Assistant Professor in Media Studies

University of Alabama at Birmingham; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Communication Studies at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor in Media Studies to begin August 2027.

The successful candidate will teach courses in critical media studies and multimedia production, with preference for broadcasting, digital media, film, or multimedia journalism, and will contribute to multiple concentrations within the media curriculum.

Qualifications

• Terminal degree (PhD or MFA) by August 15, 2027.
• PhD or MFA in Media, Communication Studies, or closely related field.
• Record of publications or potential for research.
• Evidence of effective instruction or potential to teach.

Responsibilities

• Teach four courses per year (2/2) in media studies.
• Develop classes in areas of expertise.
• Contribute to undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
• Deliver instruction in both in-person and online formats.

Skills

Critical media studies

Multimedia production

Teaching

Broadcasting

Digital media

Film

Multimedia journalism

Education

PhD or MFA

Media/Communication Studies

Job description

Assistant Professor in Media Studies

The Department of Communication Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor in Media Studies to begin August 2027. We seek applications from candidates with a strong background in critical media studies and the ability to teach multimedia production (preferred areas include broadcasting, digital media, film, or multimedia journalism). The teaching load will be four courses per year over two semesters (2/2).

Areas of specialization may include Digital Media, Advertising, Visual Storytelling, Interactive Digital Narrative, and related emerging media fields. Versatility in teaching media courses is desirable, as the successful candidate will support multiple concentrations within the media curriculum. Instruction may include both in-person and online delivery formats.

A terminal degree (PhD or MFA) by August 15, 2027, is required. Ideal qualifications include a degree in Media, Communication Studies, or a closely related field; a record of publications or the potential for conducting research; a record of effective instruction or the potential to effectively teach. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to our department by teaching a variety of courses in our undergraduate and graduate degree programs and developing classes in their own areas of expertise.

The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) is home to 19 academic departments and six Centers and Institutes. Our 19 departments - home to over 300 full-time faculty and more than 58 baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral degrees - make us the largest academic entity in the UAB academic enterprise. We are home to research centers, community outreach programs, and interdisciplinary cooperation.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is a research university and academic health center that discovers, teaches, and applies knowledge for the intellectual, cultural, social, and economic benefit of Birmingham, the state, and beyond. UAB is internationally renowned for its intensely collaborative culture that has - for more than five decades - produced breakthroughs in education, health care, research, and service. UAB was ranked #1 in the United States for 2018 and 2019 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, Young University Rankings. In 2021, Forbes named UAB as America's No. 1 Best Large Employer, topping a list of more than 500 public and private corporations, hospitals, universities, Fortune 500 companies and more, across dozens of industries. Most recently, UAB earned the distinction of being named to the 2025 Great Colleges to Work For Honor Roll.

Review of applications will begin immediately, and all applications submitted by October 26, 2026, will receive full consideration. Campus interviews are anticipated to be scheduled in early December.

All applications should be submitted online and include the following documents:

• A two-to-three-page cover letter that specifically addresses your qualifications, research, and teaching experience
• Curriculum Vitae
• Teaching portfolio that includes your teaching philosophy, syllabi of courses taught, summaries of course evaluations, and other evidence of effective instruction
• Additional materials that demonstrate your experience in media, such as creative portfolios, recently completed media projects, and representative media publications
• The names and email addresses for three professional references

UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, religion, and veteran's status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB's Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.

A pre-employment background check investigation is performed on candidates selected for employment.