Instructor or Assistant Professor of Game Design - Sound

George Mason University; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Virginia seeks an Instructor or Assistant Professor of Game Design - Sound to teach undergraduate courses in sound design and game music composition. This position requires a bachelor's degree in a related field, or a master's degree plus significant industry experience. Responsibilities include teaching, developing the Computer Game Design Program, and engaging in research. The role is hybrid eligible and emphasizes collaboration and innovation in sound design within the gaming industry.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Master's degree in related field, or 5+ years experience in Game Design or related industry.
• Extensive experience with sound design software and game production tools.

Responsibilities

• Teaches undergraduate Game Design courses.
• Develops future track in the Computer Game Design Program.
• Pursues research and creative endeavors in the field.

Skills

Sound Design expertise

Game Music Composition

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Master's degree in related field or 5+ years experience

Tools

Game sound design software

Game production software

Game engines

Job description

Overview

Instructor or Assistant Professor of Game Design - Sound

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 and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

Open Opening/Posting Dates: Open on November 1, 2025; For full consideration, apply by January 31, 2026; Open Until Filled: Yes

About the Department

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

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

About the Position

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

Responsibilities

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

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Master's degree in related field, or 5+ years experience in Game Design or related industry;
• Experienced in all facets of Sound Design and/or Game Music Composition for game design and development, including technical, managerial, and artistic advances, current research (traditional and applied), and industry developments;
• Extensive experience working with all primary game sound design, production, and game music composition software applications, as well as related hardware;
• Applicable experience (minimum of 5 years desired) in the industry, and expertise using current professional game engines, editors, and project management software;
• Knowledgeable about all facets of Sound Design and/or Game Music Composition for game design and development, including technical, managerial, and artistic advances, current research (traditional and applied), and industry developments;
• Extensive knowledge working with all primary game design, game programming, and management software applications, engines, and tools, as well as related hardware;
• Knowledge of sound design and game music composition software utilized in the industry;
• Knowledge of workflow in multi-platform game production and publication;
• Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills;
• Proven critical thinking, problem-solving, and judgment skills;
• Ability to successfully interact with the industry business and governmental communities;
• Demonstrated commitment and ability to work collaboratively within a complex work environment; and
• Possesses an approach that fosters a respectful, nonthreatening workplace environment.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Instructions to Applicants

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Instructor or Assistant Professor of Game Design - Sound at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and resume for review.