Assistant Professor of Risk Communication Job at The University of Georgia in At

Assistant Professor of Risk Communication

University of Georgia (UGA) is a flagship public university in Georgia, ranked among the top 20 public universities in the United States. With more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements, UGA offers a vibrant, diverse community of scholars committed to high‑impact research, teaching, and service. UGA’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, and includes several affiliate campuses and centers.

The Department of Communication Studies, part of Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, is comprised of 21 full‑time faculty who are nationally recognized authorities in rhetorical studies, interpersonal communication, intergroup communication, persuasion, and health communication. The department offers a PhD program with approximately 40 graduate students and an undergraduate program with roughly 350 majors. It collaborates closely with the Institute of Behavioral Health Research, the Center for Health and Risk Communication, and UGA’s new medical school, among other units.

Position Summary

We are inviting applications for a full‑time, tenure‑track Assistant Professor position in Risk Communication. The successful candidate will contribute to the department’s strengths in interpersonal, intergroup, and health communication by developing a strong research program focused on risk communication and by providing high‑quality instruction to undergraduate and graduate students.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a funded research program that advances the field of risk communication.
• Teach courses in empirical research methods, communication theory, science communication, and at least one specialized risk communication course (e.g., risk perceptions, risk decision‑making, environmental and health risk).
• Provide mentorship and guidance to graduate and undergraduate students.
• Participate in faculty meetings, service to the department and university, and the broader academic community.
• Contribute to curricular innovation that advances risk communication and related disciplines.

Qualifications

• PhD in Communication (or a closely related field) by the time of appointment.
• Evidence of a strong research program or strong potential for one in risk communication.
• Commitment to teaching and mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students.
• Ability to teach courses in empirical research methods, communication theory, science communication, and risk communication.
• Demonstrated record of, or strong promise for, securing extramural funding.
• Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research and curricular innovation.

Application Process

Applications must include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, writing sample, and the names of three references with contact information. Letters of reference, a teaching portfolio (including a teaching philosophy, course evaluation summaries, and a sample syllabus), and further documentation may be requested at a later date. Submit all materials through the UGA faculty search portal. For questions, contact Search Chair Dr. Chelsea Ratcliff at commsearch@uga.edu.

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• Writing Sample
• List of References with Contact Information

EEO Statement

University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status. Persons needing accommodations may contact Central HR at hrweb@uga.edu.