Assistant Professor of Emerging Media Studies, College of Communication, Boston University - Boston University

The Division of Emerging Media Studies at Boston University seeks to hire a Media Psychologist in a Tenure-Track Assistant Professor position, focusing on media effects related to user experiences with AI-based technologies. This position is part of the university’s multi-disciplinary cluster hiring initiative in artificial intelligence, in partnership with BU Center for Computing & Data Sciences.

Specifically, this role is for a social scientist employing quantitative or mixed methods to conduct theory-driven empircal research on the psychological processes and effects of engaging with AI-based media (e.g., interfaces, devices, or services). Applicants are expected to be trained and have a promising record of research in communication, media science, cognitive psychology, or a similarly relevant and applicable social scientific discipline. Strong preference is for an individual capable of using and providing instruction on laboratory-based psychophysiological methods and conducting experimental or survey research.

About the College of Communication

Established in 1947, the College of Communication (COM) at Boston University is a large college with three departments: Mass Communication, Advertising and Public Relations; Journalism; and Film Television. COM's student population exceeds 2,200 in its B.S., M. A., M.S. and Ph.D. programs. COM integrates a strong liberal arts core with a focus on preparing students for careers as communication professionals. The faculty represents a blend of award-winning scholars and award-winning practitioners. BU enjoys an international reputation and is a major R1 institution and AAU member. Located in the "hub of education" and a major media market, Boston University's College of Communication offers prospective faculty members a wealth of opportunities for collaborative efforts in academic and professional spheres. Our university community welcomes differences, encourages open-minded exploration, and upholds freedom of expression.

Required Skills

The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in communication, social/behavioral science, or a related field by the start date of July 1, 2025; peer-reviewed research publications related to the study of communication; and an active research program using experimental, survey or other social scientific methods to understand the consequences of emerging media at the level of individual users. We are eager to consider applicants who can add momentum to existing strengths in the the Division of Emerging Media Studies and the College of Communication more broadly, including virtual or augmented reality, political communication, health communication, information integrity, and children and media to name a few. The BU College of Communication has a Communication Research Center equipped for psychophysiological data collection as well as naturalistic observation of media use. Moreover, the successful applicant will have the opportunity to build collaborative relationships with faculty of Computing & Data Sciences.

The successful candidate will teach in the College of Communication, and therefore should be prepared to serve as instructor for communication courses at the undergraduate, masters, and Ph.D. levels. Applicants should be able to teach courses on communication theory, quantitative and/or qualitative research methods, as well as focused seminars on their areas of greatest expertise and interest. A typical course load includes teaching two courses per semester.

DO NOT APPLY THROUGH THE BOSTON UNIVERSITY HR WEBSITE.

Interested candidates can apply via the Boston University AI Cluster Hire application portal at: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/28310. Applicants should provide (i) a letter of interest, (ii) a curriculum vitae, (iii) a research statement, (iv) a teaching statement, and (v) the names, professional titles, and email addresses of three references.

Review of applicants will begin the first week of October 2024, and will continue until the position is filled. Applications may be sent by surface mail or, preferably, by email (as a PDF document) to:

Sean Mao
ysmao@bu.edu
Administrator
Division of Emerging Media Studies
College of Communication
Boston University
640 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215

BU conducts a background check on all final candidates for certain faculty and staff positions. The background check includes contacting the final candidate’s current and previous employer(s) to ask whether, in the last seven years, there has been a substantiated finding of misconduct violating that employer’s applicable sexual misconduct policies. To implement this process, the University requires a final candidate to complete and sign the form entitled “Authorization to Release Information” after execution of an offer letter.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.