Drexel University

The Department of Communication in the College of Arts and Sciences at Drexel University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track assistant professor position in Journalism, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Communication. The starting date for this position is September 1, 2023. This position is a 9-month contract with 40/40/20 responsibility in research, teaching, and service, including community outreach. The successful candidate will be reviewed for tenure after five years. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience, and the position includes a generous startup package. 

We are seeking candidates that show a clear promise of a strong, active research program in journalism and communication in a digital media ecology driven by AI, algorithms and automation, with methodological expertise in AI and big data analysis, social media analytics, and broader, quantitative methods. We are looking for candidates who center on theories of digital media across questions of social, cultural and political issues. We invite candidates from diverse journalism and digital communication research interests, including topic areas that complement one or more of the research specializations in the department: social media and digital communication; political communication; international communication: popular and consumer culture; relationship management and corporate social responsibility; political communication; non-profit communication and advocacy.  While distinctly situated in communication studies, we welcome interdisciplinary perspectives.

The Department of Communication within the College of Arts and Sciences (CoAS) has an Undergraduate program in Communication, a Professional Master’s program in Strategic Digital Communication and a Master’s and PhD program in Communication, Culture and Media. With faculty members who are equally passionate about teaching and about cutting-edge research, the department is a leader in communication education, guiding the design of new curricular approaches to enhance student learning. The curriculum offers focus and flexibility, allowing students to define their path to success. Students learn through hands-on experiences gained in the classroom and co-operative education. 

The College of Arts and Sciences (CoAS) delivers a time-honored liberal arts education paired with Drexel’s renowned focus on applied learning. Research and scholarship in the College explore contemporary issues with an eye toward improving the common good. The College is home to a breadth of disciplines in the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities, and a focus on the now.

Required Qualifications

• PhD or Doctorate in journalism, communication, mass communication, political communication, or a related field at the time of appointment
  
• Demonstrable research profile centered around journalism and communication in an AI driven, digital media ecology, including expertise in relevant methodologies, including social media/data analytics, meta-analyses, network analysis, or other quantitative social science techniques pertaining to AI and big data. Subareas of particular interest include (but are not limited to) contemporary (e.g., AI, big data) media environment and journalism, platforms and publics (e.g., studies of mis/disinformation, civic engagement), ethics of AI and digital communication, and more
  
• Track record of publications in top academic journals and/or with top academic publishers
  
• Demonstrable network through engagement in recognized academic organizations (ICA, IAMCR, AoIR...) and international research collaborations
  
• Commitment to excellence in teaching
  
• Ability to teach undergraduate and graduate level courses in the field of journalism, digital communication, including expertise to teach advanced analytics methods
  
• Must be legally able to work in the United States
  

Preferred Qualifications

• A track record of grant application is strongly preferred but not required
  
• Teaching experience at the university level is highly desirable, and some journalism experience will be considered as a plus, but not required
  
• Online teaching experience desired
  

Location

University City- Philadelphia, PA

Special Instructions to the Applicant

Review of applications will begin December 15, 2022 until closing date of January 15, 2023. Interested candidates should submit the following materials:

• A letter of interest that describes the applicant’s program of research and other qualifications.
  
• A curriculum vitae that includes names and contact information for three references. 
  
• Two samples of recent research (i.e., journal articles, book chapters, conference papers).
  
• A teaching statement/philosophy and, if available, evidence of teaching effectiveness. 
  
• A one-page diversity statement that discusses the candidate’s skills, experiences and commitment to teaching about diversity and social justice, how the candidate’s past or future research addresses questions important to an increasingly diverse society, and any professional service that assists in achieving diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  

Please keep in mind that only applications submitted via Drexel Careers will be considered. You can find the link here.

Please address all queries to the chair of the search committee:  Dr. Asta Zelenkauskaite.