Job Details

Assistant Professor of Communication Studies - Mass Communication and Media Production (25/26)

Apply now Job no: 542374
Work type: Instructional Faculty – Tenured/Tenure-Track
Location: San Luis Obispo
Categories: Unit 3 - CFA - California Faculty Association, Tenured/Tenure-Track, Full Time, Faculty - Communications/Journalism, On-site (work in-person at business location)

The Communication Studies Department in the College of Liberal Arts at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, is seeking applications for a full-time, academic-year, tenure-track Assistant Professor to begin September 11, 2025. Area of Specialization (AOS): Mass Communication and Media Production. Areas of Concentration (AOC): strategic and/or crisis communication; legacy media; new media, including social media and AI; narratives and storytelling; or social movements and advocacy.

We are seeking applicants with an earned or nearly completed doctorate in Communication Studies, Media Studies, or a closely related field. Preference is for quantitative methodologies. The ideal candidate will have a combination of university-level teaching experience and research potential.

Primary teaching duties would include courses in Media Studies and Media Effects. Additional teaching responsibilities may include classes in Communication Theory, Quantitative Research Methods, Technology and Human Communication, and Public Speaking. The successful candidate will also be expected to develop at least one course related to media production that aligns with the department's current curriculum as well as the candidate's expertise. Non-instructional duties include engaging in productive research and scholarship, service, and academic advising and mentorship of undergraduate students.

Interested applicants should complete the online faculty application at and submit it to Requisition #542374. Review Begin Date: 11-8-2024.

Anticipated Hiring Range: $90,276- $98,244/year, $7,523- $8,187/month (Note that hiring level will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the candidate.)

Although Cal Poly is primarily a teaching university, our faculty are expected to balance teaching with an active program of research/professional development (including publication), student supervision and advising, and participation in service activities at the department and college/university level. The typical teaching load is 12 units (three courses) per quarter, with a reduction in course load in each of the first two years to help new faculty establish an active program of research and professional development. Cal Poly strongly values diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), especially in the classroom and among its areas of study.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Communication Studies, Media Studies or closely related discipline, earned or nearing completion (degree completion expected no later than August 2025)
• Demonstrated success in undergraduate teaching
• Completed at least 1 graduate level coursework in mass communication, media studies, media effects, and/or media production
• Record of scholarship in mass communication or media effects
• Evidence of potential for scholarly and/or creative achievement in AOC (see above)
• Documented experience implementing anti-racism, inclusion, diversity, and educational equity initiatives.
• Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated university teaching experience in undergraduate media studies and/or media production courses
• Demonstrated expertise in quantitative methodologies related to media effects
• Demonstrated experience related to media productions and/or AOCs (see above)
• Potential for grant development in areas related to AOC
• Willingness to participate in interdisciplinary programs overlapping with AOC, including course development and possible program curriculum development
• Demonstrated experience and commitment to student-centered learning and teaching
• Demonstrated ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive environment
• Preference will also be given to those with relevant work experience and those who bring professional capabilities

Special Conditions

All CSU employees are designated "mandated reporters" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act. As a condition of your employment, you will be required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 and any subsequent amendments.

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment.

Please note: Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive.

How to Apply

To apply, please visit complete a required online faculty application and apply to Requisition #542374. Please upload the following required materials as part of the electronic application:

• Cover letter
• Statement of demonstrated commitment to DEI in teaching, scholarship, and/or service
• Statement of teaching philosophy
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness
• Unofficial transcripts showing highest degree earned
• Sample syllabi for media studies, media effects, or equivalent course
• List of Cal Poly courses for which the candidate is qualified and interested in teaching
• Evidence of Research, Scholarship or Creative Activities

Please be prepared to provide three professional references with names and email addresses when completing the online faculty application. For full consideration apply by the REVIEW BEGIN DATE: November 8, 2024. Applications received after this date may be considered.

Projected Start Date: September 11, 2025

Review Begin Date: November 8, 2024. Applicants with complete files by the Review Begin Date will be given full consideration.

For questions about the position please contact Megan Lambertz-Berndt (...@calpoly.edu), search committee chair and associate professor, or Dr. Anuraj Dhillon (...@calpoly.edu), department chair and associate professor, Communication Studies Department.