Professor of Immersive Digital Arts in Manchester

To raise the bar, drive performance at School, Faculty and University level, and build on our national and international reputation in research, we are looking to make a key Professorial appointment. If you have an international reputation of your own, have made a sustained, significant and original impact on knowledge in your field and have a track record of successful funding grants and high quality outputs, this is your opportunity to join us as Professor of Immersive Digital Arts in the School of Digital Arts (SODA), Faculty of Arts and Humanities. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of immersive digital arts and creative technologies within one of the UK's most ambitious interdisciplinary digital arts Schools, whilst being situated within Manchester, a major creative and digital ecosystem, offering diverse and vibrant opportunities across the creative industries.

Manchester Metropolitan University has been proudly driving progress for more than two centuries. As one of the UK's largest and most popular universities, we're a force for good, dedicated to delivering outstanding research and excellent education. Much more than a university, we are a place where ambitious people unite as a diverse and inclusive community to make meaningful connections. Our community of over 5,100 colleagues work in close partnership every day to bring about positive change regionally, nationally, and globally. 90% of our research impact is world leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021). And in Art and Design, we are second in the UK for the power of our research.

As a “world class creative development” and a “new generation of digital arts schools”, SODA represents a £35m investment into the workspaces, facilities, teaching and research to empower the next generation of creative practitioners at the cutting edge of storytelling, technology and innovation – CreaTech. We offer industry, practice and research informed programmes that span film, animation, UX, photography, music and sound design, games art and design, AI and XR, immersive and more – together with purpose built spaces to collaborate and specialist facilities that include a UX suite, film studios, virtual production, edit suites, sound, music and production studios, a cinema and a gallery. It is ideally placed within a global city that has become a powerhouse of the UK's digital economy and is widely recognised as a national and international media hub.

The role of Professor is one of the highest academic distinctions conferred by the University and post holders are expected to make a powerful contribution to academic citizenship and leadership, as well as to innovation/knowledge exchange. As Professor you will build on your existing achievements and offer an internationally leading research profile.

Capable of successful funding bidding, conducting research and supporting the delivery of academic programmes that are rooted in contemporary practices, you will be equally enthusiastic about encouraging both staff and students to explore future possibilities at the intersection of storytelling, technology, and innovation.

You will have an in-depth understanding and experience within digital storytelling, and specifically within immersive and interactive storytelling through virtual production, AI, XR, AR, VR, game engines and/or other emergent technologies. You will also have a breadth of knowledge of practice-based and/or theoretical leadership within the landscape of digital arts, and an understanding of the latest industry and academic developments and trends in your specialism.

With a good first degree and PhD in a relevant discipline (or equivalent), plus a PGCE, Certificate of Education or PGCLTHE, you will have Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (or commitment to obtain within three years of appointment) and membership of relevant professional bodies. You should also have an international reputation as a thought leader in your field, with evidence of contribution to the development of the discipline, showing impact and influence through conferences, national and international networks and papers, etc.

In addition to substantial experience of innovative teaching, learning and assessment practices, you will be able to demonstrate the leadership and organisational skills to lead, manage, train and mentor research teams, staff and students, and the ability to communicate and negotiate effectively with a wide range of audiences and stakeholders, including professional, statutory and regulatory and funding bodies.

Further information, including a detailed role description and person specification, and information on how to apply can be downloaded at the university's vacancies page quoting reference 8378. For an informal discussion, please contact Daniel Munksat. Deadline for submission of applications is Sunday 14 June 2026 at 23:59 GMT. Interviews to be held on campus in Manchester on Thursday 17 September 2026. Applications must include a full CV and a letter of application setting out your interest in the role and details of how your knowledge, skills and experience match the essential criteria being sought (cover letter no more than two pages of A4).

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals. We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.