Assistant Professor - Tenure System - Advertising and Public Relations

Area of Interest: PR/Media/Graphics/Comm/Fund Raising

Closing at: September 1, 2026 - 23:55 EDT

Salary: Commensurate with Experience

College Of Communication Arts Sciences

We seek candidates who can fulfill an early-stage assistant professor position. Advanced doctoral candidates (ABD) who will have completed the Ph.D. by the start date of the appointment, as well as individuals who have earned the Ph.D. and are seeking an appointment to start on the tenure track, are welcome to apply. Qualified applicants should have a Ph.D. (or be at the stage of ABD) 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 and/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 advertising. Applicants should also display evidence of or potential for external funding; the ability to teach core and elective existing courses in our advertising majors; and a commitment to mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.

We seek candidates whose research focus complements and/or strengthens the department’s existing expertise and whose innovative research expands the department’s scholarly reach and opens new avenues for inquiry in advertising and related fields. In particular, we encourage applications from scholars whose work explores the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and advertising, including its implications for communication strategies, consumer outcomes, society, and media effects.

• Ph.D. in Mass Communication, Communication, Information and Media, Advertising, Public Relations, Strategic Communication, or related fields. ABDs with a clear pathway to complete a Ph.D. by the start date are encouraged to apply.
• Solid expertise and an active research program with a well‑defined empirical approach to studying communication in areas relevant to advertising.
• Experience in or potential to obtain funding.
• Ability to teach core and elective courses in advertising and related fields.
• Commitment to mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.

• Evidence of, or potential for, a national/international reputation.
• Industry‑related insights or experience.
• Experience in entrepreneurship.
• Evidence of, or potential for, interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Experience with outreach and engagement.

• A cover letter summarizing qualifications for the position (no more than 2 pages).
• One‑page research statement.
• One‑page teaching philosophy.
• A curriculum vitae.
• The names and contact information of three references.

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.

To apply, please refer to posting 1119534 and complete an electronic submission at the Michigan State University Employment Opportunities website (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Please direct inquiries to the chair of the search committee, Chuqing Dong cdong. The search committee will begin its evaluation of applicants after September 1, 2026.

All candidates must undergo a professional misconduct review. Candidates will be required to disclose any pending or past investigations related to professional misconduct. Upon completion of the review, a decision will be made regarding suitability for the position.

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote‑friendly. Remote‑friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.