Position Title:Assistant Professor of Practice in Game Career Development
Appointment Type:Faculty
Job Description:Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
The Game Design Program, in the College of Design at Iowa State University (ISU), invites applications for a part time position of Assistant Professor of Practice in the area game career development. This appointment for this position is anticipated to begin August 16, 2026, and the initial length of the appointment will be until Dec. 31, 2026, with possibility of renewal.
Qualified candidates will bring an in-depth knowledge in game design, game implementation, careers in game design, game markets and their specifics, and the knowledge of game industry.
The position includes working with students in game design major leading them through the process of creating a game portfolio, practicing the creation of a personal curriculum vitae, explore ways in which students can prepare for a job interview, explore currently open positions in game industry possibilities for internships, discuss the opportunities and skills needed to be competitive in the game hiring market.
Required Minimum Qualifications:
+ Master’s degree plus 5 years of relevant industry experience
Preferred Qualifications:
+ Demonstrated evidence of professional accomplishment in game industry
+ Experience in game design and game publishing
+ Evidence of successful game team management
Department/Program & College Description:
In addition to being classified as a Carnegie Foundation Doctoral/Research University – Extensive, Iowa State is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top public universities in the nation. Over 31,000 students are enrolled and are served by over 6,200 faculty and staff. Committed to its land-grant mission, the University is organized into eight colleges, including the Graduate College. The University provides a broad array of academic degree programs, including more than 100 bachelor degree programs, one Professional degree (the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine offered through the College of Veterinary Medicine), over 100 masters programs, over 80 Ph.D. programs, and over 60 certificate programs. In FY 25, Iowa State secured over $329.9 million in external research funding.
The College of Design brings together nearly 150 faculty members that serve approximately 2100 undergraduate and graduate students in seven fields: architecture, studio arts, industrial design, graphic design, interior design, landscape architecture, and Urban Planning and Development. The collaborative opportunities that emerge from the close interaction of these disciplines are one of the college’s greatest advantages. We are dedicated to the broad, interdisciplinary education of design professionals. We are committed to the expanded role of design as an agent of positive change in society and advocate for sustainable practices. The successful candidate is expected to share and advance these values.
Proposed Start Date:August 16, 2026
Proposed End Date or Length of Term:December 31, 2026
Number of Months Employed Per Year:09 Month Work Period
Time Type:Part time
Application Instructions:
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. However, to receive full consideration, applications should be received by March 23, 2026. All interested, qualified persons must apply for this position online at http://jobs.iastate.edu to Job Requisition Number R18605
The following documents are required to be submitted in PDF format:
1) Letter of application
2) Curriculum Vitae
3) Contact information for at least three references, including name, mailing address, email address, phone number, and other pertinent information
Direct questions to Alenka Poplin via email: apoplin@iastate.eduWhy Choose ISU?Iowa State Faculty enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:- Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans- Generous leave plans- Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)- Life insurance and long-term disability- Flexible Spending Accounts- Various voluntary benefits and discounts- Employee Assistance Program- Wellbeing program
Original Posting Date: February 10, 2026
Posting Close Date:
Job Requisition Number:R18605
By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University (http://www.iastate.edu/) attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive?land-grant?mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.
Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university’s Principles of Community (https://www.iastate.edu/principles-community) . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.
All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.
If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485. Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.