The Department of Communication at the University of Utah invites applications for a tenure-line Assistant Professor in Emerging Media & Innovation. The ideal candidate uses innovative approaches to study current communication platforms or technologies, focusing on theory and practice related to emerging media and online platforms, broadly considered, including but not limited to research on or about natural language processing (NLP), large language models (LLMs), digital humanities, critical algorithm studies, generative artificial intelligence (AI), algorithm auditing, computer vision, and other supervised or unsupervised approaches (e.g., machine learning). Scholars interested in communication (in)equity and diverse populations’ experiences or use of communication technologies are highly encouraged to apply. Our Department values epistemological, methodological, and theoretical diversity. All approaches to studying emerging media and innovation are encouraged to apply.

Scholarship of candidates should complement one or more Departmental area of emphasis: (1) Communicating about Science, Health, Environment, and Risk; (3) Communication Studies; (3) Journalism; and (4) Strategic Communication.

Qualified applicants will have a Ph.D. in Communication or a closely related discipline or interdisciplinary program; candidates who are ABD and will graduate by the new position start date will be considered. Applicants should have: (a) an established research program or clear trajectory toward a research program, leading to publication and the potential for success in grant acquisition; (b) a record of, or demonstrated potential for, teaching excellence, and (c ) a willingness to conduct service in the Department, University, and in the field of Communication.

The strongest candidates will demonstrate the ability to teach existing undergraduate and graduate courses in the Department of Communication, as well as design and teach courses specific to their expertise. The ability to teach undergraduate- and graduate-level computational methods is preferred but not required for the position. The successful candidate will also advise master’s and doctoral students in the Department’s highly ranked graduate program in Communication.

The department offers opportunities to contribute to and access the resources of numerous interdisciplinary research initiatives, centers, and institutes on campus such as the Data Exploration and Learning for Precision Health Intelligence (DELPHI)Data Science Initiative, the Scientific Computing & Imaging and College of Humanities (SCI-HUM) Research Initiative, the Tanner Humanities Center, the One Utah Data Science Hub, the Digital Health Initiative (DHI), the Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI), the Wilkes Center for Climate Science & Policy, the Edna Anderson-Taylor Communication Institute, and the Data Science & Ethics of Technology (DATASET) Initiative.

Candidates should submit: (i) a curriculum vitae (CV), (ii) cover letter containing a description of professional experience relevant to the specific position (including scholarly and teaching activities, research accomplishments, service and leadership responsibilities, and three references), (iii) a 1-page research plan or statement, and (iv) a statement of contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion (up to 1 page).

Applications will be continuously accepted through October 15, 2023, with evaluations beginning September 15, 2023, until the position is filled. For inquiries related to the position, contact Andy King, Search Committee Chair, at [email protected].

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students, staff, faculty and patients from diverse backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education, employment opportunities, and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented groups.

Individuals from historically underrepresented groups, such as minorities, women, qualified persons with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action:

Director/ Title IX Coordinator
Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (OEO/AA)
383 University Street, Level 1 OEO Suite
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
801-581-8365
[email protected]

Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu
For more information: https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/