Assistant Professor-Tenure System

Assistant Professor-Tenure System

The Michigan State University School of Journalism seeks an assistant professor in environmental journalism. The faculty member would work with the Knight Center for Environmental Journalism as the Center develops and executes a global research agenda, designs innovative pedagogical tools, and leads public engagement initiatives.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead and support interdisciplinary research on topics such as constructive journalism, solutions journalism, solidarity journalism, decolonial journalism, ethnographic journalism, Indigenous and community media, ethics of care, inclusive science communication, and other transformative approaches to environmental storytelling.
• Collaborate with local and international news organizations to co-develop and implement evidence-based practices.
• Design and deliver programs that incorporate emerging formats and platforms (e.g., games, virtual reality, humor, theater, documentary).
• Explore how journalistic innovations can lead to reestablishing trust with communities and simultaneously prepare them to resist fake news, disinformation, and misinformation.
• Teach core and specialized courses such as Environmental Reporting and topics like AI in environmental and science journalism.
• Produce public-facing outputs including policy briefs, reports, and communication products for diverse audiences.
• Build and maintain partnerships with donors, foundations, and peer institutions.
• Support grant writing and revenue-generating initiatives such as online training programs.

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 - Journalism or media-related

Minimum Requirements:

• A terminal degree in Journalism or media related field.
• A record of scholarship, publication, and professional engagement in environmental journalism or related fields.
• Demonstrated international or cross-cultural experience.
• Interest in interdisciplinary and experimental approaches to environmental storytelling.

Desired

Qualifications:

• Experience in grant writing and partnership development is highly desirable.

Required Application Materials:

• CV
• Letter of application
• Names and contact information of three professional references

Special Instructions:
Applications must be submitted through careers.msu.edu. Review of Applications Begins on November 15, 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.