Technical Specialist (Teaching)

The role

Do you want to empower students to become the creators of worlds? Do you have expertise in games design processes and principles and the ability to communicate this knowledge to a range of audiences? Do you want to be a core part of a global first programme, the MA Games Design (Narrative) at the University of Bristol?

For narrative designers, everything in a game has narrative potential. To realise this potential, however, requires technical know-how across the game development pipeline. The Technical Specialist (Games) role is essential to the vision of the MA Games Design (Narrative). You will support student teams to hone their strengths in scripting stories using industry standard tools, systems design for new narrative features, implementation of narrative elements in game engines, and production around narrative-driven games.

You will join a dynamic team of leading games researchers and practitioners at the Bristol Digital Game Lab, based at the Bristol Digital Futures Institute. Acting as a connective infrastructure bridging academia, industry, and the public sector, the Game Lab’s mission is to unlock the power of play for cultural, educational, and civic transformation. We believe video games are no longer just entertainment. They are tools for change. From public health to cultural heritage and policy, games are shaping how we learn, connect and solve complex challenges. The Game Lab asks not just what games are, but what they can do for society, for our future.

The role would suit a games design professional looking to utilize their expertise in a teaching and research capacity. You will train the next generation of narrative designers to build better games, champion innovative curricular design, and help drive forward Game Lab’s mission of games for public service.

We value the diversity of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences that fuel our culture of curiosity, collaboration, and innovation. We especially encourage applicants from groups traditionally underrepresented in games design to apply. All appointments will be evaluated solely on merit.

What will you be doing?

• Provide design and technical expertise across the full suite of MA Games Design (Narrative) units.
• Help students generate creative game ideas and execute them technically in the game writers’ room, in game jams, and on assessed projects and portfolios.
• Scaffold the learning of four key skills identified by the programme: teamwork, storytelling, technical implementation, and critical thinking.
• Train students and staff in the use of industry-standard tools and game engines.
• Develop and maintain systems to support the delivery of the programme, including the provision of an Alienware laptop for each student and the running of active play sessions.
• Collaborate on Bristol Digital Game Lab projects.
• Network with stakeholders across academia, the games industry, and third sector partners.
• Keep up to date with developments in the games industry, including around the skills pipeline, technical systems development, and opportunities for curriculum development.

You should apply if

• You are excited by the prospect of joining a vibrant team teaching and researching across games, immersive experiences, and creative technology at the new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus.
• You have games industry experience and/or a portfolio evidencing your technical proficiency.
• You are confident communicating information to a variety of stakeholders.
• You are organised, have a good attention to detail, and are unphased by managing several projects simultaneously.
• You enjoy working in a supportive, team-based and collaborative environment.
• You advocate for inclusivity and diversity through conscientious design.
• You are interested in games and games teaching and research.

Additional information

Contract type: Fixed term term from 01/08/2026 - 31/07/2028

Work pattern: 1 FTE (35 hours/week)

Grade: I

Salary: £39,906 – £44,746 per annum

School/Unit: Faculty of Arts, Law, and Social Sciences, School of Humanities

Shift pattern: Monday - Friday

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on Wednesday 17th June

For Informal Queries Please Contact

Dr Richard Cole, ***email_hidden***, 0117 455 2081

Dr Michael Samuel, [email protected], 01174555376

Our strategy and mission

We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

Available documents

• ALSS Faculty Further Particulars 2026.pdf
• SUPP113410_Technical_Specialist_(Teaching)-JD.pdf