Assistant Professor of Critical Game Studies

University-of-North-Carolina-At-Chapel-Hil

Chapel Hill (NC)

On-site

USD 90,000 - 130,000

Full time

11 days ago

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Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill invites applications for an Assistant Professor of Critical Game Studies in the Department of English and Comparative Literature. The role emphasizes teaching, research, and service with a 2-2 load across graduate and undergraduate courses and active mentorship of students.

The successful candidate will develop curricula, engage in cross-disciplinary collaborations, and contribute to ongoing scholarly work in game studies and related fields.

Qualifications

PhD in English or a relevant field with college teaching experience.
Record of research and publication in game studies or related areas.
Ability to work across disciplines and mentor students.

Responsibilities

Teach a 2-2 load of graduate and undergraduate courses.
Contribute to both undergraduate and graduate curricula.
Mentor students and participate in administrative activities.
Engage in ongoing scholarly research and collaboration.

Skills

Critical game studies

Interdisciplinary research

Teaching at college level

Collaboration

Education

PhD in English or related field

Job description

Assistant Professor of Critical Game Studies

Posting Information

Department

Department English and Comp Literature - 311500

Posting Open Date

Posting Open Date 10/01/2026

Application Deadline

Application Deadline 11/30/2026

Open Until Filled No

Position Type

Position Type Permanent Faculty

Working Title

Working Title Assistant Professor of Critical Game Studies

Appointment Type

Vacancy ID

Vacancy ID FAC0006139

Full-time/Part-time

Full-time/Part-time Full-Time Permanent

Hours per week 40

FTE

FTE 1

Position Location

Position Location North Carolina, US

Hiring Range

Hiring Range Commensurate with education/experience

Proposed Start Date

Proposed Start Date 07/01/2027

Position Information

The Department of English and Comparative Literature in the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is looking for an applicant who engages with Critical Game Studies methods and scholarship in their teaching and research. Candidates should utilize interdisciplinary humanities approaches for analyzing, participating, and creating in games studies.

We welcome approaches that engage in games studies’ major intellectual strands, such as game narratives and narrative critique, game aesthetics, ludology, critical making, design, technology studies, or the rhetoric of games and gaming.

We seek candidates who are confident in producing cross-disciplinary, collaborative, and experimental games research. A record of research and publication will show the ability to translate hands‑on work into theoretically informed and peer‑recognized scholarship. Facility with interdisciplinary work will be evident through expertise in multiple areas of study and the creative combination of approaches.

Our department offers a wide variety of courses in game studies, and we are looking for candidates who are well prepared to teach in our current curriculum, as well as contribute to its ongoing development in this emerging field.

Candidates will also mentor undergraduate and graduate students in critical game studies and, if relevant, their secondary fields of expertise. Strong evidence of leadership and participation in game studies programs and initiatives will show a collaborative model for academic work. Public outreach, the sharing of resources, and community building will demonstrate generosity and engagement.

Candidates who apply for this position should demonstrate the traits described above and have a significant investment in critical game studies. They will work regularly with hands‑on games studies methods, have a strong record of collaboration and working across disciplinary areas, and read and produce critical game studies scholarship. They may also have expertise in a complementary area of interest that would find a home in a department of English and comparative literature.

Our department strengths include literary studies; film and media; rhetoric and composition; creative writing; digital humanities; Latina/o studies; and health humanities. We also seek to grow in areas of environmental humanities; disability studies; and new media studies.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The Department of English and Comparative Literature is committed to hiring an exceptional teacher/scholar who brings energy and a fresh perspective to their research, pedagogy, and service and who is ready to teach in our Critical Game Studies program. We seek candidates who can contribute to UNC’s academic mission as a public institution, especially through commitment to diversity of perspective, intercultural understanding, and engagement with local resources and communities. We encourage candidates to consult our website to learn about the Department’s curriculum, values, and mission. Candidates working across disciplines are encouraged to apply.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the flagship institution of a strong state university system comprising 17 campuses across North Carolina; neighbor institutions within 25 miles include Duke University, North Carolina Central University, North Carolina State University, and Meredith College. Chapel Hill is a vibrant college town near the Research Triangle economic hub and 20 minutes from Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

Position Summary

The Department of English and Comparative Literature at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is recruiting an Assistant Professor of Critical Game Studies. The successful candidate’s duties will include teaching, research, and service. The position will teach a 2-2 load made up of graduate and undergraduate courses; contribute to both undergraduate and graduate curricula; mentor students; participate in select administrative activities; and engage in ongoing scholarly research.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Ph.D. English or a relevant field and instructional experience at the college level by the time of appointment.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Demonstrated excellence in college-level teaching, a strong research portfolio, expertise in research methods, a history of collaboration, experience working in, or with, game studies programs, and evidence of administrative and service experience.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

N/A

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Department Contact Name and Title

Martin Louis Johnson/Professor, Associate Department Chair

Department Contact Telephone or Email

mlj@email.unc.edu

Academic Personnel Office Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University’s Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost office at (919)-962-1091 or send an email to facultyrecruitment@unc.edu. Please note: The Executive Vice Chancellor & Provost office will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status. If you have any questions about the job requirements or the hiring department notify the Department Contact.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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