Instructor or Lecturer, Programming, Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA)

The Opportunity

The Nicholson School of Communication and Media (NSCM) in the College of Sciences (COS) at the University of Central Florida (UCF) invites applications for a 12-month, non-tenure track instructor or lecturer in the Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA). This position is anticipated to begin in August 2025.

The successful candidate will contribute to the mission of the FIEA M.S. Interactive Entertainment graduate program by teaching low-level game programming and team-based project courses. The candidate may instruct in an undergraduate course in the fall and/or spring semester in programming, technical tools, production or support research or sponsored activities in the game-related or simulation industries. At the graduate level, the instructional assignments are expected to be in-person. Virtual technologies are utilized for team and one-on-one instruction within the program, and various modes may be applied in any undergraduate instructional assignment. In addition to a teaching assignment in accordance with the department’s current equitable workload policy, service responsibilities, are part of the faculty assignment. This includes recruitment, student advising (academic, professional and career), participating in the school's academic life (e.g., attending faculty meetings, serving on school committees), and professional, instructional and community service in the game and simulation industries.

Additionally, we are especially interested in a candidate who can contribute through their teaching and service to the excellence of our academic community and foster an environment in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive.

The FIEA program is ranked as the #1 graduate game design program by The Princeton Review. For more information about the program and school, visit https://fiea.ucf.edu/. NSCM is a student-centered school with a collegial and friendly faculty and staff.  We strive to be a premier academic program known for excellence in research, teaching, and service to students and the community. Our students are active in internships and organizations on and off campus, making a significant impact on the local and global community. NSCM currently offers eight baccalaureates, four master’s degree programs, and a Ph.D. program in strategic communication. For more information about the school, visit https://communication.ucf.edu.

The UCF College of Sciences (COS) houses most of the university’s natural, computational, and social sciences in ten departments and schools, and several centers. Seven departments hold national rankings for best graduate programs. The college’s programs play a key role in advancing UCF as a national research university that is determined to help students from all backgrounds achieve success. For more information, visit https://sciences.ucf.edu.

Located in Orlando, Florida, UCF is classified as a Very High Research Activity (R1) university by the Carnegie Foundation. With a diverse student body of more than 70,000 students, UCF is one of the largest universities in the country. The university offers more than 220 degree programs. UCF is at the center of the Florida High Tech Corridor where industries include software, defense, space, simulation and training, and entertainment. Adjacent to UCF is a thriving research park that conducts over $2 billion in funded research. Great weather, easy access to the seashore, one of the largest convention centers in the nation, and one of the world’s best airports are just a few features that make Orlando an ideal location. Learn more about UCF at http://www.ucf.edu/faculty

Minimum Qualifications:

• A master's degree (for an instructor) or a terminal degree (for a lecturer) from an accredited institution in computer science, interactive technologies or a related field with game industry related experience. Candidates with a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field with more than 5 years of game industry related experience may be considered.

• Must have some teaching or training experience, formal or informal (e.g., tutoring, teaching workshops, creating tutorial videos, supervising, mentoring, etc.). 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Highly motivated and proficient in programming languages C/C++, C#, demonstrated programming and problem-solving skills, are familiar with network architectures and data structure, and evidence of effective teaching and/or mentoring.

• Demonstrable knowledge and experience in game engines, Unreal Engine, Unity or a proprietary engine or system.

• Experience in interdisciplinary team-based approaches to instruction.

• A master's or terminal degree in a related field with more than 5 years of game industry experience.

Special Instructions to the Applicants:

N/A

Job Close Date:

Open until filled.

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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Expected Salary

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The University of Central Florida is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer including Disabled/Vets.  Click on UCF's Equal Opportunity Statement to view the President’s Statement.

The UCF affirmative action plans for qualified individuals with disabilities and protected Veterans are available for inspection in the Office of Institutional Equity, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., upon request.

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

The University of Central Florida is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer.