Description
The Department of Communication Studies at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte invites applications for a tenure-track position with a focus in digital storytelling and digital media production at the rank of Assistant Professor beginning August 15, 2026. Required qualifications include a Ph.D. in Communication Studies, Media Studies, Journalism and Mass Communication or a related area, along with the demonstration of:
- An active research agenda that can lead to significant publications and external grants
- The ability to teach courses in the theory, research, and practice of digital storytelling, media production, emerging media, social media, and specialized electives aligned with expertise
- Expertise and drive to take a pivotal role in program development in the areas of digital storytelling and digital or emergent media production
- A commitment and ability to provide education that has profound social and economic value and lifelong impact for students from all backgrounds
The department seeks a versatile scholar who excels in an interdisciplinary environment, both within the department and on campus more broadly. We welcome applications from candidates with research interests in digital storytelling, emergent media, the intersections of AI and digital media production, social media and journalism, or related areas. Ideally, the successful candidate should have familiarity with quantitative, mixed, critical, or emerging methodologies; demonstrate potential for community-engaged scholarship; and align their research with one or more of the university’s Research Areas of Focus and Distinction, including but not limited to Artificial Intelligence and Online Misinformation and Deception. They should be able to participate in multidisciplinary teams in the college and at the university and demonstrate potential for collaborations with faculty in the department that support the University’s “top tier” research mission.
The department also seeks a committed teacher who can situate themselves within the university’s Strategic Plan, which has a particular focus on providing education that has profound social and economic value and lifelong impact for students from all backgrounds. Finalists will be asked to discuss how their teaching practices provide an exemplary academic experience for all students, regardless of their entry pathway into the university. Finalists will also be asked to articulate the experiences that they believe will enhance their ability to teach courses that emphasize applied digital media production and which will allow them to support student projects with digital storytelling and production elements. Finalists may also be asked to discuss how they would instruct with consideration to the ethical integration of relevant AI tools in digital production and storytelling processes.
Successful candidates will teach undergraduate and master’s students in the Department of Communication Studies. The standard teaching load is two classes each semester during the probationary period. Depending on scholarly interest, candidates may affiliate with doctoral programs (e.g., Data Science, Organizational Science, Public Policy) or undergraduate programs (e.g., Data Science, Film Studies, Capitalism Studies).
The Department of Communication Studies has 29 full-time faculty with areas of emphasis in health communication; organizational communication; public relations; media and technology studies; and rhetoric, culture, and social change. The department serves approximately 870 majors and minors and 25 master’s students. The department’s primary mission is to provide high quality instruction to its undergraduate and graduate students, and to contribute significantly to the understanding of communication issues as they affect people’s lives, especially in the Charlotte metropolitan region.
As the largest and most academically diverse college at UNC Charlotte, the College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences houses 15 departments, 18 interdisciplinary programs, and 6 applied centers. We offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs with extensive honors and early-entry options. The College plays a pivotal role in delivering on the university’s goals in the areas of research excellence, student success and experience, and community engagement. Through their scholarship and teaching, the College’s 350+ faculty members seek to deepen our understanding of complex problems and lead the university in interdisciplinary collaboration.
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is the second largest institution within the University of North Carolina system. This past Fall, UNC Charlotte enrolled 32,207 students and experienced record growth with its incoming first-year class and graduate programs. UNC Charlotte is also the fastest growing institution in the UNC System, comprising seven academic colleges offering 171 undergraduate majors in 77 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, 65 master’s degrees, and 24 doctoral degrees. UNC Charlotte is proud to have 3,545 passionate and committed faculty and staff members and more than 120,000 living alumni.
The review of applications will begin December 5, 2025, and continue until the position is filled. Applicants must apply electronically at https://jobs.charlotte.edu/, position # 005306. Please upload a cover letter responding to the qualifications listed above, a current CV, and contact information for three references. Contact Dr. Justin Grandinetti (jgrandin@charlotte.edu, Search Committee Chair), or Dr. Dan Grano (dgrano@charlotte.edu, Chair of the Department of Communication Studies) with questions.
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is committed to equality of educational and employment opportunity and does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees based on any protected status.
The candidate selected for this position will be required to submit their official transcripts of their highest degree upon hire. The candidate chosen for this position will be subject to Criminal Background Check. Salary will be negotiated at the college level and will not exceed caps set by the dean and provost. Hiring is subject to budget availability
