Instructor or Assistant Professor of Game Design - Sound

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Chantilly (VA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

George Mason University is seeking an Instructor or Assistant Professor to teach undergraduate Game Design, Sound Design, and Game Music Composition courses within the Computer Game Design Program.

The position supports developing a future track in the program, pursues research or creative endeavors, and contributes to a dynamic, collaborative department in the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Hybrid work arrangements are possible.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent education/experience.
• Master’s degree in related field or 5+ years in Game Design industry.
• Extensive experience in sound design and/or game music composition for design and development.
• Experience with primary game sound design software and related hardware.
• Knowledge of game engines, editors, and project management software.

Responsibilities

• Teaches undergraduate Game Design courses and helps develop the future track in the program.
• Pursues research and/or creative endeavors to contribute to the field.

Skills

Game design

Sound design

Music composition

Research & creativity

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Master’s degree in related field

5+ years experience in Game Design or related industry

Tools

Game engines

Editors

Sound design software

Project management software

Industry knowledge

Job description

Department: Col of Visual and Performing Arts

Classification: 9-month Instructional Faculty

Job Category: Instructional Faculty

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Salary: Salary commensurate with education andexperience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

The Computer Game Design Program, within the College of Visual andPerforming Arts, provides the following:

1. Undergraduate game design and development courses in sounddesign and game music composition, leading to a BFA in ComputerGame Design;
2. Provides mentorship and guidance in sound design and game musiccomposition to students pursuing majors and minors in Computer GameDesign; and
3. Supports a cohesive faculty and staff to carry out objectives 1and 2.

About the Position:

The Instructor or Assistant Professor teaches undergraduate GameDesign, Sound Design, Game Music Composition courses and helpsdevelop the future track in the Computer Game Design Program. Also,pursues research (traditional or applied) and/or creative endeavorsto contribute significantly to the field.

Responsibilities:

• Teaches undergraduate Game Design courses and helps develop thefuture track in the Computer Game Design Program; and
• Pursues research (traditional or applied) and/or creativeendeavors to contribute significantly to the field.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field, or equivalent combinationof education and experience;
• Master’s degree in related field, or 5+ years experience inGame Design or related industry;
• Experienced in all facets of Sound Design and/or Game MusicComposition for game design and development, including technical,managerial, and artistic advances, current research (traditionaland applied), and industry developments;
• Extensive experience working with all primary game sounddesign, production, and game music composition softwareapplications, as well as related hardware;
• Applicable experience (minimum of 5 years desired) in theindustry, and expertise using current professional game engines,editors, and project management software;
• Knowledgeable about all facets of Sound Design and/or GameMusic Composition for game design and development, includingtechnical, managerial, and artistic advances, current research(traditional and applied), and industry developments;
• Extensive knowledge working with all primary game design, gameprogramming, and management software applications, engines, andtools, as well as related hardware;
• Knowledge of sound design and game music composition softwareutilized in the industry;
• Knowledge of workflow in multi-platform game production andpublication;
• Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills;
• Proven critical thinking, problem-solving, and judgmentskills;
• Ability to successfully interact with the industry business andgovernmental communities;
• Demonstrated commitment and ability to work collaborativelywithin a complex work environment; and
• Possesses an approach that fosters a respectful, nonthreateningworkplace environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Terminal degree in game related discipline, or 5+ yearsexperience in the Game Design industry and publication of majorentertainment or serious games; and
• Demonstrated ability working with a diverse population ofartists, students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Posting Open Date: November 1, 2025

For Full Consideration, Apply by: January 31, 2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

Mason Ad Statement

George Mason University is a nationally ranked R1 researchuniversity committed to creating a more just, free, and prosperousworld. With 40,000 enrolled students, George Mason is the largestand most diverse public research university in Virginia, offeringdegree programs at the master's, doctoral, and professional level,along with certificates and credentials.

George Mason fosters an All Together Different environment forstudents, faculty, and staff, driven by our core beliefs. Webelieve in inclusivity over exclusivity; we believe in advancingour mission by being willing to take risks, not avoiding them; andwe believe our best work is possible when we apply our diversity oforigin, identity, circumstance, and thought.

Equity Statement

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative actionemployer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in itscommunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration foretiremindemployment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexualorientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability orveteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.

Campus Safety Information

Mason’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available athttp://police.gmu.edu/annual-security-report/