Assistant Professor in Media Studies

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

• Current Penn State employee: log in to Workday to apply internally.
• Current Penn State student: log in to Workday to apply internally.
• External applicants: click "Apply" and complete external application.

Remote and hybrid work approval is not guaranteed. See Notice to Out of State Applicants for more details.

The Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications seeks an outstanding faculty member for an Assistant Professor rank tenure‑track position in the Department of Film Production and Media Studies starting in August 2026. The successful candidate will contribute to the broad intellectual life of the college and department and to the ongoing cutting‑edge research initiatives with the Media Effects Research Lab (MERL).

Applicants should have a PhD in Communications or a related field and demonstrate appropriate experience with teaching undergraduate and graduate students. The candidate will support classes and projects centered around the Media Effects track and is expected to contribute to MERL, a collaborative media effects research facility with cutting‑edge technologies. Ideally, the candidate will have a research agenda related to Health and/or Science Communication that fits this model of research production, integrating graduate and undergraduate students into studying media effects using social‑scientific approaches.

More information about the department and the MERL can be found at https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Applicants should apply at  and submit a letter of application, resume, and the names and contact information for three professional references. Review of applications will begin September 15, 2025 and continue until a qualified candidate is identified. Please direct any questions to committee chair, Dr. Chris Skurka,  information on the college and its programs, see .

The University Park Campus is set in State College, a university town located in the heart of central Pennsylvania. State College offers a vibrant community with outstanding recreational and cultural activities. The campus is also within a half‑day drive to Washington, DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City and Pittsburgh.

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

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The ASR is available for review here.

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