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Tenure-Track Faculty Position in Game and Virtual Environment Design

Concordia University’s Department of Design and Computation Arts invites applications for one tenure-track position in Game and Virtual Environment Design for July 1, 2012.   The deadline for applications is November 1st – read below the break for more details

The Department of Design and Computation Arts offers programs that examine the broad vision and culture of design within contemporary society. We have five degree programs: a BFA in Design; a BFA Specialization in Computation Arts; a BSc or BFA Major in Computation Arts (integrated major with Computer Science); a BFA Minor in Computation Arts; and a Graduate Certificate, Digital Technologies in Design Art Practice. We are currently in the process of obtaining approval for an MDes program.

The Computation Arts programs provide students with a rich foundation in creative work at the intersection of design, art and technology. The program guides students in developing digital media work that is aesthetically engaging, conceptually provocative, and technically innovative. Our approach to teaching emphasizes an awareness of the cultural and political implications of a society that is increasingly wired and networked together. The core curriculum incorporates conceptual and technical aspects of dynamic image, sound and space. Teaching emphasizes non-traditional digital applications while also developing awareness of the cultural and political implications of new technologies. Areas of interest in the program include interaction design, physical computing, video, 3D animation, experimental sound, real time performance, games and immersive environments. In the Major program students take an equal number of courses between Computation Arts and Computer Science. In the Specialization program students concentrate on their Computation Arts courses and Fine Arts electives.

The successful candidate will normally be expected to teach game design as well as digital media production and theory courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels. In addition to teaching, the candidate will be expected to develop a national/international profile in collaborative and cross-disciplinary research/creation on game and virtual environment design while leveraging opportunities to coordinate with other departments and Faculties within the university with an interest in the domain. Such collaborations would include participation in the Technoculture, Art and Games (TAG) and the Hexagram Research Centres, as well as developing partnerships with Montreal’s vibrant game industry. This position will also lead cross-departmental research and teaching initiatives within the Faculty of Fine Arts, including with the Studio Arts and Cinema departments. The candidate will also be expected to participate in administration across Design and Computation Arts, including curriculum development, student advising and recruitment, organization of special events, committee participation, and program and department direction.

Preferred candidates will have an active research/creation practice in the domain of games and/or virtual environments that encompasses creative, conceptual, technological and historical issues implicated in the past evolution and future trajectories of the domain. Areas of research, creation and teaching can include: interactive narrative, virtual environment design, game design, serious and alternative games, game studies, interaction design, interactive media and/or animation as well as an understanding of digital game creation as practiced in industry and in the ‘garage’. Candidates with substantial experience in industrial or independent game production are highly encouraged to apply.

Applicants should have an MFA, MA, MSc, PhD or equivalent; teaching experience and research/studio design practice at the university level; a strong emerging profile or an established design practice and research profile; industry experience in game production; and administrative experience and committee work at the university level. Although classes are taught in English, fluency in French would be considered an asset.

Subject to budgetary approval, we anticipate filling this position, normally at the rank of Assistant Professor, for July 1, 2012. Appointments at a more senior level may also be considered.  Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. Concordia University is committed to employment equity.