Assistant Professor in Political Communication

Application Window

The Department of Communication invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor position in the area of Political Communication. Candidates should have strong methodological skills, a record of publishing theoretically oriented, rigorous empirical research, and an appreciation of the broader implications of their work. We are particularly interested in candidates with strengths in computational methods (e.g., natural language processing, machine learning, data acquisition, audiovisual processing).

The Department seeks a scholar who demonstrates knowledge of classic and burgeoning theoretical perspectives central to the role of communication in contemporary political life. Particular areas of study might include traditional political communication topics such as electoral campaigns, news and public opinion, collective action and advocacy, political participation and partisanship, and digitally mediated politics, among others. Scholars could also focus on empirical analyses of global socio-political issues such as communication and democracy, terrorism, environmental, or immigration policy; issues regarding race/ethnicity and culture in a political context; political communication centered within an understanding of the experience of minoritized communities; or comparative/cross national political communication or misinformation, among other possibilities. We are particularly enthusiastic to engage a scholar who addresses the most urgent challenges facing societies in democratic crisis.

We anticipate that the faculty member could also make substantive intellectual connections to other departments at UCSB such as Political Science, Sociology, Global Studies, Psychological and Brain Sciences, Computer Science, and to campus units, centers, or initiatives in Environmental Studies, Economics, Migration, Chicano Studies, Middle Eastern Studies, Information Technology and Society, and/or Data Science, among others. The successful candidate will also complement one or more of the Department’s core areas in interpersonal/intergroup communication, media and technology, and organizational communication. Candidates are expected to teach courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels and be active in professional and campus service.

UCSB is ranked in the top 7 public universities in the United States, and the Department of Communication is ranked 5th in worldwide comparisons. UCSB is a designated Hispanic Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution. It offers several programs to support incoming faculty, including housing assistance (https://www.housing.ucsb.edu/faculty-staff/faculty-housing) and various grant support programs.

This position will remain open until filled.

The University is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research, teaching and service as appropriate to the position.

All applicants must have minimally completed all requirements for a Ph.D (or equivalent) in a Communication or related social science field except dissertation by the time of application.

A Ph.D. (or equivalent) in communication or a related social scientific field is required by the time of appointment.

Candidates should have strong methodological skills; a record of publishing theoretically oriented, rigorous empirical research; and an appreciation of the broader implications of their work.

Please solicit letters of recommendation from your reference contacts to be considered "complete". PLEASE NOTE: Letters are to be solicited through UC Recruit.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/SARS-CoV-2_Covid-19. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. Please refer to Appendix F, Section II.C. of the policy for the deadlines applicable to new University of California employees. (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.) Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.