Assistant Professor in Game Analytics

Details
The Division of Games at the University of Utah invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Games to begin in Fall 2026. We seek a scholar whose primary area of expertise is game analytics: the study and application of computational methods to understand model and enhance games and player experiences. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to develop analytic frameworks methods or tools that advance game science and enhance game development practice. Potential subareas include but are not limited to: game data mining player modeling user experience design in games adaptive and personalized gameplay player engagement predictive modeling of player behavior and applications of machine learning and AI to game data. We especially welcome applicants who can connect these areas to other core technical domains of games research and practice and who are eager to collaborate through those connections. Hires will be part of the PRESS PLAY Initiative ( ) a significant multi-year commitment for faculty growth in the Division of Games that seeks to build the division into a world-leader in both games research and teaching. The successful candidate will join a collegial and supportive community dedicated to advancing both research and pedagogy in games who are excited to help define the divisions research enterprise. They will share our vision of the power that games hold to transform players groups and society. Applicants should hold a terminal degree in a games-related technical field (e.g. Ph.D. in Computer Science Informatics computationally focused social sciences Computational Media) by the time of appointment. Commensurate with their level of experience candidates should demonstrate an excellent record of research publications a strong potential for securing competitive external funding a compelling high-impact vision and a commitment to excellence in teaching and mentoring students. Successful candidates are expected to develop and sustain a robust program of research supported by external funding. They should demonstrate the ability to produce high-quality scholarship while fostering interdisciplinary collaborations. Candidates will also be expected to contribute to university and professional service. About the Division of Games at the University of Utah: The Division of Games at the University of Utah is one of the worlds 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. The Division is in the second year of a five-year growth period through the PRESS PLAY Initiative a major investment in new faculty lines funding and facilities that expands opportunities for cutting-edge research teaching and collaboration. The Division of Games is one of the four academic units of the College of Architecture and Planning which also includes the School of Architecture the Department of City and Metropolitan Planning and the Division of Multi-Disciplinary Design. The University of Utah is a Carnegie Research I institution located in Salt Lake City nestled in the breathtaking foothills of the Wasatch Mountains. With thriving arts and culinary scenes and an exploding high technology sector Salt Lake City offers a unique mix of urban life juxtaposed with access to remarkable national parks ski resorts hiking and climbing and more just minutes away from campus.