Assistant Professor Faculty Position in the Department of Journalism, with a focus on Livable and Resilient Cities

Position Description

The Department of Journalism at Boston University's College of Communications invites applications for an Assistant Professor position focused on how AI and emerging information technologies are reshaping journalism and the information systems that support civic engagement, government accountability, and community cohesion in urban environments. We seek a scholar whose work examines the changing conditions of news production, circulation and consumption. Areas of emphasis may include shifts in labor practices within newsrooms and the broader media workforce; the legal and regulatory frameworks that govern AI, data, and platforms; how local news organizations, public institutions, and community groups adapt to these changes; and/or the design, adoption, and implementation of technology tools in journalistic and civic settings. This position is part of BU’s major investment in convergent research, bringing together bold ideas, deep expertise, and perspectives from across disciplines to take on society’s most critical challenges. This is a tenure-track position.

The position is part of a University-wide cluster hire in Livable and Resilient Cities, which builds on BU’s strength in Urban Development & Resilience. Spanning anthropology, biology, civic data science, environmental health, journalism, learning sciences, political science, sociology, and urban affairs, the cluster draws together BU’s strengths in urban scholarship to advance new approaches to creating healthier, more equitable, and adaptable cities.

The Department of Journalism at Boston University is a leader in innovative, public-facing communication focused on the critical role of information and storytelling in society. Situated within a major research university and a dynamic urban environment, the department offers an exceptional setting for scholars examining the social, political, environmental, and technological forces shaping contemporary cities. Faculty research and teaching engage topics including community engagement, media and democracy, public policy, data journalism, civic information ecosystems, and the communication of complex societal challenges.

Since its founding in 1839, Boston University has embraced a mission of openness and access, becoming one of the first universities in the nation to welcome all students of ability regardless of race, gender, or creed. That tradition shapes our enduring commitment to academic freedom, free inquiry, and the robust exchange of ideas. Please visit https://www.bu.edu/values/ to learn more about our shared values.

Boston University provides an environment where faculty and students work together across disciplines, perspectives, and experiences to advance knowledge and address society’s most pressing challenges.

Position Qualifications

Candidates should have a PhD or equivalent degree in Journalism, Communication, Information Science, Media Studies, Science and Technology Studies, or related field, and a commitment to excellence and innovation in teaching, education, and mentorship of students. Successful candidates will be expected to lead an independent research program; actively engage in collaborative research; teach and mentor students; build connections with partners in Boston and beyond; and provide rank-appropriate service to the department, university, and profession.

The salary allocated for these roles is $100,000 to $105,000. Final salary determination and rank placement will be based on the candidate's academic record, research background, years of qualifying experience, and a variety of other factors, including but not limited to licenses, specialty, departmental budgets, training and internal pay comparison. The stated hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Application Requirements

Applicants should provide a personal statement that describes the candidate’s interest in both the convergent area of Livable and Resilient Cities and the department; curriculum vitae; a research statement describing their research interests and experience; and a teaching and mentoring statement detailing their approach to teaching and mentoring in an inclusive and diverse learning environment.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a priority deadline of November 15. Applications will close November 30.

Boston University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, age, national origin, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Retaliation is also prohibited. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Under Massachusetts law, we may not require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment.

Boston University, consistent with the AAU’s Principles on Preventing Sexual Harassment, conducts background checks for final candidates for certain faculty and staff positions. As part of this process, we ask current and past employers of the last seven years whether there has been a substantiated finding of sexual misconduct under their policies. To move forward, final candidates must complete and sign an “Authorization to Release Information” form after receiving an offer to enable this background check.