Indiana University Bloomington

Assistant Professor (tenure-track position in social media)

Department: The Media School, Indiana University

Location: Bloomington, Indiana

Position summary: The Media School at Indiana University-Bloomington seeks a tenure-track assistant professor with expertise in social media research. We enthusiastically invite applications from the rich tapestry of methodological and philosophical perspectives, whether rooted in social science, the humanities, or the exciting spaces in between. What interests us most is welcoming a colleague who demonstrates innovative approaches to the evolving media landscape, including but not limited to the rapidly evolving role of social media platforms in society, the role of social media as a vehicle of political and social change, the increasing prominence of artificial intelligence in social communication, the legal frameworks of social media platforms, or the interactions of social media with journalism, entertainment, and other forms of media production.

The chosen applicant will be expected to maintain a productive research program, effectively teach at both undergraduate and graduate levels, mentor students, and engage with colleagues in the service of the school and university’s mission. Interest and activity toward external funding is preferred. External funding is conceived broadly to include government, foundation, and other private sources.

About the School: The Media School combines a long-standing tradition of excellence in journalism, film, gaming, and communications with a commitment to digital and interactive media studies. It fosters a multidisciplinary approach to education and research, equipping students with the theoretical and practical tools necessary to lead and innovate in the media landscape of tomorrow. Faculty members are distinguished for their scholarly contributions and their dedication to teaching, offering a dynamic environment for engaging with media theory, production, and design. The Media School is home to the Center for Documentary Research and Practice, the Center for International Media Law and Policy Studies, the Institute for Communication Research, the Michael I. Arnolt Center for Investigative Journalism, the National Sports Journalism Center, the Observatory on Social Media, and the Black Film Center & Archive.

The school serves more than 2,100 undergraduate majors in four degree programs (Journalism, Media, Game Design, and Cinematic Arts) incorporating 11 concentrations. It also offers graduate degrees (M.A., M.S. and Ph.D.) to approximately 75 graduate students, of whom two-thirds are in a doctoral program. Our state-of-the-art facilities include equipment for television, film and audio production, game design and communication research. The school is home to about 70 faculty members and 50 staff members, all working to foster excellence in the practice and study of the media arts and sciences. Faculty members maintain active programs of research cutting across the social sciences and critical humanities, teach and mentor undergraduate and graduate students, and contribute to service at the school, campus, and national/international levels. Areas of current faculty focus include media management, media psychology, advertising analytics, environmental communication, political communication, journalism studies, health communication, communication technology, children and media, game studies, public relations, and visual communication.

University and Community Setting: Nestled in the lively community of Bloomington, our university campus is renowned for its stunning limestone architecture and scenic natural landscapes, including lush woods and flowing rivers. It is often celebrated as one of the most beautiful campuses globally. This setting fosters a culture of inclusivity and emphasizes the importance of both the arts and sciences. We highly value candidates who contribute to these fields through their academic pursuits and community involvement.

Bloomington is a vibrant midsize city located within driving distance of Indianapolis, Chicago, Cincinnati, Columbus, and Louisville. Our community is small yet welcoming, with people from all over the world. Bloomington features an active arts community, with several independent music and performance venues and one of the best university cinemas in the country. We boast an array of eclectic restaurants and craft breweries. Southern Indiana is also home to beautiful scenery, and residents enjoy year-round outdoor activities.

Qualifications:

• PhD in media-related field must be completed by the date of appointment
• Demonstrated potential or established record in research productivity
• Effective teaching skills adaptable to various learning environments

Application Documents:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Research and teaching statement
• Samples of published scholarship/work-in-progress (no more than three items)
• List of three academic references

Applications received by the deadline of October 1, 2024, will be given full consideration. The search committee will begin reviewing applications immediately after the deadline, and the position will remain open until filled. Interested candidates should submit application materials online at https://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/25153. The expected start date is August 1, 2025.

Questions regarding the position or application process should be directed to the chair of the search committee, Dr. Mike Gruszczynski, The Media School, Indiana University, at .

Indiana University is an equal employment and affirmative action employer and a provider of ADA services. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on individual qualifications. Indiana University prohibits discrimination based on age, ethnicity, color, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status.

For any positions that will include tenure, before a conditional offer of employment is finalized, candidates will be asked to disclose any pending investigations or previous findings of sexual or professional misconduct.  They will also be required to authorize an inquiry by Indiana University Bloomington with all current and former employers along these lines.  The relevance of information disclosed or ascertained in the context of this process to a candidate’s eligibility for hire will be evaluated by Indiana University Bloomington on a case-by-case basis. Applicants should be aware, however, that Indiana University Bloomington takes the matters of sexual and professional misconduct very seriously.