Instructor or Assistant Professor of Game Design - Sound

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Virginia (MN); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid Eligible

Job summary

Commonwealth of VA Careers seeks an Instructor/Assistant Professor for the Computer Game Design Program in Fairfax, VA. The role involves teaching undergraduate Game Design, Sound Design, and Game Music Composition, while contributing to program development and pursuing scholarly or creative work.

The position requires strong collaboration with faculty and industry partners, as well as a commitment to diversity and inclusive teaching while operating in a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent experience.
• Master’s degree in related field or 5+ years game design experience.
• Experience with sound design and/or game music composition plus relevant software.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate Game Design, Sound Design, and Game Music courses.
• Help develop the future track in the Computer Game Design Program.
• Pursue research or creative endeavors to contribute to the field.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Presentation skills

Critical thinking

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Master's degree in related field

Terminal degree in game related discipline

Tools

Game engines

Sound design software

Project management software

Editors/DAWs

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 and experience

Criminal Background Check: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, or5+ 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.

Posting Open Date: November 1, 2025

For Full Consideration, Apply by: January 31, 2026

Open Until Filled:Yes