Department: Computer Science & Engineering Technology
Location: Virtual / Remote
Reports To: Dr. Lizhou Cao, Assistant Professor in Computer Science, Gaming, and Software
Engineering
Job Summary
The Student Narrative Designer will support a grant-funded curriculum gamification project by
developing narrative scripts used in educational games created within undergraduate courses.
The student will collaborate with faculty across different majors and student game
development teams to design compelling storylines that align with learning objectives and
integrate into interactive game environments
Duties and Responsibilities
- Narrative Design and Script Development
o Collaborate with faculty to develop narrative concepts that align with course
learning outcomes.
o Write scripts for educational games.
o Adapt story elements to support different game formats and instructional goals.
o Revise scripts based on faculty feedback and ongoing design processes.
o Design sequences that support pacing, player engagement, and instructional
clarity. - Cross-Faculty and Development Team Collaboration
o Meet virtually with faculty from various departments to understand course
content and instructional goals.
o Work closely with student game designers and developers to ensure narratives
align with gameplay mechanics, user experience, and technical constraints.
o Develop an understanding of the gaming components the script supports,
including game flow, player interactions, and narrative triggers.
o Participate in project meetings and planning sessions as needed. - Project Documentation
o Maintain organized drafts and final versions of scripts and narrative materials.
o Document narrative decisions to support future revisions and grant reporting
needs.
Core Requirements
- Strong writing ability with an emphasis on storytelling and narrative structure.
- Experience or demonstrated skill in sequential storytelling, screenwriting, or script
writing. - Ability to conceptualize stories for interactive or game-based environments.
- Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate remotely with faculty, designers,
and peers. - Ability to manage deadlines and contribute independently in a virtual setting.
Preferred / Nice to Have
- Familiarity with narrative design for games, simulations, or interactive media.
- Coursework or experience in creative writing, digital media, game design, film, or
related fields. - Interest in educational technology or game-based learning
Position Details
- Hours: 10 hours per week
- Duration: Summer 2026 (June 1, 2026 – August 22, 2026)
- Pay Rate: $17.00 per hour
- Work Modality: Fully virtual / remote
To Apply
(Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.)
- Visit www.umes.edu/hr
- Select Talent Acquisition
- Select Students
- Select Student Employment Website
- Select Student Workship Application
- Email the completed application along with a sample of your work and two faculty
references to Mary Ames mvames@umes.edu
