Tenure Track Assistant Professor, Journalism Studies

University of Missouri - Columbia School of Journalism

The Missouri School of Journalism seeks applications for a faculty position in Journalism Studies at the rank of tenure-track assistant professor beginning Fall 2027.

We seek a forward-thinking colleague with a focus on future visions of the journalism industry, such as evolutions in professional practice and business models in a changing digital media landscape. The Missouri School of Journalism has a long-standing reputation for providing cutting-edge research, teaching, and outreach work that influence and lead the industry. We seek candidates with a commitment to further the School's mission of excellent teaching and high-impact research in the field of journalism studies, and a desire to contribute to the dynamic and collaborative culture at the world's first school of journalism. The School also values research that impacts the industry and communities it serves.

This is a renewable 9-month appointment.

About Missouri School of Journalism
Founded in 1908, the Missouri School of Journalism is the world's oldest and leading journalism program and has been widely recognized for excellence and innovation in undergraduate and graduate education and scholarship. Founded in 1908, the Missouri School of Journalism is the world's oldest and leading journalism program and has been widely recognized for excellence and innovation in undergraduate and graduate education and scholarship. NewsPro-Radio Television Digital News Association has ranked the Missouri School of Journalism "far and away" the No. 1 journalism school in the country. The National Research Council ranks the School's doctoral program among the top journalism/communication programs in the nation. In addition, the School's Reynolds Journalism Institute provides significant resources for researchers and professionals to test new ideas, uses social science research to assess their effectiveness, and delivers solutions that citizens and journalists can use in their communities. The School also operates the McDougall Center for Photojournalism Studies, the Prime Lab, the Murray Center for Documentary Journalism, and Novak Leadership Institute.

Currently, the School offers academic education and practical training to more than 2,000 undergraduates and 200 graduate students. The School has close and productive relationships with other academic units on campus, the media industry and the local community. It operates nationally award-winning, community-based, multiplatform news outlets and produces comprehensive research-based advertising and public relations campaigns for paid clients. The School also houses headquarters of prominent professional organizations, including News Leaders Association, Investigative Reporters and Editors, Association of Health Care Journalists, and the Pictures of the Year, among others.

Qualifications and responsibilities: A Ph.D. in journalism, communication or related fields is required by the start date.

Candidates will be evaluated on:
The successful candidate should have a demonstrated record of research productivity focused on developing areas of journalism within broader social, cultural, political, economic, and legal contexts. They are expected to teach one or more courses across the undergraduate core curriculum and courses in the graduate curriculum such as media ethics, media economics, news literacy and areas of candidates' specialties. Teaching interests and experience in large lectures are highly desirable. The new faculty member should have an enthusiastic desire and/or demonstrated ability to collaborate on interdisciplinary research, teaching and training with other academic units on campus, and to build connections with the professional community. Applicants with professional experience in journalism or a communication-related field are highly desirable.

Along with the online application, please upload (a) a cover letter that describes your research, teaching, and outreach/professional experiences; (b) a curriculum vitae, (c) evidence of teaching excellence, d) the names and contact information for three references. Should you have any questions, please send an email to Earnest Perry, chair of the search committee, at perryel@missouri.edu. Please submit your application materials by September 28, 2026, for full consideration. Application review and interviewing will continue until the position is filled.

Employment visa sponsorship may be available for candidates currently in the United States in H-1B status or other work-authorized status.

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.