Assistant Professor, Health & Science Communication, Tenure Track

North Consulting Group; Grand Forks (ND); On-site; USD 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Dakota seeks a tenure-track assistant professor in the Department of Communication with expertise in science and health communication across diverse contexts. The candidate will teach undergraduate courses face-to-face and online, and some graduate courses, while building a vibrant research program.

Initial contract allocation is 50% teaching, 40% research, and 10% service, with expectations to publish in peer‑reviewed journals and pursue external grants for tenure.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Communication or related discipline by Aug 15, 2027.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct and publish scientific studies.
• Experience teaching online and with diverse student populations.

Responsibilities

• Initial contract with 50% teaching, 40% research, 10% service.
• Teach undergraduate courses face-to-face and online, plus graduate courses.
• Publish peer‑reviewed articles and apply for external grants for tenure.

Skills

Publishing scientific studies

Written and verbal communication

Interpersonal collaboration

Diversity engagement

Online teaching adaptability

Education

Ph.D. in Communication

Job description

The Department of Communication at the University of North Dakota seeks a tenure-track assistant professor who has expertise in science and health communication within diverse social, cultural, political, and global contexts and who employs either qualitative, quantitative, and/or computational research methods.

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 ([e-mail]) 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.

Publishing peer-reviewed journal articles and applying for competitive external grants on a regular basis will be expected for tenure. Annual teaching load will be 2/2. The successful candidate will be expected to teach undergraduate-level courses face-to-face and online, including but not limited to, Science Communication, Health Communication, and Persuasion. The candidate will also be expected to teach some graduate-level (M.A. and Ph.D.) courses such as Theoretical Perspectives in Communication, Concepts in Qualitative Communication Research, Interpersonal Relations and Communication, and Intercultural Communication. Assigned courses will be consistent with the successful candidate’s area of expertise.

Required Competencies

• Established ability to conducting and publishing 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, including online delivery

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

• Evidence of track record of research, teaching, education, and/or professional experience related to communication
• 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 initial contract are August 16, 2027 – May 15, 2028. Summer teaching may be available but is neither guaranteed nor required.

Position is open until filled.

Questions can be directed to the Department Chair, Joonghwa Lee, at [e-mail].

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 with nearly 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 roughly 60,000 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.