Assistant Professor in Media Studies

The Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications seeks an outstanding faculty member for an Assistant Professor rank tenure track position in the Department of Film Production and Media Studies starting in August 2026. The successful candidate will have the ability to contribute to the broad intellectual life of college and department and contribute to the ongoing cutting-edge research initiatives with the Media Effects Research Lab (MERL).

Candidates should have a PhD in Communications or a related field and demonstrate appropriate experience with teaching undergraduate and graduate students. Media Studies is one of Five Majors in the College of Communications. Media Studies has four tracks and candidates would support classes and projects that center around the Media Effects track. Candidates would be expected to contribute to the MERL, a collaborative media effects research facility with cutting edge technologies. Candidates would ideally have research agendas and projects related to Health and/or Science Communication that would fit this model of research production, one which integrates graduate and undergraduate students into studying the effects of media using social scientific approaches. More information about the department and the MERL can be found at https://www.bellisario.psu.edu/departments/film-production-media-studies.

Applicants should apply at https://hr.psu.edu/careers and submit a letter of application, resume, and the names and contact information for three professional references. Review of applications will begin September 15, 2025 and continue until a qualified candidate is identified. Please direct any questions to committee chair, Dr. Chris Skurka, at cjs7142@psu.edu. For information on the college and its programs, see: http://bellisario.psu.edu/.

The University Park Campus is set in State College, a university town located in the heart of central Pennsylvania. State College offers a vibrant community with outstanding recreational and cultural activities. The campus is also within a half-day drive to Washington, DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City and Pittsburgh.