The Department of Communication Studies invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor with expertise in Critical Media Studies beginning Fall of 2026. Faculty at Southwestern are expected to teach a standard course load of five courses per year (either 2-3 or 3-2), maintain an active research agenda, as well as participate in university governance, departmental collaboration, and academic advising.

The ideal candidate will have expertise in Latina/o/e/x Communication Studies and/or be able to support the HSI mission of the university. We are additionally interested in courses and/or research agendas focused on anti-colonialism, settlerism and indigeneity, disability, environmental concerns, political discourse, race and whiteness, queer theory, and closely allied topics. The ideal candidate’s areas of expertise will complement but not substantially overlap with the existing expertise of our department, and will engage inclusive, critical pedagogical approaches.

The candidate will teach some combination of newly developed electives in their area(s) of interest and core major courses on a rotating basis. The core major courses are Critical/Cultural Communication Studies (our introductory communication studies course), Critical Media Studies, Critical/Cultural Research Methods, and Capstone Research Seminar. All of these core courses emphasize critical and qualitative methodologies. Candidates should have a demonstrated commitment to excellence and creativity in undergraduate teaching and an active research program.

We especially encourage applications from those able to contribute to the university’s strong interdisciplinary programs in Race and Ethnicity Studies, Latin America and Border Studies, Environmental Studies, Feminist Studies, and a variety of other interdisciplinary minors. We particularly invite candidates who are contingent at their current institutions to apply to this position.

The ideal candidate will have received a Ph.D. in Communication Studies, or a closely allied and/or interdisciplinary field and have had extensive coursework in Communication Studies.For additional information about the department, please visit our webpage at https://www.southwestern.edu/communication-studies/.

Interested candidates should upload a 2-3 page letter of intent and curriculum vitae to Interfolio. In their letters of intent, candidates should:

1. Express their teaching values and experience
2. Discuss their ability to teach both existing core courses and newly developed electives
3. Offer a brief description of their research program
4. Outline their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity, and their capacity to further the HSI mission of a small, liberal arts institution located in Texas

We will request a second round of materials from shortlisted candidates, which will include a 500-word description of their research agenda; two 150-word descriptions of two distinct Communication Studies electives; teaching evaluations; three confidential letters of recommendation, and transcripts.

All materials must be uploaded to Interfolio at apply.interfolio.com/170017; no materials will be accepted in hard copy or via email.

The deadline for submission of materials is September 10, 2025. All materials should be received before that date. Initial interviews will be conducted virtually.

Starting annual salary for 9-month position: $65,000. The final offer for the successful candidate will be commensurate with experience and may exceed this figure. Teaching in Southwestern University summer school provides faculty with an opportunity to supplement their income during the summer months.

Southwestern University (Georgetown, Texas) is a selective undergraduate residential liberal arts institution in the greater Austin area. Established in 1840, Southwestern enrolls approximately 1,500 students and maintains a student-faculty ratio of 11 to 1. The university provides a highly interdisciplinary, integrated, and holistic education that values high-impact learning experiences, including study abroad, internships, faculty-student research, and community-engaged learning. Additional information about the university can be found at our website: www.southwestern.edu.

At Southwestern University we are committed to fostering an environment where every individual feels respected, valued, and empowered. We believe that a thriving community is built on the strength of varying perspectives and experiences, and we strive to create an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding. Our actions are guided by a commitment to fairness, openness, and the belief that our differences are what make us stronger as a whole.

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time appointment begins.

Southwestern University is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at hr@southwestern.edu.

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