Assistant Professor - Interpersonal Communication

Appointment Type: Tenure Track

State Title: Assistant Professor

Bargaining Unit: AFT

Employment Type: 35-hour work week/Full-time

Expected Term : 8/9/2027 - 6/8/2030

Compensation: Range 22, $93,659.67

About TCNJ

The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) is a highly selective institution
that is consistently recognized as one of the top comprehensive
colleges in the nation. Founded in 1855 as the New Jersey State
Normal School, TCNJ maintains the eighth highest four-year
graduation rate among all public colleges and universities. It is
ranked by Money as one of the top 15 public colleges “most likely
to pay off financially,” and U.S. News & World Report rates it
the No. 1 public institution among regional universities in the
northeast.

Position Overview

The Department of Communication, Journalism, and Film (CJF) at The
College of New Jersey (TCNJ) invites applications for a
tenure-track Assistant Professor position in technology-mediated
interpersonal communication. We seek an outstanding teacher-scholar
whose research and teaching expertise centers on the intersection
of interpersonal or relational communication and
technology-mediated communication.

The successful candidate's research program should keep
interpersonal or relational communication at its core, even as it
engages with technology. Examples of research programs that align
with this position include how technology-mediated communication
shapes identity and/or personal and relational well-being; how
communication processes such as conflict management,
self-disclosure, and social support unfold through
technology-mediated channels; and how technology-mediated
communication is used within, or influences, couples and families.
Research centered on digital media, mass communication, or
technology in society that does not also engage relational or
interpersonal communication falls outside the scope of this
search.

Consistent with TCNJ's teacher-scholar model, the successful
candidate will teach undergraduate courses including Introduction
to Communication Theory, Interpersonal Communication, and Research
Methods, along with technology-mediated interpersonal communication
courses that reflect their research expertise, while developing
curriculum that bridges theory and practice. They will also mentor
undergraduate students in professional development and research. In
their research role, the faculty member will conduct original
research in technology-mediated interpersonal communication,
publish in peer-reviewed journals and other appropriate venues,
present at professional conferences, and collaborate with
departmental colleagues. Service expectations include participating
in departmental, school, and college-level service, contributing to
professional organizations and the broader academic community, and
engaging in community outreach as appropriate.

About the Department of Communication, Journalism, and
Film

The Department of Communication, Journalism, and Film (CJF) is one
of the four departments within TCNJ's School of the Arts and
Communication. The department offers three majors: Communication
Studies, Film and Television, and Journalism and Professional
Writing, serving over 250 major students. There are four
specializations in the Communication Studies major: Emerging
Communication Technologies, Health Communication, Interpersonal and
Strategic Communication, and Mass Media and Social Media. Aligned
with the School's mission, CJF cultivates analytical, critical, and
creative thinking while fostering conscientious global citizenship
and lifelong learning. Through integrated teaching and scholarship,
we prepare students to make meaningful contributions to their
communities and chosen careers. Our departmental mission centers on
maximizing student engagement in the discovery and creation of
knowledge, art, and information. We encourage independent
initiative and inquiry while instilling a passion for lifelong
learning. Our faculty serve as active professional scholars and
writers who significantly advance knowledge and understanding in
their respective fields. Additionally, CJF faculty prepare students
to engage thoughtfully with a range of perspectives, experiences,
and communities, equipping them with the knowledge and skills
necessary to serve and strengthen the communities in which they
will live and work.

For more information about the departments, please visit https://cjf.tcnj.edu/
.

Qualifications

Required:

• Have a Ph.D. in Communication Studies or a closely related

field by the time of appointment. ABD candidates will be considered
but must complete all degree requirements before starting the
position.

• Demonstrate expertise in technology-mediated interpersonal or

relational communication research.

• Show evidence of scholarly potential through publications,

conference presentations, or dissertation research.

• Demonstrate knowledge of and commitment to best teaching

practices.

• Demonstrate cultural competency and ability to foster inclusive

learning environments and mutual respect for students and
colleagues from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred:

• We are especially interested in candidates whose research

agenda complements and extends current faculty strengths within the
department, opening possibilities for collaborative and
interdisciplinary work.

Persons with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations
in order to perform the essential functions of the position. If the
requested accommodation(s) cannot be made because it would cause
the employer undue hardship, the applicant may not be eligible for
the position.

Employer Qualifications

Employment at TCNJ is contingent upon the successful completion of
an applicable background check, reference checks, and verification
of identity and authorization to work in the United States (Form
I-9).

Accommodation: Applicants who require a reasonable accommodation to
apply or interview should contact hr@tcnj.edu .

Employee Benefits

As a member of The College of New Jersey Community, you will be a
part of an exciting and rewarding public college career. Eligible
full-time employees will be able to take advantage of a generous
benefits package that includes health, welfare, and retirement
benefits, including:

• Comprehensive benefit plans covering medical, dental and

prescription plans

• Generous leave entitlements program and Energy Savings

Program

• Employee and dependent Tuition Waiver and Reimbursement

Program

• Pension, retirement, and deferred compensation plans, group

life insurance

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee affinity groups
• New Jersey State Employee Discount Program (Pet

insurance, cell phone plan discounts, discounted amusement park
tickets, etc.)

• Access to extensive learning opportunities

To view a comprehensive list of benefits available to employees,
visit our Health Benefits Plans and Programs page to
learn more!

How to Apply

Applicants should submit:

• A cover letter highlighting how their qualifications match the

requirements.

• A curriculum vitae.
• A teaching portfolio that includes a statement of teaching

philosophy (no longer than two pages, single spaced) that addresses
commitment to diversity and inclusive teaching, and evidence of
teaching effectiveness, such as recent student evaluations, peer
observation reports, or sample syllabi.

• A description of research interests and goals (no longer than

two pages, single spaced).

• Unofficial transcripts (graduate and undergraduate).
• Names and contact information for at least three professional

references.

Applications should be submitted
online . Please direct questions to the Chair of the Search
Committee, Dr. Yachao Li, liya@tcnj.edu .

Applications must be received by December 1st to ensure
full consideration. The search committee will begin reviewing
applications immediately and continue until the position is
filled.

The College is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive
campus community that respects and uplifts individuals from all
backgrounds. We value the varied perspectives, experiences, and
talents of all members of our community and strive to create an
environment where everyone has equitable access to opportunities
for success. As an equal opportunity employer, we comply with all
applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and
affirmative action. We encourage applications from individuals
whose lived experiences and professional interests align with our
institutional mission of academic excellence, access, and
integrity.