Tenure Track Assistant or Associate Professor, Science Communication

The Missouri School of Journalism, University of Missouri, Columbia

The Missouri School of Journalism is seeking applications for a tenure track faculty position at the rank of assistant or associate professor in science communication with interest in health communication beginning Fall 2026. The School has a long-standing reputation for providing cutting-edge research, teaching and outreach work that influence and lead the industry. With an increasing need to deepen public understanding of science and improve public discourse about science, this position has been created to further the School's mission of facilitating high-impact research activities that can help bridge the divide between scientists, science/health communicators and the broader public. Candidates may come from academic disciplines such as journalism, strategic communication or related fields, with research expertise in science/health communication as broadly defined.

This significant investment continues MU's strategy of hiring faculty from key interdisciplinary areas to strengthen its culture of academic collaboration and industry outreach to attain a global impact. Successful candidates for the position will be expected to contribute to the University's science communication initiatives and provide an innovative and forward-thinking vision and goals for bringing together interdisciplinary researchers, students and professionals from journalism, strategic communication, science, public health, medicine, extension and other fields.

This is a renewable 9-month appointment.

Minimum Qualifications: A Ph.D. in journalism, communication or related fields is required by the start date.

Candidates will be evaluated on:
The successful candidate should have an established research program including high impact publications and a desire and/or demonstrated ability to secure grant funding with primary focus in science communication with interest in health communication. The successful candidate should also be committed to interdisciplinary teaching, have a demonstrated ability to mentor graduate students and help create a climate that attracts students from all backgrounds. The new faculty member should have an enthusiastic desire and/or demonstrated ability to collaborate on interdisciplinary research, teaching and training with other academic units on campus, and to build connections with the professional community.

Along with the online application, please upload (a) a cover letter that describes your research, teaching, and outreach/professional experiences; (b) a curriculum vitae, (c) evidence of teaching excellence, d) the names and contact information for three references. Should you have any questions, please send an email to Dr. Earnest Perry, chair of the search committee, at perryel@missouri.edu.

Please submit your application materials by September 1, 2025, for full consideration. Application review and interviewing will continue until the positions are filled.

About Missouri School of Journalism

Founded in 1908, the Missouri School of Journalism is the world's oldest and leading journalism
program and has been widely recognized for excellence and innovation in undergraduate and graduate education and scholarship. Founded in 1908, the Missouri School of Journalism is the world's oldest and leading journalism program and has been widely recognized for excellence and innovation in undergraduate and graduate education and scholarship. NewsPro-Radio Television Digital News Association has ranked the Missouri School of Journalism "far and away" the No. 1 journalism school in the country. The National Research Council ranks the School's doctoral program among the top journalism/communication programs in the nation. In addition, the School's Reynolds Journalism Institute provides significant resources for researchers and professionals to test new ideas, uses social science research to assess their effectiveness, and delivers solutions that citizens and journalists can put to use in their communities. The School also operates the McDougall Center for Photojournalism Studies, the Prime Lab, the Murray Center for Documentary Journalism, and Novak Leadership Institute.

Currently, the School offers academic education and practical training to more than 2,000 undergraduates and 200 graduate students. The School has close and productive relationships with other academic units on campus, the media industry and the local community. It operates nationally award-winning, community-based, multiplatform news outlets and produces comprehensive research-based advertising and public relations campaigns for paid clients. The School also houses headquarters of prominent professional organizations, including News Leaders Association, Investigative Reporters and Editors, Association of Health Care Journalists, and the Pictures of the Year, among others.

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.