Instructor or Lecturer, Technical Art, Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy

The Opportunity

The Nicholson School of Communication and Media (NSCM) and the Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA) graduate program (M.S. Interactive Entertainment) in the College of Sciences at the University of Central Florida (UCF) is seeking a highly motivated and exceptionally qualified faculty member to support the inter-disciplinary team-based graduate curriculum in Interactive Entertainment. The FIEA program is ranked as one of the top graduate game design programs by The Princeton Review. The successful candidate will be appointed as a twelve-month, non-tenure earning instructor or lecturer in the FIEA graduate program. The anticipated start date is August 8, 2026.

The successful candidate will contribute to the mission of NSCM through teaching courses at the graduate level in FIEA and the undergraduate level in the Games and Interactive Media (GaIM) program, which is also housed in NSCM.

The instructional assignments are expected to be in-person at the FIEA professional-rate graduate level. Virtual technologies may be utilized for team and one-on-one instruction within the program and various modes may be applied in any undergraduate assignment. The instructional duties and service assignments at the FIEA professional-rate graduate program level will be consistent with the current equitable workload policy; expected overall contact hours are approximately 20, including classroom instruction and individual student supervision. This may also include faculty advisor roles for the team-based curriculum assigned.

Direction and related duties may include recruitment and professional, instructional and community service in the game and simulation industries.

The UCF Nicholson School of Communication and Media (NSCM) provides a student-centered experience at the exciting intersection of technology, media, film, advertising, communications and public relations. Our faculty and staff bring an impressive background of experience—from developing health communication to producing Super Bowl commercials—and connect our students to internship and career opportunities. As the premier academic program for communications and media in Central Florida with successful alumni around the globe, NSCM is known for excellence in research, teaching, and service to students and the community. The curriculum blends both the theoretical and applied aspects of the field offering eight bachelor’s degree programs, four master’s degree programs, and a Ph.D. program in strategic communication. For more information about the school and the Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA), visit https://fiea.ucf.edu.

The UCF College of Sciences (COS) is the largest college at the university and a powerhouse for the regional and national STEM workforce, spanning the natural, computational, physical, and social sciences and housing centers, institutes and initiatives that serve as hubs for research and innovation. Through sharing and applying knowledge, COS is cultivating pathways for students to solve our world’s most pressing and complex problems. With a mission to provide a world-class education in an

environment where faculty, staff, and students thrive, research flourishes, and our community prospers, a number of COS academic programs are among those nationally ranked by U.S. News and World Report, Princeton Review, and others.

For more information, please visit https://sciences.ucf.edu.

Minimum Qualifications:

• The successful candidate must hold a terminal degree (for lecturer) from an accredited institution in digital arts, interactive technologies, or related field; a master’s degree (for instructor) from an accredited institution in digital arts, interactive technologies, or related field and at least five years of relevant professional experience; or a bachelor’s degree (for instructor) from an accredited institution in digital arts, interactive technologies, or related field and at least ten years of relevant professional experience.

• The successful candidate will have appropriate specialization in a majority of the following areas: : C/C++, Python Language, C# Programming Languages, Vector Algebra, Game Physics, Shaders, VFX/Niagra, VFX/Houdini, Game Art Asset Pipeline, Lighting, Block Design/Whitebox, Blueprints Visual Scripting, 3D Digital Art Tool Maya.

• The successful candidate must have evidence of effective teaching and/or mentoring.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Preference will be given to the candidate who also demonstrates knowledge and experience in the Unreal game engine.

• Additional preference may be given to candidates who can demonstrate specialization in each of the following areas: : C/C++, Python, C# Programming Languages, Vector Algebra, Game Physics, Shaders, VFX/Niagra, VFX/Houdini, Game Art Asset Pipeline, Lighting, Block Design/Whitebox, Blueprints Visual Scripting, 3D Digital Art Tool Maya

• Preference will also be given to candidates who can demonstrate the ability to support the Executive Director and program as an Industry Relations liaison within the game and simulation industries.

Additional Application Materials Required:

UCF requires all applications and supporting documents be submitted electronically through the Human Resources employment opportunities website, https://www.ucf.edu/jobs/. In addition to the online application, interested candidates should upload the following:

• A curriculum vitae.

• A letter of interest describing qualifications for the position, such as professional and teaching experience/interest.

• A teaching statement of no more than 300 words that addresses the ability to teach in a team-based curriculum.

NOTE: Please have all documents ready when applying so they can be attached at that time. Once the online submission process is finalized, the system does not allow applicants to submit additional documents later.

The selected candidate will be required to submit official transcripts (and, as applicable, U.S. degree equivalency evaluations) documenting the conferral of their qualifying academic credentials.

Questions regarding this search should be directed to: Richard Grula, Search Committee Chair at Richard.grula@ucf.edu.

Special Instructions to the Applicants:

Sponsorship for employment-based visas will only be considered under exceptional circumstances and is not guaranteed. Preference will be given to candidates who are currently authorized to work for any employer in the United States.

Job Close Date:

January 24, 2026

Are you ready to unleash YOUR potential?

As a next-generation public research university and Forbes-ranked top employer in Florida, we are a community of thinkers, doers, creators, innovators, healers, and leaders striving to create broader prosperity and help shape a better future. No matter what your role is, when you join Knight Nation, you’ll play an integral role at one of the most impactful universities in the country. You’ll be met with opportunities to connect and collaborate with talented faculty, staff, and students across 13 colleges and multiple campuses, engaging in impactful work that makes a positive difference. Your time at UCF will provide you with many meaningful opportunities to grow, you’ll work alongside talented colleagues on complex projects that will challenge you and help you gain new skills and you’ll have countless rewarding experiences that go well beyond a paycheck.

Working at UCF has its perks! UCF offers:

• Benefit packages, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending, and Employee Assistance Program.

• Paid time off, including annual (12-month faculty) and sick time off and paid holidays.

• Retirement savings options.

• Employee discounts, including tickets to many Orlando attractions.

• Education assistance.

• Flexible work environment.

• And more…For more benefits information, view the UCF Employee Benefits Guide click here.

Unless explicitly stated on the job posting, it is UCF’s expectation that an employee of UCF will reside in Florida as of the date the employment begins.

Additional Requirements related to Research Positions:

Pursuant to Florida State Statute 1010.35, prior to offering employment to certain individuals in research-related positions, UCF is required to conduct additional screening. Applicants subject to additional screening include any citizen of a foreign country who is not a permanent resident of the U.S., or who is a citizen or permanent resident but is affiliated with or has had at least 1 year of education, employment, or training in China, Cuba, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Syria, or Venezuela.

The additional screening requirements only apply to research-related positions, including, but not limited to faculty, graduate positions, individuals compensated by research grants or contract funds, post-doctoral positions, undergraduate positions, visiting assistant professors, and visiting research associates.

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As a Florida public university, the University of Central Florida makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request.  

UCF is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer. 

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 407-823-1336 or email onac@ucf.edu.

For general application or posting questions, please email talent@ucf.edu.