Communication Policy, Technology and Democracy: Open Rank

The School of Communication (SOC) at American University in Washington, D.C., invites applications for a full-time, open-rank position (Assistant, Associate or Full) with a start date of August 1, 2023. Applicants should have a PhD in Communication, Media Studies, Science and Technology Studies, or a related field.

Our ideal candidate is a recognized or rapidly emerging thought leader in the area of information and communication law and policy, with a focus on Internet-based platforms and infrastructures, and emerging media, especially as tied to democracy and governance. Scholarship is expected to have clear implications for policy – whether for federal agencies, international treaty organizations, Internet and/or platform governance, standard-setting organizations, NGOs, or other major sites of governance and policy. The candidate should already have a solid publication track record in scholarly venues, whether in books or articles.

For American University, this hire will be part of our leadership position on policy and digital platforms and will connect several schools. We particularly seek a collaborative leader who will work across disciplines, including to our prominent law school, with our peers in computer science, and possibly with industry. The successful candidate will be invited to participate in several university research centers, such as the Internet Governance Lab, the Center for Media and Social Impact, and the law school’s programs on Information Justice and Intellectual Property and on Tech, Law, and Security. A track record of raising funds for research (and eventually for centers) is ideal.

This position will be integral to our PhD and Master’s programs. The position has an administrative appointment in the Communication Studies division at SOC, which houses our competitive doctoral program, our MA in Media, Technology and Democracy, and a research-focused undergraduate program. A passion for mentoring future scholars and strong teaching skills are essential.

Critical and intersectional approaches that examine social inequalities and the exercise of power are particularly welcome. Women, underrepresented individuals, people with disabilities, and veterans of the armed forces are encouraged to apply.

Salary and benefits are competitive. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled, subject to on-going budgetary approval. Please submit applications via Interfolio. Include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and summary descriptions of recently published, position-relevant work as well as a statement of past and/or anticipated contributions to diversity and inclusion through teaching, research, and service. Recommendation letters and evaluations of teaching will be requested at later stages of the search. Depending on qualifications, the
appointee to this position may be recommended for tenure at the time of hiring, pending successful tenure review and approval by the Board of Trustees.

Please contact Liz Kan, Faculty Affairs Coordinator at (202) 885-2751 or lizkan@american.edu with questions about the position or the process.

American University is a private institution within easy reach of the many centers of government, business, research, and the arts located within the nation’s capital. For more information about American University, please visit www.american.edu.

Established in 1993, the School of Communication offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Communication Studies is one of the School’s four divisions. Others are Film and Media Arts, Journalism, and Public Communication. To learn more about the School of Communication (SOC), please visit www.american.edu/soc/and about the Communication Studies division at www.american.edu/soc/communication-studies.