Black Digital Media

The Department of African & African American Studies (AFAS) and Program in Film & Media Studies (FMS) at Washington University in St. Louis invite applications for a tenure-track joint appointment in Black Digital Media Studies. The position will be at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin in the fall semester of 2021 and home-based in AFAS. This position is part of the Digital Transformation cluster hire: (https://insideartsci.wustl.edu/digital-transformation-hiring-initiative).

Qualifications
We are seeking innovative applicants in the field of digital media, new technologies, computing and/or data analytics with an emphasis in Black, Africana and/or Diasporic Studies. Areas of specialization might include, but are not limited to, Black technocultures, digital racism, activist media, gaming, alternative streaming platforms, surveillance technologies (facial recognition, biometrics, and digital profiling), AI, algorithmic bias, and social media. Applicants with firm grounding in cultural analytics are of particular interest, as are those with demonstrated interest in the use of digital platforms to collect and preserve Black film and media culture in the U.S. and globally as a form of community engagement.
Priority will be given to an energetic and promising scholar with evidence of publication, the desire to be an engaged member of two growing, dynamic academic units, and a commitment to the social equity and racial justice missions of AFAS and FMS. The successful candidate must be able to teach introductory, advanced undergraduate and graduate courses in AFAS and FMS and who might contribute to the curriculum in Data Science in the Humanities. Of the four courses taught during an academic year, one will be homebased in FMS. Other duties include advising students and participating in AFAS and FMS activities and governance. A strong candidate will demonstrate the ability to create inclusive classroom environments in which a diverse array of students can learn and thrive. Applicants must have completed the Ph.D. no later than June 30, 2021. Advanced assistant professors are welcome to apply.

Application Instructions
• A cover letter, including a statement of current and future research goals, a brief teaching statement and relevant classes, and a demonstration of how the candidate fits into the missions of both AFAS and FMS
• Curriculum Vitae
• Teaching portfolio, including sample syllabi and copies of student evaluations (if available)
• One writing sample, preferably a published article, book chapter, or a dissertation chapter may be submitted if previous publications are unavailable.
• Three (3) letters of reference