Tenure Track Assistant Professor Specialization in Computational Communication

Villanova University; Lower Merion Township (Montgomery County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holistic benefits

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Flexible work options

Wellness programs

Job summary

Villanova University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Computational Communication to begin Fall 2027. The Department emphasizes quantitative methods and offers undergraduate, MA, and certificates in communication.

The candidate will teach across the B.A. in Communication and related programs, pursue an active research agenda, and contribute to a supportive college environment at Villanova University.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Communication or allied discipline; ABD considered if degree is completed by Aug 2027.
• Active, theoretically grounded research in quantitative computational social science and big data analytics.

Responsibilities

• Teach and advise undergraduates and graduates; 2-2 first year, 3-2 in year two.
• Develop and sustain an active research program in computational communication.

Skills

Computational Text Analysis

Network Science

Machine Learning

Human-AI Interaction

Emerging Methods

Education

Ph.D. in Communication

ABD considered

Job description

Posting Details

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Posting Number: 20260081F

Position Title: Tenure Track Assistant Professor Specialization in Computational Communication

Position Type: Faculty

Location: Villanova, PA

Recruitment Type: Internal/External Applicants

Work Schedule: full-time/9-months

Department: 145-Communication

Position Summary

The Department of Communication at Villanova University seeks applicants for a tenure-track position in Computational Communication at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin Fall 2027.

With one of the largest undergraduate majors in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, the Department of Communication offers courses leading to the B.A. in Communication with opportunities to specialize in eight different areas of the discipline. The Department offers both a M.A. in Communication and a graduate certificate in Strategic Communication. Our faculty value excellence in teaching and research and seek applicants who can contribute to our supportive, collegial work environment.

Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University’s mission and values.

Why work at Villanova?

• Join a mission-driven organization. Since Villanova University’s founding in 1842, we have been inspired by the values of truth, unity, and love, and are a community dedicated to service to others.


• Villanova has been included among the nation’s best colleges and universities. VU's inclusion again in U.S. News & World Report's 2026 "Best Colleges" rankings is another indication of the University’s continued prominence and forward momentum.


• Villanova’s most precious asset is our people. As an employee, you will receive a holistic benefits package, generous paid time off, a competitive retirement savings plan, flexible work options, wellness programs including gym membership, professional development, tuition assistance, and more .

Duties And Responsibilities

The teaching load is 2-2 the first year of the appointment and 3-2 beginning in the second year, with a focus on quantitative communication research methods and specialized electives. Candidates will be expected to pursue an active program of research in one or more of the areas indicated above. In support of this, Villanova offers the opportunity to apply for a semester-long sabbatical in the fourth year. Service responsibilities include student advising and mentoring, curriculum development and assessment, and other service meaningfully related to the candidate’s specialization and research interests.

Minimum Qualifications

Successful applicants will have a terminal degree in Communication (Ph.D.), or allied discipline. ABD will be considered with degree completion by August 2027. They should demonstrate an active, theoretically grounded research agenda utilizing quantitative computational social science and big data analytics to investigate human communication processes, media ecosystems, and/or message dynamics. We welcome candidates working across core, applied, or interdisciplinary fields of communication and associated areas of inquiry, such as health, environment, and sports.

Applicants must possess demonstrated technical expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Computational Text Analysis & NLP in Communication


• Network Science & Digital-Trace Communication Data


• Algorithmic & Machine Learning Approaches


• Human-AI & Algorithmic Interaction


• Emerging Computational Methods: Other advanced data science, artificial intelligence, or quantitative methodologies applied to communication phenomena not listed above

Salary Posting Information

Competitive

Job Classification: faculty

References Needed

References Needed

Minimum Number of References Needed 3

Maximum Number of References Needed 3

Submission Dates

Posting Date: 10/08/2026

Closing Date (11:59pm ET): 11/15/2026