Art & Design: Games and Playable Media Program Lecturer Pool

Position overview

Position title: Art & Design Games and Playable Media Pre-six Lecturer

Salary range: A reasonable estimate for an appointment to teach a standard five-credit course is $10,912-$12,650 (based on salary points 8-13). Compensation for Summer Session courses may vary from courses taught during the academic year.

Percent time: Variable, based on the course load assigned.

Anticipated start: Appointments are contingent on the hiring unit's instructional need and the availability of funding. This recruitment is valid for initial appointments made in fall quarter 2025 through fall quarter 2026. Initial appointments with effective dates outside of this recruitment period will require an alternative open recruitment.

Position duration: Appointments are typically made during one or more quarters of the regular academic year (fall, winter, and spring quarters), but they may also be made during Summer Session.

Open date: June 16, 2025

Most recent review date: Wednesday, Jul 16, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Tuesday, Jun 16, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

The Performance, Play & Design Department at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications to the Art and Design:
Games and Playable Media Program (AGPM) for an ongoing pool of lecturers who may be appointed to teach during the academic year or Summer Session. We seek applications from outstanding candidates who are practicing artists and distinctive designers, and who have experience teaching game design at the college or university level. We have a preference for candidates with multidisciplinary orientation bridging areas of games and interactive art, which includes digital video games, interactive environment design, alternative physical interfaces, performance-based games, sound design, etc.

In addition, the ideal candidate will demonstrate a broad understanding of the scholarly fields of game design, critical game studies, and the history and aesthetics of play. Possible related areas of research and teaching might include interactive art and installations, performance, and game design as social practice.

We are especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the inclusive excellence of the academic community through their teaching.

Applicants with expertise in any of the following areas are strongly encouraged to apply:
University teaching experience; a notable exhibition record, with professional experience in contemporary practice of game design and playable media, which may include interactive installation and sculpture, digital video, animation, social media, sound art and physical computing, and application development; a working knowledge of standard digital tools and software along with knowledge of current theories and practices in the field.

AGPM Community Values Statement

As a community we are committed to equity, inclusion, social & environmental justice. As an intersectional feminist program we recognize this is a process that must be grounded in shared leadership & radical gentleness.

In our work as students, faculty and staff we embody the values of honesty, kindness and critical thinking while maintaining a nurturing environment with a specific focus on health and wellbeing, critical consciousness and growth.

We are committed to sustaining a program that is pro-LGBTQ+, anti-racist and anti-oppression. This work requires a proactive approach to sustainability and accountability, and ultimately relies on our shared experience and solidarity.

Internal candidates will be given priority consideration.

Art and Design:
Games and Playable Media Program: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

Basic qualifications (required at the time the application is submitted)

M.F.A. or Ph.D. (practice or research based) in a field of study relevant to the advertised position (e.g., game and interactive media design, digital arts, design and applied arts, etc.); or four years of equivalent professional experience in artistic and creative work consisting of national and/or international record of performances, exhibitions, or installations in museums, galleries, festivals, or alternative venues engaging the general public.

Equivalent foreign degrees will be considered.

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter - Letter of application that addresses game design and/or scholarly background.
• Teaching Statement - Teaching statement appropriate for the students that enroll at UC Santa Cruz. Candidates are urged to review the statement guidelines before preparing their application.
• Course Description #1 - Description of a large lecture or studio…