Assistant Professor - Communication department - Media & Computational Methods J

Overview

Assistant Professor - Communication department, Media & Computational Methods (Finance). The University of South Florida seeks a 9-month, full-time, tenure-earning Assistant Professor of Communication with a specialty in media and computational methods in the Department of Communication. A PhD in Communication or related area is required. Applicants who are ABD will be accepted, but the degree must be conferred by the appointment start date on August 7, 2026. Salary is negotiable.

The department seeks a quantitative social scientist whose research focuses on media using computational methods. The ideal candidate will conduct theory-driven, empirical communication research; have a promising or demonstrated outstanding research record; and the potential for obtaining external funding. The ideal candidate may focus on media from a variety of perspectives (e.g., audiences, content, effects, institutions, processes, systems) and topical areas (e.g., artificial intelligence, campaigns, entertainment, health, identity, information quality/integrity, literacy, politics, popular culture, publics, social media, and social movements). Computational approaches to these media perspectives and topics can include, but are not limited to: semantic network analysis, social network analysis, data analytics, data visualization, machine learning (ML), or natural language processing.

The department embraces a range of humanistic and social scientific inquiry into media. The candidate should engage innovative approaches to media and computational methods and address implications for difference, belonging, and/or representation. Ability to engage with qualitative approaches to communication is welcome.

The Department is committed to inclusive excellence and strives to recruit and retain faculty who represent the cross-section of students the University serves, supporting the academic, professional, and personal success of all faculty.

Minimum Qualifications

• A doctoral degree in Communication or a related field from an accredited institution at time of appointment.
• A demonstrated record or promise of achievement in academic, quantitative social scientific research regarding media and computational methods. Must meet university criteria for appointment to the rank of Assistant Professor.
• A demonstrated record of or potential for obtaining external funding.

Preferred Qualifications

• A record of academic research achievement in media and computational methods that demonstrates the ability to earn tenure at a research-1 institution.
• Ability to speak to the implications of research for difference, belonging, and/or representation.
• Conversant with qualitative approaches to communication.
• Experience teaching courses in communication or related fields, particularly quantitative/ computational methods, persuasion and media, or media topics in the candidate's area of expertise.
• The potential to mentor master's and doctoral students.

How to Apply

When applying, you will upload all required materials in one attachment. Only online applications are accepted for this position. Please submit the following, compiled in one PDF document, by 10/31/25, in this order*:

• A cover letter (no longer than two pages) that includes information related to research and teaching
• A CV
• One article/chapter-length publication
• Names and contact information for three references

*More materials, including a teaching portfolio, an extended research statement, and letters of reference may be requested at a later date.

Review of applications will begin after 10/31/25. Questions about this position should be addressed to Joshua M. Scacco, Search Committee Chair (jscacco@usf.edu).

Conclusion of this search is subject to final budget approval. According to Florida Law, applications and meetings regarding them are open to the public. USF is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution. For disability accommodations, contact the department at 813-974-2145 / Ryan McGahan (mcgahan@usf.edu), a minimum of five working days in advance. This position is subject to Foreign Influence Screening. House Bill 7017 ("HB 7017").

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, USF is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university. USF is a member of the AAU and has a strong research portfolio and community impact.

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check. Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and reasonable accommodations in the application process. A request should be made at least five (5) working days prior to when the accommodation is needed. For accommodations during the application/interview process, visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations page.

Applicants should be able to teach undergraduate and graduate courses in quantitative methods, computational methods, and persuasion and media, in a variety of modalities, and may integrate computational social science topics into their courses, including Python or R. Mentoring master’s and doctoral students is preferred.