Assistant Professor in Game AI
Not Disclosed•Full-TimeOn-site
location_on418, Winchester Street, Murray, Salt Lake County, Utah, 84107, United States
About the Division of Games
The Division of Games at the University of Utah is one of the world's leading academic programs in games, ranked #1 among public institutions for three years in a row. Now in its fifteenth year, the Division spans technical, artistic, design, and analytic domains, advancing both the creation and the study of games as a transformative medium. As one of the four academic units of the College of Architecture and Planning, we are dedicated to a collegial and supportive community that is excited to help define the division's research enterprise.
We are currently in the second year of a five-year growth period through the PRESS PLAY Initiative, a significant, multi-year commitment for faculty growth. This major investment in new faculty lines, funding, and facilities seeks to build the division into a world-leader in both games research and teaching. We invite scholars who share our vision of the power that games hold to transform players, groups, and society, and who are eager to fully join our effort to build the expanded character of Utah Games.
About the Role
We invite applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Games to begin in Fall 2026. This role seeks a scholar whose primary area of expertise is Game Artificial Intelligence (Game AI): the design, application, and study of computational intelligence methods that drive, shape, and enhance games and interactive experiences. The successful candidate will join a vibrant community dedicated to advancing both research and pedagogy, with the expectation to develop and sustain a robust program of research supported by external funding.
Hires will be part of the PRESS PLAY Initiative, joining a team eager to connect Game AI to other core technical domains of games research and practice. We especially welcome applicants who can foster interdisciplinary collaborations and contribute to university and professional service. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to produce high-quality scholarship while mentoring students and developing analytic frameworks that advance game science and enhance game development practice.
Location and Community
The University of Utah is a Carnegie Research I institution located in Salt Lake City, nestled in the breathtaking foothills of the Wasatch Mountains. The city offers a unique mix of urban life, with thriving arts and culinary scenes and an exploding high technology sector, juxtaposed with immediate access to remarkable national parks, ski resorts, hiking, and climbing—all just minutes from campus.
Work location
Work model: On-site
418, Winchester Street, Murray, Salt Lake County, Utah, 84107, United States
Murray, Utah
Key Responsibilities
- check_circleDevelop and sustain a robust program of research in Game Artificial Intelligence
- check_circleContribute to university and professional service activities
- check_circleTeach courses and mentor students in game science and AI
- check_circleConduct interdisciplinary collaborations across technical and design domains
- check_circleHelp define the division's research enterprise and strategic vision
- check_circleSecure competitive external funding to support research initiatives
- check_circleProduce high-quality scholarship and publish in top-tier venues
Requirements
- verifiedTerminal degree (e.g., Ph.D.) in a games-related technical field by time of appointment
- verifiedExcellent record of research publications
- verifiedStrong potential for securing competitive external funding
- verifiedCommitment to excellence in teaching and mentoring students
Nice to Have
Ability to connect Game AI areas to other core technical domains of games research and practice; eagerness to collaborate through those connections; commitment to interdisciplinary collaborations.
Similar Job Opportunities
Skills, education and keywords
Skills: Game Artificial Intelligence, Game Ai, Computational Intelligence, Procedural Content Generation, Intelligent Non-Player Characters, Agents, Adaptive Gameplay, Personalized Gameplay, Narrative In Games, Ai For Content.
Education: Ph.D. in Computer Science required.
Frequently asked questions about Assistant Professor in Game AI at University of Utah - Employment
What does a Assistant Professor in Game AI at University of Utah - Employment do?expand_more
Day-to-day, the Assistant Professor in Game AI at University of Utah - Employment will develop and sustain a robust program of research in game artificial intelligence; contribute to university and professional service activities; teach courses and mentor students in game science and ai; and conduct interdisciplinary collaborations across technical and design domains.
What are the requirements for this Assistant Professor in Game AI role?expand_more
To qualify for the Assistant Professor in Game AI at University of Utah - Employment position, applicants should have: Terminal degree (e.g., Ph.D.) in a games-related technical field by time of appointment; Excellent record of research publications; Strong potential for securing competitive external funding; and Commitment to excellence in teaching and mentoring students.
Where is the Assistant Professor in Game AI role at University of Utah - Employment located?expand_more
Assistant Professor in Game AI at University of Utah - Employment is based in 418, Winchester Street, Murray, Salt Lake County, Utah, 84107, United States. This is a on-site role.
Is this Assistant Professor in Game AI job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more
University of Utah - Employment has listed this Assistant Professor in Game AI role as on-site.
How much experience is required for this Assistant Professor in Game AI role?expand_more
Candidates for Assistant Professor in Game AI at University of Utah - Employment should have mid level.
What skills do you need for the Assistant Professor in Game AI role at University of Utah - Employment?expand_more
Key skills for Assistant Professor in Game AI at University of Utah - Employment include Game Artificial Intelligence; Game Ai; Computational Intelligence; Procedural Content Generation; Intelligent Non-Player Characters; Agents; Adaptive Gameplay; and Personalized Gameplay.
What education is required for Assistant Professor in Game AI at University of Utah - Employment?expand_more
Educational requirements for this role: Ph.D. in Computer Science required.
What category does the Assistant Professor in Game AI role belong to?expand_more
Assistant Professor in Game AI at University of Utah - Employment is part of the it job category on Recrutus.
About University of Utah - Employment
The University of Utah, located in Salt Lake City, Utah, is a major research institution and the state’s oldest and largest university. It provides more than 100 undergraduate and 90 graduate degree programs to over 28,000 students, supporting academic and professional growth across diverse fields. As a key player in Higher Education, the university serves Utah’s educational and economic landscape, employing thousands across its campus and research initiatives. Nationally recognized for its research contributions, the University of Utah has hosted significant events, including the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, where it managed the Olympic Village and supported opening and closing ceremonies. Committed to innovation and community impact, the institution balances academic excellence with regional engagement, reflecting its role as a cornerstone of public education in the Rocky Mountain West.
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