Description

Teaching Assistant/Teaching Associate/Teaching Professor in Human-Computer Interaction & Digital Narrative and Interactive Design

University of Pittsburgh

Hiring Academic Units:

● Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences, Department of English (DSAS)

● School of Computing and Information, Department of Informatics and Networked Systems (DINS)

Description

The Digital Narrative and Interactive Design (DNID) program, which spans the School of Computing and Information (SCI) and the Department of English in the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences (DSAS) at the University of Pittsburgh, invites applications for a Teaching Assistant/Teaching Associate/Teaching Professor position to begin in Fall 2026. This full-time faculty position is a joint appointment between the Department of Informatics and Networked Systems (DINS) in SCI and the Composition program in the Department of English. Position appointments are renewable, and career advancement is possible based on need, funding, and performance. This position outside the tenure stream, requires teaching 6 courses per academic year (typically 3-3), does not include summer teaching, and is subject to annual review. The appointment may be bargaining unit eligible. DINS will be the home department for this position, with an equal split of responsibilities (e.g., teaching and service) between hiring DINS and the Department of English.

Position Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching undergraduate courses in game design/development, human-computer interaction (HCI), human-centered/interactive design, and digital media composition. Courses will be designed to serve students in Information Sciences (IS), English, and DNID, providing them with foundational and applied knowledge in user experience (UX) design and engineering, user interface (UI) design and engineering, interactive storytelling, usability testing, and interaction design principles.

The ideal candidate will bring expertise in applied design methodologies, prototyping, and evaluation of physical and digital interfaces, applications, and interactive media. Additional opportunities may exist for curriculum development in emerging areas of HCI, such as immersive media (VR/AR), AI-driven interfaces, and accessibility design.

The candidate will be expected to teach undergraduate courses core to the DNID major, such as Digital Humanity, Projects in Digital Composition, Composing Digital Media, Usability Testing and Technical Writing, Digital Narrative and Interactive Design, Human-Centered Computing, Game Design, and User Experience Engineering.

Service expectations include, but are not limited to, course development, directing undergraduate independent study projects, overseeing digital projects, organizing events, and/or committee work such as curriculum and assessment. Service will be split across both DINS and English, and commensurate with rank expectations.

Required Qualifications

● A terminal degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Interaction Design, Digital Media, Media Studies, Game Design, Computer Science, Information Sciences, English, or a related field by the start date.

● Demonstrated teaching excellence or relevant industry experience in human-computer interactions, user experience engineering, game design/development, interactive design, multimodal composition/design, or related fields.

Preferred Qualifications

● Experience in game design and its intersection with HCI is strongly preferred, as both programs engage students in the development of interactive and narrative-driven digital experiences.

● Experience in industry or applied research related to HCI, UX/UI, game design, or other forms of digital product design is desirable.

About the University & Programs

The Digital Narrative and Interactive Design (DNID) program, an interdisciplinary collaboration between the School of Computing and Information and the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, focuses on the intersection of storytelling, interactivity, and computational media. DNID prepares students for careers in fields like game design, digital media production, interactive storytelling, and UX/UI design.

The Department of Informatics and Networked Systems (DINS) at SCI focuses on the study of data, information, and networked systems from an interdisciplinary perspective. DINS faculty engage in research and teaching across informatics, human-centered computing, networks, and cybersecurity. The Composition program in the Department of English, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences (DSAS) focuses on writing and design that serves professional goals or the public interest (or both) and helps students develop the critical writing, learning, and thinking skills necessary to all sectors of professional life-private, nonprofit, and government.

DNID faculty work fluidly with colleagues across department and program lines to develop creative projects in collaboration with our highly motivated Pitt undergraduate students. We value flexible teachers who can create engaging courses that respond to the needs of our programs and to school-wide general education requirements.

Application Process

Individuals interested in these openings may apply at https://sci.pitt.edu/recruiting. Please provide the following:

● A 1-2 page cover letter addressed to the search committee that reflects on your interest.

● A teaching statement outlining teaching philosophy.

● A curriculum vitae including relevant teaching, research, and industry experience as applicable.

● Names and contact information for three references.

Candidates progressing through the search process will be asked to submit additional materials, including:

● Three confidential letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the candidate's teaching or relevant professional activities.

● A teaching portfolio, which typically includes: sample syllabi for two courses; two assignments, class activities, workshop practices, or course units that demonstrate the integration of the key elements described in the advertisement.

● If available: student surveys for two classes, at least one of which should ideally coincide with sample syllabi.

For full consideration, applications should be submitted by January 16th. The anticipated start date for this position is August 15, 2026.

Questions about this position and/or application status should be emailed to SCI Senior Director of Business Administration Sharon Bindas at sbindas@pitt.edu.

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