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The Division of Communication Studies in the School of Communication at American University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor beginning August 1, 2025, in the area of Artificial Intelligence and Media. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Our ideal candidate is an emerging thought leader whose work addresses both AI and Media in relation to public life. The School of Communication, like all units at American University, is committed to research and teaching with a public purpose. Applicants should have a PhD or an anticipated PhD by August 1, 2025, in the field(s) of communication, media studies, science and technology studies, computer science, information studies, sociology, anthropology, history or other relevant fields.

Candidates should be effective teachers and must be strongly committed to excellence in research, creative, or relevant professional work. We welcome applications from candidates engaged in high-quality scholarship about AI in areas of communication research including, but not limited to, environmental media, history of media, platform studies, AI governance, digital labor, computational culture, digital skills, medical information, news media, cultural industries, popular media and culture (i.e. games, streaming, social media, film, etc.), political and strategic communication, and feminist media studies. In all cases, we are concerned with the relationship of research inquiries to public life including democracy, political economy, civil society, and human rights. Interdisciplinary perspectives are welcome, and we hope candidates will find interacting and even possibly collaborating with colleagues in other divisions of the School of Communication interesting as well. We also would like to find a colleague who will make the most of American University’s location in Washington, DC. Teaching specialization in the core courses included in the Communication Studies BA (https://www.american.edu/soc/communication-studies/ba/ba-cmst-req.cfm) and/or the Media, Technology, and Democracy graduate programs (both MA and PhD) (https://www.american.edu/soc/communication-studies/ma/ma-mtd-requirements.cfm) is strongly preferred, though other areas may be considered. In addition to scholarship and teaching, responsibilities will include participation in department, school, and university service. This is a broadly multi- and cross-disciplinary position, and we encourage scholars and teachers whose work connects across multiple areas of communication and media through the advances and emerging use of AI.

Salary and benefits are competitive, with an expected salary range of $95,000 to $99,000. Review of applications will begin September 16, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled, subject to on-going budgetary approval. Application materials sent over email will not be accepted or considered. Please submit:

• CV

• Cover letter: the cover letter should minimally include (1) a statement of past and/or anticipated contributions to diversity and inclusion through teaching, scholarship, and service; (2) a discussion of teaching experience and potential contributions in teaching to the Division of Communication Studies core courses, (3) research accomplishments and plans related to the search theme of “AI and media” and beyond.)

• One to three examples of relevant work (which could be sample publications, working papers, dissertation chapters, or other items that showcase your research; at least one submitted work should be lead-authored).

Recommendation letters and teaching portfolios (including evaluations of teaching) will be requested at a later stage. Please contact Liz Kan, Faculty Affairs Coordinator, at 202-885-2751 or lizkan@american.edu if you have any questions. 

American University is a private institution within easy reach of the many centers of government, business, research, and the arts located within the nation’s capital. For more information about American University, visit www.american.edu.

Established in 1993, the School of Communication offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs www.american.edu/soc/. Learn more about the Communication Studies division at https://www.american.edu/soc/communication-studies/.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.

Other Details

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

• Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.

• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• American University is an E-Verify employer.

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Contact Us

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American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.