Reader (Games) - (7116)

The School of Digital Arts is a purpose built, interdisciplinary school at one of the UK's leading universities. Offering industry and research informed courses and specialist spaces with the latest technologies, SODA is a £35M investment into the workspaces, networks, teaching, and research that will drive the next generation of creative content. Our students study disciplines that span film, animation, UX, photography, games design, games art, music, and sound design and more, often working on live projects with industry partners and frequently collaborating with fellow students and researchers. They choose from a flexible mix of courses: foundation year, undergraduate, postgraduate and research degrees that run alongside degree apprenticeships, summer schools and short courses. 

SODA builds on the award-winning strengths of the Manchester School of Art, and brings together creative and craft disciplines, technical and scientific skills, industry partnerships and global research to teach the next generation of talent. Rated sixth in the UK for its research power, and with a history of generating ideas and innovation that stretches back 180 years, Manchester School of Art has pioneered the interdisciplinary approach that guides how we teach and work at SODA. 

Opened in September 2021, we work closely with a diverse range of cultural and industry partners, for example Quay Street Productions, Black Magic Design, BBC, ITV, and HOME, and are ideally placed in a creative global city that has transformed to be a leading powerhouse of the UK's digital economy. Industry connectivity and inclusion within the School is critical. 

Reader – Games

About the role: 
We are looking to appoint a Reader in Games, where you will be expected to work towards a promotion to Professor, typically within a period of four to five years. 

Games at SODA is connected to a rapidly growing industry in Manchester, which is reflected in the growing demand for courses as well as the interest in our graduates by industry-leading games companies. You will have an in-depth level of expertise, skills, and knowledge in multiple areas of games development such as Games Art, Games Design, Sound Design for Games, Tool Development, and Programming. You should have an international profile in research and/or practice as a games developer with a network of professional and academic contacts. 

About you: 
You will have clear vision and drive for the future direction of games and how this vision can be realised in the context of SODA. Be able to demonstrate an interdisciplinary approach to games art and design through their own practice and to have significant knowledge of and engagement with leading-edge critical theory. Have a versatile approach and ability to contribute to a vibrant and collaborative team across a wide range of digital arts disciplines. The approach to Games is sought to match our own vision, where the games engine as an authoring tool may be applied to a range of contexts across media disciplines. You will contribute to the development of a culture of innovative practices in games at SODA. You will also support through contribution to teaching and learning across Foundation, UG, PGT and PGR supervision with clear evidence of outstanding communication and teaching practice skills is crucial as well as research and/or knowledge exchange. 

To Apply: 

Submit a cover letter and CV via our application portal that specifically refers to the Job Description that accompanies this advert, addressing your strengths in relation to Research and/or Knowledge and Enterprise (industry experience); Learning & Teaching; Academic Citizenship and Leadership. If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact sodarecruitment@mmu.ac.uk 

Please note that this vacancy is for a 1.0 fte (37.5 hours) position.  

Documents

• Games Reader JD.pdf (214.29 KB)