"Instructor or Assistant Professor of Game Design - Sound"

Job Details

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, 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.

Posting Open Date: November 1, 2025

For Full Consideration, Apply by: January 31, 2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

Mason Ad Statement

Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students and faculty from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in over 200 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason’s diversity is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create.

If you are interested in joining the Mason family take a look at our current opportunities and catch some Mason spirit at jobs.gmu.edu/!

George Mason University, Where Innovation is Tradition.

Equity Statement

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.