The Department of Communication at the University of North Dakota seeks a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Communication focusing on digital journalism and media production. We are seeking applicants who have expertise in multimedia journalism and production within diverse social, cultural, political, and global contexts and who employ a wide range of research methods to explore major issues in digital journalism. The successful candidate will be expected to conduct research, teach relevant journalism courses, and provide students with experiential learning opportunities in our new recording studios.
The University of North Dakota is supportive of dual-career assistance both within the University and the local community. Please be sure to notify our Recruiting Manager, Hannah Whalen (Hannah.Whalen@UND.edu) right away to explore dual-career opportunities.
Duties & Responsibilities
The successful applicant will receive an initial contract with an approximate effort distribution of 50% teaching, 40% research, and 10% service. We value diverse perspectives and actively seek applicants committed to the success of our students.
The successful candidate will have an annual teaching load of 2/2 and be expected to teach undergraduate-level journalism courses face-to-face and online. Course assignments may include but are not limited to, Introduction to Journalism, News Writing Fundamentals in the Online World, Audio Production and Broadcasting, Multimedia Reporting and Storytelling, and Senior Capstone in Communication. Graduate-level (M.A. and Ph.D.) teaching is also expected, with courses potentially including Professional Project in Communication and Qualitative Communication Research. Assigned courses will be consistent with the candidate’s area of expertise. Additionally, the new hire will be expected to contribute to the development and supervision of a student-run multimedia production studio facility in the future.
Publishing peer-reviewed journal articles and applying for competitive external grants on a regular basis will be expected for tenure.
Required Competencies
- Ability to conduct and publish scientific studies
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, including evidence of the ability to teach, inspire, and mentor students
- Effective interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, and students
- Ability and willingness to work with and engage diverse students and colleagues within and outside the Department of Communication
- Ability to adapt to current methods of teaching and research, including online delivery and integration of artificial intelligence
Minimum Requirements
- Ph.D. in Communication or related discipline by 8/15/2027
- Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Official transcripts from the highest educational institution must be provided upon hire.
Preferred Qualifications
- Professional experience in digital media production
- Evidence of track record of research, teaching, education, and/or professional experience related to journalism
- Experience being part of an externally (grant)-funded research team(s)
- Evidence of applying for and/or obtaining external funding
- Experience incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into research and teaching
- Experience offering students experiential learning opportunities
- Experience teaching both undergraduate-level and graduate-level courses in a Department of Communication’s curriculum
- Experience teaching online courses
Minimum Hiring Salary
$65,000
Work Schedule/Start Date
Position is full-time, benefited, and exempt. The dates of the initial contract are August 16, 2027 – May 15, 2028. Summer teaching may be available but is neither guaranteed nor required.
To Apply
To assure full consideration, applications must be received by September 30, 2026, and include the following materials:
- Letter of application
- Curriculum vitae
- List of at least three references (including contact information)
Position is open until filled.
Questions can be directed to the Department Chair, Joonghwa Lee, at joonghwa.lee@und.edu.
Additional Information
Established in 1883, the University of North Dakota is the oldest research university in North Dakota. Founded with a strong liberal arts foundation, it is the state’s flagship university and is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as having very high research activity. UND offers degrees in more than 225 fields of study and enrolls about 16,000 students. It is the home of the state’s only School of Law and School of Medicine. The School of Medicine and Health Sciences has major initiatives in rural and public health, and Aerospace is home to one of the first and largest unmanned aerial vehicle programs in the world.
UND is located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, a vibrant college town of over 57,000 people located on the border of North Dakota and Minnesota. Short commutes, a great public-school system, high-quality medical facilities, low crime, ample parks and theaters, and a cost of living below that found in large American cities are some of Grand Forks’ advantages. Ranked as one of the top 5 Best Small College Towns, and America’s Best Hockey Town, Grand Forks offers stellar quality of life without the metropolitan hassles.
