Assistant Professor
Department of Journalism, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The Department of Journalism seeks a tenure-track assistant professor with scholarly interests and expertise in environmental journalism to join a transdisciplinary “cluster” of new professors focused on Climate Impacts, Risk, and Inequality. This cluster, involving faculty hires in the departments of Atmospheric Sciences, Earth and Environmental Change, and Geography and Geographic Information Science as well as Journalism, is aimed at boosting the University’s ability to address the grand challenges facing society in Illinois and around the world, such as ameliorating the impacts of climate change on food security, human health, and ecosystem integrity, developing alternative technologies for clean energy and agricultural sustainability, and addressing social injustice arising from environmental inequities.
Successful candidates will be expected to develop a strong interdisciplinary research/ creative works program involving topics including but not limited to: public knowledge and perceptions of environmental risks and climate change, the role of journalism in public engagement with environmental issues, and the use of interactive technologies in the news media to improve public understanding of climate change. Teaching duties will include environmental journalism courses and development of courses and graduate seminars in a variety to areas related to use and effects of innovative technologies in environmental reporting. In addition to teaching and mentoring undergraduate students, our faculty work with master’s students in Journalism’s M.S. program, which recently launched an online focus in Science Journalism, and, together with the departments of Advertising and Media and Cinema Studies, train doctoral students in the College of Media.
The College of Media’s faculty consists of internationally renowned social scientists, media professionals, and humanities scholars and serves 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students (media.illinois.edu). The College is also home to the interdisciplinary Institute of Communications Research.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Scholars must have a PhD or equivalent terminal degree in journalism, communications, media or a related field.
- Journalism practitioners must hold a master’s degree or equivalent and have amassed an outstanding record of achievement in the profession, demonstrated through national or international awards and/or leadership roles.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Professional experience in the news media.
- University-level teaching experience.
- Publication record and productive research/ creative works program.
- Potential to secure grant funding.
To ensure full consideration, please upload the following:
- A cover letter addressing your interests in research, creative works and teaching;
- A current CV or resume;
- Three reference letters addressing your research, professional experience and expertise, and teaching;
- A statement on commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in research, teaching and service.
Full consideration will be given to applications received by October 10, 2023. Applicants may be interviewed before the closing date; however, no hiring decision will be made until after that date. The review will continue until the position has been filled.
About the Campus and Community:
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a comprehensive and major public land-grant university (Doctoral/Research University-Extensive) that is ranked among the best in the world. Chartered in 1867, it provides undergraduate and graduate education in more than 150 fields of study, conducts theoretical and applied research, and provides public service to the state and the nation. It employs about 3,000 faculty members who serve nearly 34,000 undergraduates and 16,000 graduate and professional students. More information about the campus is available at www.illinois.edu.
The university is located in the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana (situated in Champaign County which has a total population 207,000 (est.) in east-central Illinois, and is situated about 140 miles south of Chicago, 125 miles west of Indianapolis, and 180 northeast of St. Louis. The University and its surrounding communities offer a cultural and recreational environment ideally suited to the work of a major research institution. For more information about the community, visit: with.illinois.edu/advancement/living-in-c-u or www.champaigncounty.org.
Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Academic position, appointed on a 9-month basis (fall and spring semesters). The expected start date is August 2024. Salary is commensurate with experience.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Apply at: jobs.illinois.edu . Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through this website will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Dinah Stillwell, ddanielk@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu