Tenure-track Assistant Professor, English, Rochester Institute of Technology

Rochester Institute of Technology, College of Liberal Arts

FACULTY POSITION POSTING FORM

DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTION:     

The Department of English in the College of Liberal Arts at the Rochester Institute of Technology (https://www.rit.edu/liberalarts/department-english) invites candidates to apply for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Interactive Narrative and Emergent Digital Media Practices starting in August 2025. Prospective candidates are expected to have earned a Ph.D. in English, Media Studies, Digital Textual Studies, Game Studies, or related field by July 2025.  We seek a candidate who is critically, theoretically, and creatively engaged in interactive digital narratives and immersive storytelling.

We are particularly interested in individuals whose area of research expertise expands the current strengths of the department. The successful candidates’ scholarly and/or creative practice will be informed by critical analysis, in conversation with literary, cultural, and aesthetic theory. Preference will be given to scholars with experience in one or more of the following areas:

  • Augmented Reality (AR); Virtual Reality (VR); or Mixed Reality (MR)
  • Augmented Reality (AR) book publishing
  • Critical AI / AI Storytelling & Art
  • Computational Narrative
  • Interactive Storyworlds / Transmedia
  • Decolonial Digital Storytelling
  • Platform Studies
  • Transformational Storytelling and Social Justice
  • Interactive Narrative in Games
  • Development Experience in Unity or Unreal

The successful candidate will be able to teach undergraduate courses in Interactive Narrative and Immersive Storytelling in the Department of English B.S. degree program. These courses might include studio-based instruction, making with computational media, digital media theory, and digital research methods. The position requires a strong commitment to teaching and mentoring, active research and publication or creative practice. Teaching and research are priorities for faculty at RIT, and all faculty are expected to mentor students through advising, research and in-class experiences.

We are seeking an individual who has the ability and interest in contributing to a community committed to student-centeredness; professional development and scholarship; integrity and ethics; respect, diversity and pluralism; innovation and flexibility; and teamwork and collaboration. Select to view links to RIT’s core values, honor code, and statement of diversity.

THE COLLEGE/ DEPARTMENT:    

The Department of English at RIT focuses on media and writing for the 21st century. It offers a B.S. that pairs the study and production of literature, media, and language with digital tools, and offers tracks in Literature and Media, Creative Writing, and Worldbuilding. Our faculty offer exploration in storytelling across media, fantasy worlds, worldbuilding, virtual reality, graphic novels, digital literature, dangerous texts, and more.

THE COLLEGE: The College of Liberal Arts is one of nine colleges within Rochester Institute of Technology. The College has over 150 faculty in 13 departments in the arts, humanities and social sciences. The College currently offers fourteen undergraduate degree programs and five master’s degrees, serving over 800 students. A new Ph.D. program in Cognitive Science, with Language as one of the areas, is broadly interdisciplinary with several partner units across the university.

We encourage the creation, development, dissemination, and application of human knowledge in the arts, humanities, and social sciences by promoting innovative teaching, scholarship, and research, thus providing a comprehensive education for all RIT students. We strive to prepare students for a lifetime of personal growth and responsible citizenship in an increasingly technological and rapidly changing society by maintaining and promoting the intellectual climate on campus, contributing to students’ awareness and understanding of diversity, and enhancing students’ abilities to reason critically and communicate effectively. We value a rigorous liberal arts education that encourages innovative experiential learning and active scholarship, the highest ethical standards, the educational and social benefits of diversity and global awareness, an interdisciplinary and collaborative environment of openness and academic freedom, a working environment in which all staff and faculty enjoy respect and recognition, and the active and meaningful participation of all members of the College community. More information may be found here: https://www.rit.edu/liberalarts/.

THE UNIVERSITY:

Founded in 1829, Rochester Institute of Technology is a diverse and collaborative community of engaged, socially conscious, and intellectually curious minds. Through creativity and innovation, and an intentional blending of technology, the arts and design, we provide exceptional individuals with a wide range of academic opportunities, including a leading research program and an internationally recognized education for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Beyond our main campus in Rochester, New York, RIT has international campuses in China, Croatia, Dubai, and Kosovo. And with more than 19,000 students and more than 125,000 graduates from all 50 states and over 100 nations, RIT is driving progress in industries and communities around the world. Find out more at www.rit.edu .

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Ph.D. by July 1, 2025, in English, Media Studies, Digital Textual Studies, Game Studies, or related field.
  • Established record of research and/or creative practice conversant with literary and critical practices in English as well as related fields of Interactive Narrative and Emerging Media.
  • Scholarly agenda aligned with the strategic initiatives of the English Department, the College of Liberal Arts, and the University.
  • Demonstrated experience designing and teaching college courses in English or a related field of study.
  • Commitment to student success through mentoring and project-based learning.
  • Ability to contribute in meaningful ways to the college’s continuing commitment to cultural diversity, pluralism, and individual differences.

HOW TO APPLY:

Apply online at http://careers.rit.edu/faculty; search openings, then Keyword Search 9402BR. Please submit your application, curriculum vitae, cover letter addressing the listed qualifications and upload the following attachments:

  • A statement of teaching philosophy
  • A one- to two-page research or creative statement,
  • The names, addresses and phone numbers for three references
  • Contribution to Diversity Statement

You can contact the search committee with questions on the position at: Lisa Hermsen, lmhgsl@rit.edu

Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and will continue to be accepted until a candidate is hired. Applications submitted by Jan. 3, 2025, will receive priority consideration.

“RIT does not discriminate. RIT promotes and values diversity, pluralism and inclusion in the work place. RIT provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientations, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in its hiring, admissions, educational programs and activities.”