Gameplay Programmer Jobs in Phoenix, AZ (NOW HIRING)

Description
The GAME School in the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University seeks an innovative technologist for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Game Design beginning in Fall 2026. This position will be a critical part of an expanding team in innovative approaches to games and XR in an AI-driven future. This full-time 9-month (academic year) position requires in-person instruction on the Tempe Campus, with potential classes hosted at the Media and Immersive eXperience (MIX) Center and in the School of Art's animation program and may include online classes.
About ASU
Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. In 2022, ASU was named a Hispanic-Serving Institution and in 2023, ASU joined the prestigious Association of American Universities. ASU is deeply committed to advancing in innovative ways while sustaining a welcoming, supportive and empowering environment for all members of our community.
About the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
The Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University is one of the most comprehensive design and arts schools in the country, located within a dynamic research university focused on transformative change. Built on a unique combination of disciplines, the Herberger Institute comprises ASU FIDM and ASU FIDM Museum; the School of Art; The Design School; The Sidney Poitier New American Film School; The GAME School; the School of Music, Dance and Theatre; and the ASU Art Museum. The Herberger Institute is committed to redefining the 21st-century design and arts school through developing and scaling ideas that strengthen the role of designers and artists across all areas of society and culture, increasing the capacity of artists to make a difference in their communities.
About The GAME School
The GAME School in the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University is a leading transdisciplinary school for games, arts, media and engineering. The school offers a customizable curriculum that prepares students with tangible skills in new media, AI, games, wearable tech and more. We believe the liberal arts degree for the 21st century must develop socially aware, critically thinking global citizens who pair technical fluency with the creativity and empathy needed to lead in a world shaped by emerging technologies. These abilities power innovation across industries - from storytelling and immersive experience design to the fast-evolving world of game design, where students create meaningful, culturally relevant work that pushes the boundaries of how we play, learn and connect. thegameschool.asu.edu
Position Description and Essential Functions
The primary responsibilities for this position will be in the programs of The GAME School. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate courses in game design and development, as well as work towards new curricular design for a master's level game design program, and develop online classes. The successful candidate will also collaborate with the School of Art and The Sidney Poitier New American Film School on courses and projects related to animation. The successful candidate will be expected to develop an independently funded and collaborative research program, teach and mentor students, participate in professional and university service, engage stakeholders in the university and the community, and demonstrate national and international leadership in their field.
We are especially interested in applicants who are dedicated to advancing the ASU Charter and realizing ASU's Design Aspirations and the mission of the School.
The primary responsibilities for this position will be in the programs of The GAME School. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate courses in Game design and development, as well as work towards new curricular design for a master's level game design program, and develop online classes. The successful candidate will also collaborate with the School of Art and The Sidney Poitier New American Film School on courses and projects related to animation. The successful candidate will be expected to develop an independently funded and collaborative research program; teach and mentor students; participate in professional and university service; engage stakeholders in the university and the community, and demonstrate national and international leadership in their field.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
Candidates for this position must have:

• A PhD or terminal degree such as MFA in computational media, media arts or related fields by the start date of the appointment.
• Commitment to research, creative activity and/or scholarship that has public impact outside of the academy, including work related to community engagement, social justice, communication of science, cross-cultural communication or similar endeavors.
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching in higher education or other settings, and commitment to teaching in a higher education environment with a strong mission for accessibility.
• Demonstrated expertise in and experience with research in software and content development for game design, XR, and/or interactive media, as well as demonstrated proficiency in one or more of the following tools and practices: building 3D applications in Unity, Unreal or equivalent game engines; in web frameworks like webGL, html canvas, three.js, or webXR; C#, C++, JavaScript; XR optimization; motion graphics; motion capture, Machine Learning (ML) and/or computer vision (CV).
• Expertise in animation for various media.
• Ability and interest to teach in in-person and online formats.

Desired Qualifications:

• Evidence of ability to inspire and instruct learners from multiple backgrounds.
• Experience collaborating with colleagues from different disciplines (including engineers, game designers, artists, and film makers, among others) to develop and grow dynamic research and academic programs.
• Experience teaching online or creating resources for training/education in an online environment.

Application Instructions
Instructions to Apply:
Please submit the following materials as separate items:
1. A comprehensive C.V. (including tenure/tenure-track dates if applicable)
2. Research and teaching statement (up to 3 pages)
3. A letter of interest that addresses the position description and required qualifications)
4. Names and contact information for three professional references
Applicants advancing to the second round of review may be asked to provide additional materials.
Application Deadline:
The application deadline is 8/20/2026. Applications for a reserve pool will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis. Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is filled.