"Assistant Professor-Tenure System"

Position Summary

The Department of Advertising + Public Relations in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences at Michigan State University invites applications for a tenure-system assistant professor position in Public Relations or Advertising. We seek a scholar whose research either complements existing areas of departmental expertise or brings new perspectives and innovative directions to our program.

Qualified applicants should have a Ph.D. in Communication, Mass Communication, Mass Media, Information and Media, Advertising, Public Relations, Strategic Communication, or a related field. In addition, applicants should demonstrate strong qualitative or quantitative methodological expertise and possess a clearly defined, active research trajectory that reflects a consistent, empirical approach to studying communication in areas relevant to public relations. Applicants should also display evidence of, or potential for external funding; the ability to teach core and elective courses in public relations; and a commitment to mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.

Ideally, candidates will have a research focus that complements and strengthens the department’s existing expertise in psychological, social, and cultural approaches to public relations. However, we also welcome applicants whose innovative research expands the department’s scholarly reach and opens new avenues for inquiry in advertising and public relations. We also encourage applications from scholars whose work explores the intersection of health communication and public relations, including its implications for communication strategies, stakeholder relationships, and media effects.

Example areas of existing expertise include: Advocacy and Activism Communication; Corporate Social Responsibility / Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG); Crisis Communication; Inclusive Excellence in Communication; Digital and Social Media Strategy; Environmental Communication; Ethics; Health Communication; Issue Advocacy; International and Multicultural Communication; Message Processes and Effects; Misinformation and Disinformation; Political Communication; Public Relations (including measurement and evaluation); Public Relations and Advertising History; Science Communication; Strategic Communication.

Candidates will be evaluated based on the minimum requirements and desired qualifications, using a holistic review approach across different stages of the candidate review process.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Mass Communication, Communication, Information and Media, Public Relations, Strategic Communication or related field.

Minimum Requirements

• Ph.D. in Mass Communication, Communication, Information and Media, Public Relations, Strategic Communication or related field.
• Solid expertise and active research program with a well-defined empirical approach to studying communication in areas relevant to public relations.
• Evidence of, or potential for external funding.
• Ability to teach core and elective courses in public relations.
• Commitment to mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.

Desired Qualifications

Research that complements and strengthens the department’s existing expertise in psychological, social, and cultural approaches to public relations. See above for desired areas of research.

• Evidence of, or potential for a national/international reputation
• Industry experience
• Experience teaching across platforms and mentoring graduate students
• Experience in entrepreneurship
• Interdisciplinary collaboration
• Outreach and engagement in local communities

Required Application Materials

Applicants should submit electronically: A cover letter of no more than five pages summarizing qualifications for the position, including a description of research agenda and teaching philosophy. A curriculum vitae. The names and contact information of three references.

Special Instructions

To apply, please refer to posting #1056502 and complete an electronic submission at the Michigan State University Employment Opportunities website https://careers.msu.edu/. Please direct inquiries to the chair of the search committee, Juan Mundel (mundelju@msu.edu). The search committee will begin its evaluation of applicants Oct. 16, 2025.