Tenure Track Assistant Professor for Game Technology at IT University of Copenhagen (181855)
fuldtid
Tenure Track Assistant Professor for Game Technology at IT University of Copenhagen (181855)
The IT University of Copenhagen invites highly motivated individuals to apply for a Tenure Track Assistant Professor position starting in August 2026 or soon thereafter.
We invite applicants who want to contribute to the IT University's vision of creating and sharing knowledge that is profound and leads to ground-breaking information technology and services for the benefit of humanity.
Job description
We are looking for a researcher of game- and play-related technologies to contribute their own research agenda to the highly interdisciplinary research environment of the Center for Digital Play (CDP). The CDP is an interdisciplinary research unit that develops novel theories and methods for the study of play and games in the 21st Century. From game-trained Artificial Intelligence, to social communities created around videogames, gamification, esports, or game engines as artistic tools, digital play is an intrinsic yet understudied phenomenon in digital societies. The CDPs ambition is to define what it means to study play in digital societies from a multidisciplinary perspective, to develop novel methods and theories needed to deal with novel phenomena, and to be a reference center in the present and future of play and game studies. The candidate will be expected to actively participate in Center events, pursue individual or co-authored research, and participate in dissemination activities, funding applications, and innovation initiatives. Applicants should provide a vision document outlining how they wish to contribute to a diverse learning environment and interdisciplinary research efforts surrounding digital play practices.
The position involves equal parts teaching and research. There are opportunities for the development of new courses, especially in the area of Life-long Learning, and participation in more general computer science degree programmes. Initially, the candidate will be expected to teach in the MSc in Games, specifically in its Game Technology track, where they would be responsible for introductory and advanced teaching on games-specific programming (e.g. efficient programming in C++, game engine architecture, real-time computer graphics). Teaching at ITU also covers supervision of individual research projects, including BSc and MSc theses.
The ideal candidate should have a relevant background in computer science (or similar areas) and game development. They will combine interest and experience in research, teaching, and game-making, and will be familiar with game technology as a part of interdisciplinary development practices. They should have an interest in teaching postgraduate students based on practical experience in the games industry or related fields, and be able to draw on an existing network of academic or industry contacts. Practical experience can come from any relevant area, including (but not limited to) game development (AAA, mobile, indie, or serious games), artistic practice, game technology development, game software development, etc. The new colleague will complement ITU’s existing research with expertise crucial for innovation in the sector of digital games and adjacent technologies (e.g. optimized performance of complex tasks real-time, networks, back-end programming).
General information
The IT University of Copenhagen (ITU) is a teaching and research-based university specializing in information technology (IT) and the opportunities it offers. The IT University has more than 160 full-time Faculty members. Research and teaching in information technology span all academic activities which involve computers including computer science, information and media sciences, humanities and social sciences, business impact and the commercialization of IT.
Research at the IT University of Copenhagen
Our research is organized through dynamic research groups, centers, hubs, and labs that promote collaboration across disciplines. These units explore complex challenges at the intersection of people, technology, and society, contributing both to fundamental insights and practical solutions. At ITU, we see research as a shared endeavor – open, critically engaged, and rooted in dialogue with academic communities, industry, and the public sector. We actively pursue international partnerships and networks, and our interdisciplinary approach ensures that our research not only advances knowledge but also generates impact beyond academia.
Teaching at the IT University of Copenhagen
ITU currently offers four BSc degrees, six MSc degrees and one professional master’s degree, spanning across these disciplines. ITU's education is extremely sought after and produces qualified graduates who are in high demand from the job market.
Working at the IT University
Located in modern architecture, a 6-minute metro ride from the center of Copenhagen, the IT University offers an informal working environment, a varied everyday life, and a highly motivated, innovative, skilled, and diverse international faculty, with PhD degrees from more than 20 different countries. The IT University is an equal opportunity employer and prides itself in actively pursuing an improved gender balance among students and among faculty.
Working in Copenhagen
Copenhagen has a solid educational system, a rich cultural life, universal healthcare, good childcare, and well-functioning infrastructure. Copenhagen is consistently ranked among the world’s most livable cities according to the Economist Global Liveability Index. Living and working in Copenhagen will typically be a great experience for you and your family.
Salary and terms of employment
Appointment and salary will be in accordance with the Ministry of Taxation’s agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC) and job structure for academic staff at universities.
Qualification Requirements
The following qualifications are required:
After a maximum of a six-year Tenure-Track period, Tenure-Track Assistant Professors are expected to meet the criteria for appointment of Associate Professors at the IT University of Copenhagen.
If given a positive academic assessment at the end of the Tenure-Track Programme, you will be transferred to a permanent Associate Professor position.
Application
The application and all other documents ought to be in English and must include:
The applicant will be accessed according to the Appointment Order from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation of 13 March 2012.
The IT University may use shortlisting in connection to the recruitment process. In case of shortlisting, the Chair of the hiring committee selects applicants for assessment in consultation with the hiring committee after the application deadline. All applicants are notified whether their application has been passed for assessment. The shortlisting of candidates for assessment is based on the criteria in the job posting.
Further information
Questions about the positions can be directed to Assoc. Prof. Hans-Joachim Løvind Backe, IT University of Copenhagen, e-mail hanj@itu.dk
Questions related to the application procedure may be directed to HR, hr@itu.dk.
Application procedure
You can only apply for this position through our e-recruitment system. Apply by pressing the button "Apply for position" in the job announcement on our website.
The IT University might upon request in the interview process contact 1-2 references.
Application deadline: March 29th, at 23:59 CET.
Applications/enclosures received at ITU after the application deadline will not be taken into consideration. If you submit an application, it is your responsibility to ensure that it arrives before the deadline so please allow sufficient time for upload of publications and other documents.
At The IT University of Copenhagen, we have an international environment and view diversity as a valuable resource. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive working environment for all our employees and encourage all qualified applicants, regardless of age, gender, religious affiliation, or ethnic background to apply for the position.
As ITU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.
We invite applicants who want to contribute to the IT University's vision of creating and sharing knowledge that is profound and leads to ground-breaking information technology and services for the benefit of humanity.
Job description
We are looking for a researcher of game- and play-related technologies to contribute their own research agenda to the highly interdisciplinary research environment of the Center for Digital Play (CDP). The CDP is an interdisciplinary research unit that develops novel theories and methods for the study of play and games in the 21st Century. From game-trained Artificial Intelligence, to social communities created around videogames, gamification, esports, or game engines as artistic tools, digital play is an intrinsic yet understudied phenomenon in digital societies. The CDPs ambition is to define what it means to study play in digital societies from a multidisciplinary perspective, to develop novel methods and theories needed to deal with novel phenomena, and to be a reference center in the present and future of play and game studies. The candidate will be expected to actively participate in Center events, pursue individual or co-authored research, and participate in dissemination activities, funding applications, and innovation initiatives. Applicants should provide a vision document outlining how they wish to contribute to a diverse learning environment and interdisciplinary research efforts surrounding digital play practices.
The position involves equal parts teaching and research. There are opportunities for the development of new courses, especially in the area of Life-long Learning, and participation in more general computer science degree programmes. Initially, the candidate will be expected to teach in the MSc in Games, specifically in its Game Technology track, where they would be responsible for introductory and advanced teaching on games-specific programming (e.g. efficient programming in C++, game engine architecture, real-time computer graphics). Teaching at ITU also covers supervision of individual research projects, including BSc and MSc theses.
The ideal candidate should have a relevant background in computer science (or similar areas) and game development. They will combine interest and experience in research, teaching, and game-making, and will be familiar with game technology as a part of interdisciplinary development practices. They should have an interest in teaching postgraduate students based on practical experience in the games industry or related fields, and be able to draw on an existing network of academic or industry contacts. Practical experience can come from any relevant area, including (but not limited to) game development (AAA, mobile, indie, or serious games), artistic practice, game technology development, game software development, etc. The new colleague will complement ITU’s existing research with expertise crucial for innovation in the sector of digital games and adjacent technologies (e.g. optimized performance of complex tasks real-time, networks, back-end programming).
General information
The IT University of Copenhagen (ITU) is a teaching and research-based university specializing in information technology (IT) and the opportunities it offers. The IT University has more than 160 full-time Faculty members. Research and teaching in information technology span all academic activities which involve computers including computer science, information and media sciences, humanities and social sciences, business impact and the commercialization of IT.
Research at the IT University of Copenhagen
Our research is organized through dynamic research groups, centers, hubs, and labs that promote collaboration across disciplines. These units explore complex challenges at the intersection of people, technology, and society, contributing both to fundamental insights and practical solutions. At ITU, we see research as a shared endeavor – open, critically engaged, and rooted in dialogue with academic communities, industry, and the public sector. We actively pursue international partnerships and networks, and our interdisciplinary approach ensures that our research not only advances knowledge but also generates impact beyond academia.
Teaching at the IT University of Copenhagen
ITU currently offers four BSc degrees, six MSc degrees and one professional master’s degree, spanning across these disciplines. ITU's education is extremely sought after and produces qualified graduates who are in high demand from the job market.
Working at the IT University
Located in modern architecture, a 6-minute metro ride from the center of Copenhagen, the IT University offers an informal working environment, a varied everyday life, and a highly motivated, innovative, skilled, and diverse international faculty, with PhD degrees from more than 20 different countries. The IT University is an equal opportunity employer and prides itself in actively pursuing an improved gender balance among students and among faculty.
Working in Copenhagen
Copenhagen has a solid educational system, a rich cultural life, universal healthcare, good childcare, and well-functioning infrastructure. Copenhagen is consistently ranked among the world’s most livable cities according to the Economist Global Liveability Index. Living and working in Copenhagen will typically be a great experience for you and your family.
Salary and terms of employment
Appointment and salary will be in accordance with the Ministry of Taxation’s agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC) and job structure for academic staff at universities.
Qualification Requirements
The following qualifications are required:
- Candidates are required to have academic qualifications at PhD level
After a maximum of a six-year Tenure-Track period, Tenure-Track Assistant Professors are expected to meet the criteria for appointment of Associate Professors at the IT University of Copenhagen.
If given a positive academic assessment at the end of the Tenure-Track Programme, you will be transferred to a permanent Associate Professor position.
Application
The application and all other documents ought to be in English and must include:
- A motivated application (cover letter), including a detailed description of your qualifications and brief statements of research and teaching plans that relates to the criteria in ITU´s Competency Development Profile (https://en.itu.dk/About-ITU/Vacancies/Faculty-Competence-profiles)
- A full CV, including name, address, phone number, e-mail, previous and present employment and academic background
- Documentation of academic degrees (copy of degree certificates etc.)
- A research statement, including a statement of purpose and research vision that provides evidence of independent thinking, novelty and originality, matching the position
- Copies of max. 5 different publications that are relevant to the position (the publications should be numbered)
- Documentation of pedagogical experience and teaching record within one or more of the teaching areas listed for the position
The applicant will be accessed according to the Appointment Order from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation of 13 March 2012.
The IT University may use shortlisting in connection to the recruitment process. In case of shortlisting, the Chair of the hiring committee selects applicants for assessment in consultation with the hiring committee after the application deadline. All applicants are notified whether their application has been passed for assessment. The shortlisting of candidates for assessment is based on the criteria in the job posting.
Further information
Questions about the positions can be directed to Assoc. Prof. Hans-Joachim Løvind Backe, IT University of Copenhagen, e-mail hanj@itu.dk
Questions related to the application procedure may be directed to HR, hr@itu.dk.
Application procedure
You can only apply for this position through our e-recruitment system. Apply by pressing the button "Apply for position" in the job announcement on our website.
The IT University might upon request in the interview process contact 1-2 references.
Application deadline: March 29th, at 23:59 CET.
Applications/enclosures received at ITU after the application deadline will not be taken into consideration. If you submit an application, it is your responsibility to ensure that it arrives before the deadline so please allow sufficient time for upload of publications and other documents.
At The IT University of Copenhagen, we have an international environment and view diversity as a valuable resource. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive working environment for all our employees and encourage all qualified applicants, regardless of age, gender, religious affiliation, or ethnic background to apply for the position.
As ITU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.