Lecturer in Games Design

Academic Opportunity: Lecturer in Games Design at the University of Surrey

For aspiring academics and industry professionals passionate about shaping the future of games design, the University of Surrey presents an exciting opportunity to join its dynamic School of Arts, Humanities and Creative Industries. This role is more than just a teaching position; it's an invitation to contribute to a thriving ecosystem of innovation, research, and industry collaboration.

The University of Surrey boasts a rich heritage in the games industry, evidenced by its founding of G3 (Galvanising Guildford Games) and its historical connection to Bullfrog Productions. Today, this legacy continues through active partnerships with leading UK creative industries, pushing boundaries in immersive experiences and virtual reality. The Surrey Research Park houses Rocketdesk, a dedicated co-working space for the creative sector, and the internationally acclaimed SETsquared start-up and incubation hub provides invaluable business support. This environment offers unparalleled opportunities for academic staff to engage with cutting-edge industry developments.

The Centre for Vision, Speech and Signal Processing (CVSSP) is a globally recognized leader in audio-visual machine perception research. With over 150 researchers, it is one of the largest audio and vision research groups in the UK. This role specifically supports the delivery of the new BSc (Hons) Games Design programme, launched in 2025, catering to diverse fields within the creative industries, from video games to visual effects.

Key Advantages for Potential Candidates:

• Industry Integration: Directly contribute to and leverage the University's strong ties with significant industry partners, ensuring curriculum relevance and providing students with real-world insights.
• Research and Innovation: Opportunities to engage in scholarly activity, supervise postgraduate research, and contribute to advancements in audio-visual machine perception, a core strength of the CVSSP.
• Cutting-Edge Facilities: Access to a creative sector-specific co-working space (Rocketdesk) and proximity to a vibrant start-up and incubation hub (SETsquared).
• Career Development: The role offers a platform for teaching excellence, curriculum development, student recruitment, and outreach, fostering growth in both academic and professional spheres.
• Supportive Environment: Benefit from a comprehensive package including a competitive salary, incremental pay rises, generous annual leave (30 days plus university closure days and bank holidays), a robust pension scheme, access to leisure facilities, travel schemes, and family-friendly benefits like an on-site nursery.
• Impactful Teaching: Play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of games designers, leading modules and ensuring high student satisfaction.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Qualifications and Experience: A PhD in a subject aligned with 3D Animation and Games Design is ideal, or substantial relevant industry experience and certifications.
• Teaching Expertise: Essential experience teaching at the university undergraduate level in areas such as 3D modeling, animation, sculpting, materials, lighting, rendering, motion capture, visual effects, and project supervision. Proficiency with industry-standard software including Autodesk Maya, Blender, Houdini, Z-Brush, Mudbox, Substance, Unity, and Unreal is expected.
• Scholarly Activity: A commitment to undertaking scholarly activity to underpin teaching is a core expectation of the role.
• Administrative Contribution: Willingness to participate in the wider academic life of the School, including administrative duties, Open Days, and Offer Holder Days.
• Career Alignment: This position is best suited for individuals who are passionate about both teaching and contributing to the academic and industry advancement of the games design discipline.

The University of Surrey is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment. They actively encourage applications from under-represented groups. This Lecturer role offers a unique chance to blend academic rigor with practical industry engagement, making a tangible impact on both students' careers and the broader creative technology landscape. If you are driven by innovation and a desire to educate and inspire, this opportunity at the University of Surrey warrants your serious consideration.