study of games as a transformative medium. The Division is in the second year of a five-year growth period through the PRESS PLAY Initiative, a major investment in new faculty lines, funding, and facilities that expands opportunities for cutting-edge research, teaching, and collaboration.

The University of Utah is a Carnegie Research I institution located in Salt Lake City, nestled in the breathtaking foothills of the Wasatch Mountains. With thriving arts and culinary scenes, and an exploding high technology sector, Salt Lake City offers a unique mix of urban life juxtaposed with access to remarkable national parks, ski resorts, hiking and climbing, and more, just minutes away from campus.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Information

All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action ( OEO /AA). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at:

https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/

Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu

Notice

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

https://safety.utah.edu/safetyreport This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.

Special Instructions for Candidates

All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Review of applications will begin immediately. Priority will be given to candidates who submit their materials by December 1, 2025. We anticipate finalist interviews will take place before February, though dates are subject to change.

Application Instructions

To apply, candidates must submit the following materials:

+ Current CV

+ Cover Letter: Clearly state your interest in the position, identify the specific area(s) of expertise for which you wish to be considered, and explain how your experience and professional goals align with the Division’s needs.

+ a teaching statement that articulates your philosophy of teaching and learning, describes prior teaching and mentoring experience, and outlines how you would contribute to our undergraduate and graduate curricula.

+ A research statement that provides a focused discussion of your research experience and future plans, including your strategies for funding, scholarly impact, and advancing knowledge in games.

+ Contact Information for three references.

Each of these materials must explicitly demonstrate how your qualifications meet the requirements for a successful candidate as outlined in this position description. Applicants should take care to directly connect their experience, expertise, and future plans to the stated expectations of the role.

**Open Date** 11/01/2025

Close Date

**Open Until Filled** Yes

**Requisition Number** PRN01435CF

**Type** Faculty