Assistant Professor in Critical Digital Communication

Position Rank and

Title:

Assistant Professor in Critical Digital Communication

School/Department Name: Communication Studies

Compensation: Commensurate with qualifications, experience, and rank as established by the CSU Salary Schedule. Anticipated hiring academic year annual salary range: $86,

Faculty employee benefits: Competitive benefits package; see CSU Employee Benefits Summary.

Target

Start Date:

August 17, 2026

Final date to receive applications: November 1st, 2025 (Applications accepted until filled or closed)

The Department of Communication Studies at San Jose State University is pleased to announce a search for an Assistant Professor in Critical Digital Communication beginning in August 2026. Candidates should research the cultural, political, and social dimensions of digital technologies—especially artificial intelligence—using intersectional frameworks (race, gender, sexuality, class, ability). We are particularly interested in human‑centered approaches: critical, decolonial, feminist, or community‑based perspectives integrated into pedagogy and applied settings such as organizational and health contexts with an activist orientation.

The ideal candidate will contribute to undergraduate and graduate curricula, lead conversations on the ethical and pedagogical implications of emergent technologies, and engage historically marginalized communities.

• Ph.D. in Communication Studies, Digital/Media Studies, Critical Pedagogy, or closely related field (completed by time of appointment)
• Well‑defined and active research agenda demonstrated through peer‑reviewed publications and presentations
• Commitment to excellence in teaching, including inclusive and equity‑minded pedagogy
• Ability to teach existing courses and develop new courses in the candidate's areas of expertise
• Awareness of and sensitivity to the goals of a socially and economically diverse student population (e.g., cross‑cultural study, training, teaching, and comparable experience)

• Strong record of teaching excellence and service
• Research and/or community engagement addressing the impacts of AI on historically marginalized communities
• Engagement with intersections of technology, race, gender, and power
• Background in decolonial, feminist, queer, or critical race theories as they relate to technology and communication
• Experience in digital media production, critical digital literacy, or technology‑centered activism
• Interest in developing curriculum related to AI, ethics, and society

• Teach and develop undergraduate and graduate courses in communication studies, including core and elective offerings
• Maintain an active research agenda leading to peer‑reviewed publications and/or public scholarship
• Engage in service to the department, college, university, and broader community
• Advise and mentor students, including supervising graduate theses or projects
• Participate in shared governance (committees and service assignments)
• Organize all classes within the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS)
• Demonstrate awareness and experience in meeting the needs of a diverse student population through inclusive course materials, teaching strategies, and advisement

All employees are mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and must comply with CSU Executive Order 1083. Some faculty duties may require designation as Campus Security Authority, necessitating Clery Act training and reporting.

Faculty must complete required CSU employee training (e.g., Data Security, FERPA, Preventing Discrimination and Harassment, Title IX, Health and Safety). The President may require additional safety measures.

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:

• Letter of interest
• Curriculum vitae
• SJSU Institutional Excellence Statement (dedicated statement or addressed in letter)
• Statement of teaching interests/philosophy
• Research plans
• Three reference letters

Inquiries may be directed to the Department Chair or Search Committee Chair (TBD).

The position may only be performed in California and requires an on‑campus presence. Employment is contingent upon U.S. residence and proof of eligibility to work in the United States. A satisfactory background check (including criminal records) is required; the offer may be rescinded if disqualifying information is found.

San Jose State University prohibits discrimination on the basis of Age, Ancestry, Caste, Color, Disability, Ethnicity, Gender, Gender Expression, Gender Identity, Genetic Information, Marital Status, Medical Condition, Military Status, Nationality, Race, Religion, Religious Creed, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Sex Stereotype, and Veteran Status. Reasonable accommodations are made for applicants with disabilities who self‑disclose.