University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Journalism
Postdoctoral Associate | Job Code 9546
Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication
College of Liberal Arts
The Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication within the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota invites applications for a 9-month (AY24-25 August-May) position as a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Journalism, with an appointment in the Minnesota Journalism Center, beginning Fall 2024 (start date: 8/26/2024). This is a 100%-time appointment as a postdoctoral associate (Job Code 9546).
About the Position
At the University of Minnesota, postdoctoral associates are academic employees who conduct research, teach, or provide service that enhances career skills or allows for opportunities to learn new research or teaching techniques. They are trained by and work with a faculty mentor who collaboratively determines the training agenda. The goal of this position is to provide the candidate with advanced training in research and engagement associated with the Minnesota Journalism Center. Candidates will also have opportunities to join, learn from, and contribute to the broader mission of the Minnesota Journalism Center. Candidates who have research trajectories that align with current faculty research is a plus. The identified mentor for this postdoctoral associate is Dr. Benjamin Toff, who will also help the postdoctoral fellow position their teaching and research for future opportunities.
Participate in the design, implementation, and evaluation of research studies: 50%
- The candidate will lead research development activities, as determined in consultation with a faculty mentor. Specifically the candidate will work on two projects: one studying the effectiveness of local news interventions designed to mitigate and reverse distrust and news avoidance among segments of the public and the second an ongoing study examining changes in the supply of information providers The postdoc will work with Dr. Benjamin Toff and other collaborators at the University of Minnesota’s Hubbard School and Minnesota Journalism Center.
Project management around data collection, engagement with local news organizations, and evaluation of data: 20%
- The candidate will assist with managing engagement efforts working with local newsroom partners and aspects of data collection and analysis.
Collaborate on publication of findings: 20%
- The candidate will work with colleagues on publishing research results for multiple outputs, including peer reviewed journals, white papers, or other public-facing communications that translate findings for a diverse range of audiences and stakeholders.
Professional development, teaching and training: 10%
- Responsibilities include advising students, developing professional skills and training by attending professional development meetings.
The salary range is $55,000-$65,000, and is based on education, social science research experience, and professional experience in journalism. Strong methodological skills is preferred, including experience and training in survey research and quantitative analysis using statistical software (e.g. SPSS, Stata, or R), facility with ArcGIS mapping tools, and/or experience and training in relevant qualitative methods, including qualitative interviewing and analysis.
Additional pay associated with training or teaching assignments may be available depending on student enrollment, funding, school needs and teaching performance.
Duration: This appointment may be renewable for an additional year, conditional on satisfactory performance and funding availability.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- All candidates must expect to earn a D. in Mass Communication or a related field (e.g., political science) by the appointment start-date (08/30/2024)
- Expertise in journalism and evidence of excellence in conducting peer-reviewed research in higher education settings
Preferred Qualifications:
- Prior work experience in journalism or media professions
- Prior teaching and research experience in journalism
- Demonstrated potential to conduct research
- A demonstrated commitment, knowledge, and skill in working with students, faculty, and staff to foster an environment of inclusion and belonging
- Engagement with new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, in research and the study of ethics in its use is a plus
About the Minnesota Journalism Center
For 45 years, the Minnesota Journalism Center has been an important convener and facilitator connecting media professionals to the knowledge networks housed within the university and the broader public more generally. Through the promotion of collaborative partnerships between professional journalism communities, the public, and the academics who study them both, the Center seeks to combine outreach and training, applied research initiatives, and journalism education that seeks to shore up and foster healthier, more sustainable, and more inclusive local information ecosystems.
About the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication
The Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Minnesota is part of the College of Liberal Arts and is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Journalism and Mass Communication. The Hubbard School offers majors in Strategic Communication – Advertising and Public Relations, Professional Journalism, and Media and Information; and minors in Media and Information and Digital Media Studies. The Hubbard School offers an academic M.A. and Ph.D. and a Professional M.A. in Strategic Communication.
Housed in Murphy Hall, a state-of-the-art facility for teaching and research of journalism, strategic communication, and emerging media studies, the Hubbard School is home to the Silha Center for the Study of Media Ethics and Law, the Minnesota Journalism Center, the Hubbard Digital Studios, and the Digital Information Research Center/Sevareid Library. Hubbard facilities also include the Murphy Hall conference center, multimedia classrooms, and psychophysiological communication research labs, and a focus group room, which is used to support graduate-level experimental research. For further information, please visit the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication’s website, at: https://cla.umn.edu/hsjmc
About the College of Liberal Arts
Home to the arts, social sciences and humanities disciplines and programs, the College of Liberal Arts is the largest college in the University of Minnesota and comprises 31 academic departments, and over 20 interdisciplinary research centers and administrative/support units. CLA has over 1,300 faculty and staff spanning research, teaching, advising, outreach, and administrative functions. CLA units reside in over 20 buildings on the East Bank and West Bank of the Twin Cities campus. CLA enrolls nearly 13,000 undergraduate students, more than 40% of the undergraduate enrollment on the Twin Cities campus, 1,400 graduate students, and has an annual all-funds budget of $290 million.
CLA is a destination for curious, compassionate individuals who are committed to making our increasingly interdependent and diverse global community work for everyone. That foundational commitment begins in our CLA Constitution. CLA is committed to increasing enrollment of underrepresented and under-resourced students, diversifying our faculty across all disciplines, recruiting, and retaining a diverse staff, and promoting the expression and exploration of diverse perspectives and viewpoints—so that we all gain the background knowledge and analytical skills we need to understand and respect differences.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in CLA
Working at the University
At the University of Minnesota, you’ll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.
The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
- Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Scholarship
- Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
- Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
- University HSA contributions
- Disability and employer-paid life insurance
- Employee wellbeing program
- Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
- Financial counseling services
- Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.
How to Apply:
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and curriculum vita.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your “My Job Applications” page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section.
Priority consideration will be given to applicants who apply by April 22, 2024. In order to be considered for this position, applicants must submit the following materials:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vita
- Three references Please submit all files as
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail or call (612) 624-8647.
For inquiries regarding the postdoctoral teaching position, please contact Dr. Benjamin Toff, Director of the Minnesota Journalism Center and Chair of the search committee, by email:
For inquiries regarding the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication, please contact Dr. Elisia Cohen, Professor and Director of the School, by email:
Diversity & Equal Opportunity
The University of Minnesota recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the University of Minnesota: http://diversity.umn.edu.
Background Check
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and eligibility to work in the United States. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
About the University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the United States, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, communication agencies, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Teaching Assistant or Associate Professor of Strategic Communication
Contract (Term) Faculty | Job Code 9403T or 9402T| Position Number 360220
Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication
College of Liberal Arts
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Position Overview
The Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication in the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities seeks an outstanding faculty member, with a distinguished record of professional experience, to join our faculty in teaching the next generation of public relations and strategic communication professionals, training students to be advertising and creative brand strategists who can think critically, write clearly, tell stories visually and develop effective media strategy in a fast-paced world. Candidates should have demonstrated expertise as advertising and strategic communication professionals, and the ability to inspire a diverse student body.
The professorship will hold a term, non-tenure-line, renewable position in the Hubbard School. It is a one- to three-year, renewable term, depending on experience and consistent with Hubbard contract guidelines. The appointment will begin on August 26, 2024.
As a full-time non-tenure track faculty member, the successful candidate will help students appreciate the role of ethical and responsible advertising, brand storytelling, and strategic communication across media. The School seeks someone to 1) teach basic to advanced digital advertising, campaigns and context courses in the School’s recently renovated digital labs, and 2) focus on building and strengthening partnerships between faculty and students with Twin Cities professional community and professional associations.
Contract teaching professors are also expected to be actively engaged in regional, national or international professional communities, develop an understanding and participate in curriculum development and assessment relevant to their professional expertise, and participate in mentoring students for professional careers. Depending on the candidate’s experience and skills, the candidate may also contribute to new curricula or special projects courses in the area of social media, artificial intelligence and advertising/creative strategy.
This position is benefit-eligible, renewable and carries the title of Teaching Assistant Professor or Teaching Associate Professor depending on qualifications, including years of teaching and professional experience. The teaching load for contract teaching faculty positions is five courses per academic year. Additional summer employment may be available. Appointment at the rank of Teaching Associate Professor (non-tenure track) may be considered for a candidate with advanced teaching and professional experience.
Job Responsibilities
75% Instruction and Course Preparation: The faculty member will teach 2-3 courses (6-9 credits) of undergraduate and courses per academic semester in the area of advertising and strategic communication, as well as some core context courses. The teaching faculty member is expected to prepare and deliver lectures, develop activities, prepare homework assignments, quizzes and exams, hold office hours, assess student work, supervise teaching assistants and manage the administration of the courses they are assigned to teach.
25% Service and Professional Development: In addition, the person in this position will be involved in the continuing improvement of courses, the development of new curriculum for the school (if needed), the development and implementation of assessment activities, and will be engaged in appropriate school service activities including curriculum-related school committees. The faculty member will be expected to participate in University workshops related to teaching, classroom technology, diversity and inclusion, and other related topics. The faculty member also receives professional development support to maintain membership in relevant professional societies and participate in student and faculty professional and career development activities.
Qualifications
Minimum required qualifications:
- A professional A. or PhD in Communication, Journalism, Mass Communication or related field
- 3 or more years of related professional experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- PhD in Communication, Journalism, Mass Communication or related field
- Experience teaching at the university level or training groups of professionals
- 5 years of major-market regional or national experience in advertising or strategic brand communication, or equivalent experience
- Interest and/or ability to teach strategic communication skills that integrate multimedia elements such as text, video, audio,. photo, graphics and/or data
- Experience writing and/or editing digital content
- Demonstrated track record of embracing new methods and media
- Involvement and/or leadership in local, state, or national/international associations, such as the Minnesota Interactive Marketing Association, American Advertising Federation, International Association of Business Communicators, the Diversity Action Alliance, etc., or as a student chapter adviser
- Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in both professional practices and as contributors to an inclusive working and learning environment
The Hubbard School is committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty and staff and encourages applicants from underrepresented groups to apply.
About the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication
The Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Minnesota is part of the College of Liberal Arts and is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Journalism and Mass Communication. The Hubbard School offers majors in Strategic Communication – Advertising and Public Relations, Professional Journalism, and Media and Information; and minors in Media and Information and Digital Media Studies. The Hubbard School offers an academic M.A. and Ph.D. and a Professional M.A. in Strategic Communication.
Housed in Murphy Hall, a state-of-the-art facility for teaching and research of journalism, strategic communication, and emerging media studies, the Hubbard School is home to the Silha Center for the Study of Media Ethics and Law, the Minnesota Journalism Center, the Hubbard Digital Studios, and the Digital Information Research Center/Sevareid Library. Hubbard facilities also include the Murphy Hall conference center, multimedia classrooms, and psychophysiological communication research labs, and a focus group room, which is used to support graduate-level experimental research. For further information, please visit the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication’s website, at: https://cla.umn.edu/hsjmc
About the College of Liberal Arts
Home to the arts, social sciences and humanities disciplines and programs, the College of Liberal Arts is the largest college in the University of Minnesota and comprises 31 academic departments, and over 20 interdisciplinary research centers and administrative/support units. CLA has over 1,300 faculty and staff spanning research, teaching, advising, outreach, and administrative functions. CLA units reside in over 20 buildings on the East Bank and West Bank of the Twin Cities campus. CLA enrolls nearly 13,000 undergraduate students, more than 40% of the undergraduate enrollment on the Twin Cities campus, 1,400 graduate students, and has an annual all-funds budget of $290 million.
CLA is a destination for curious, compassionate individuals who are committed to making our increasingly interdependent and diverse global community work for everyone. That foundational commitment begins in our CLA Constitution. CLA is committed to increasing enrollment of underrepresented and under-resourced students, diversifying our faculty across all disciplines, recruiting, and retaining a diverse staff, and promoting the expression and exploration of diverse perspectives and viewpoints—so that we all gain the background knowledge and analytical skills we need to understand and respect differences.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in CLA
Working at the University
At the University of Minnesota, you’ll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.
The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
- Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Scholarship
- Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
- Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
- University HSA contributions
- Disability and employer-paid life insurance
- Employee wellbeing program
- Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
- Financial counseling services
- Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.
How To Apply
Applications must be submitted online: University of Minnesota Employment system: https://hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Find-Job
To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach required materials listed below. Additional documents may be attached via the “My Job Applications” page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section. In order to be considered for this position, applicants must submit the following materials as PDFs:
- Cover letter
• In your cover letter make sure to identify the courses you can teach in strategic communication, how you ensure your teaching is diverse and inclusive, and a description of university-level teaching experience. - Curriculum Vita
- A document including names and contact information for three professional references
Position is open until filled.
SALARY RANGE: Pay: $62,000-$82,000
- To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail or call (612) 624-8647.
- For inquiries regarding the Contract Faculty in Strategic Communication position, please contact Dr. María Len-Ríos, Professor and Chair of the search committee, by email:
- For inquiries regarding the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication, please contact Elisia Cohen, Professor and Director of the School, by email: .
- References will not be contacted before candidates are notified during the finalist
Diversity & Equal Opportunity
The University of Minnesota recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the University of Minnesota: http://diversity.umn.edu.
Background Check Information
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
About the University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the United States, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, communication agencies, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.