Michigan State University Seeking Game Studies Assistant/Associate Professor

Working/Functional Title

Assistant/Associate Professor Tenure System

Position Summary

The Department of Media and Information (M&I) at Michigan State University (MSU) seeks to hire a tenure-track faculty member to serve as Director of our Serious Games Certificate (SGC) program while continuing their research, publication, and teaching efforts. We welcome applications from emerging and established scholars at the Assistant or Associate rank who have sufficient relevant experience in Game Studies with terminal degrees from a related discipline, such as anthropology, communication, computer science, design, engineering, history, human-computer interaction, human-machine communication, information science, psychology, science & technology studies, sociology, or socio-technical systems. Scholars who examine socially-relevant topics (e.g., diversity, equity, inclusion, race, class, gender, sexuality, age, education, health, and disability) and their relationship to games are especially encouraged to apply. Expected start date is August 15, 2023.

The SGC is a three-course, transcriptable, graduate certificate that can be completed either in a hybrid (in-classroom/online) or fully online format. The SGC Director is expected to lead the program’s recruitment, teaching, and long-term strategy with the administrative support of the M&I staff and other associated faculty.

Candidates will be expected to continue to gain visibility through peer-reviewed academic publications or a combination of peer-reviewed publications and juried creative works. Candidates are expected to pursue external funding to support their research and/or creative activity. In addition, candidates will teach in our undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as advise graduate students.

We welcome applications from individuals from a diverse range of disciplinary and methodological traditions who thrive in a vibrant academic environment. 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. The undergraduate Game Design and Development program at M&I was rated #6 (#1 among public universities) and the graduate program was rated #12 by Princeton Review in 2022.

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

Doctorate -related discipline

Minimum Requirements

Sufficient relevant experience in Game Studies with terminal degrees from a related discipline, such as anthropology, communication, computer science, design, engineering, history, human-computer interaction, human-machine communication, information science, psychology, science & technology studies, sociology, or socio-technical systems.

Desired Qualifications

Scholars who examine socially-relevant topics (e.g., diversity, equity, inclusion, race, class, gender, sexuality, age, education, health, and disability) and their relationship to games are especially encouraged to apply.

Required Application Materials

(1) a cover letter summarizing your research and teaching qualifications, your experience relevant to the SGC program, and a vision of how you would lead as SGC Director,

(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

(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

To apply, please visit the Michigan State University Employment Opportunities website (https://careers.msu.edu), refer to Posting #816399, and complete an electronic submission. 

Review of applications will begin on November 4, 2022 and continue through January 15th.

Please direct any questions to both Associate Professor Casey O’Donnell and Associate Professor Robindra Ratan, Search Committee Co-Chairs, Department of Media and Information at Michigan State University, at caseyod@msu.edu and rar@msu.edu.

Review of Applications Begins On

11/04/2022

Website

https://comartsci.msu.edu/departments/media-and-information

Department Statement

The M&I 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.  Michigan State is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer and is committed to achieving excellence through diversity, equity, and inclusion.  We actively encourage applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans, and persons with disabilities.   

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.