(13/09/2021) Job Market : Mississippi State University, USA: Assistant Professor of Com’

Position Function:
This is one full-time, 9-month, tenure-track faculty position requiring the successful candidate to teach, conduct research, and perform service. See below for more specifics.

Salary Grade:  UC
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges.  For salary grade UC, these positions are “Unclassified” and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Department Profile:
The Department of Communication at Mississippi State University (www.comm.msstate.edu) is one of the largest on campus. There are approximately 600 undergraduate majors across five concentrations: Broadcast & Digital Journalism, Communication & Media Studies, Print & Digital Journalism, Public Relations, and Theatre. Students may choose concentrations in more than one area, and minors are offered in each concentration.

The department is offering students a new Master of Arts in Communication program beginning in January 2022. Information on the graduate program is available at https://www.comm.msstate.edu/graduate-program

Students within the department can take part in many different career advancement programs, such as internships and other student clubs and organizations like Alpha Psi Omega, Lamda Pi Eta, Speech & Debate Council, Lab Rats Comedy & Improv, Public Relations & Integrated Student Media (PRISM) agency, Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), Take 30 News, The Reflector, among others.

The department is committed to fostering an environment that values and affirms diversity, equity, and inclusion. The department is committed to removing barriers that have been traditionally encountered by individuals from underrepresented groups and makes every attempt to support faculty members’ academic, professional, and personal success. The department values diversity in experience, background and research perspectives and is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for teaching and learning.

Area of Specialization:
Communication & Media Studies, Broadcast/Print & Digital Journalism, or Public Relations

Anticipated Appointment Date:
August 16, 2022

Tenure Track Status:
Tenure Track

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will teach courses in the graduate program, the concentration of Communication & Media Studies, and/or other undergraduate concentrations, if appropriate. Courses may include upper-level undergraduate and graduate courses in communication theory (e.g., Elements of Persuasion, Rhetorical Theory, Advanced Communication Theory, Communication Theory) and/or methods (e.g., Communication & Media Research Methods, Seminar in Communication Research).

A typical course load for an assistant professor with an active research agenda is three undergraduate courses per semester. If teaching graduate courses, the workload is 3/2, reduced during the semester teaching at the graduate level. During the first two years of employment, an additional course equivalent reassignment per semester for tenure-track positions may be granted (for an overall 2-2 load), thus encouraging the individual to initiate or continue a strong research program.

Research is defined by the university, college, and department in a broad context. Excellence in research or creative achievement must be established by critical peer evaluation, using standards prevailing in the discipline. More information on promotion and tenure is available in the faculty handbook which can be found at http://www.provost.msstate.edu/pdf/faculty_handbook.pdf.

Service includes advising majors and student organizations, developing curriculum, and serving on committees. Service activities within the community and professional disciplines also are recognized as aspects of faculty achievement.

Minimum Qualifications:
For tenure-track positions, the appropriate terminal degree and a strong record of or potential for successful teaching and scholarly research are required. Highly qualified ABDs will be considered, but a communication-related terminal degree must be completed within one year of the appointment date.

ABDs or degree pending considered (all but DISS):
Yes

Preferred Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will have a PhD in a communication field, a strong record of scholarly research, and collegiate teaching experience. Candidates able to teach courses pertaining to communication theory, research methods (quantitative, qualitative, or critical approaches), and/or communication in a particular context (e.g., political, international) are preferred.

Candidates who have experience in – or the potential for – building an enriched, equitable, and diverse scholarly environment are strongly encouraged to apply. A demonstrated commitment to work with students of all backgrounds and with students holding a range of world views is valued.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
The successful candidate must have a thorough knowledge of the field and a willingness to participate collegially in a broad department. Colleagues must be able to communicate that knowledge to students as well as to other important groups through scholarship and service. See above for overall duties and responsibilities.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:
The successful candidate must be able to teach in a classroom setting, conduct research, and provide service in the profession.

Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply:  http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/

All applicants must apply online at http://www.msujobs.msstate.edu and attach (1) a cover letter (1–2-page letter of application summarizing teaching experience and performance, current scholarship/professional agenda, personal contribution to an enriched diverse environment, and a 5-year career plan), (2) current resume or curriculum vitae, (3) contact information for at least three professional references. Review of applications will begin Sept. 13, 2021, and continue until the position is filled.

Questions regarding the position are welcome and can be directed to Dr. Holli Seitz, Search Committee Chair, at hseitz@comm.msstate.edu

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.