Postdoctoral Research Associate

Posting Information

Posting Details

Department HSJM Center for Local Media - 350401 Posting Open Date 10/09/2026 Application Deadline 10/23/2026 Open Until Filled No Position Type Postdoctoral Scholar Position Title Postdoctoral Research Associate Vacancy ID PDS004994 Full-time/Part-time Full-Time Temporary Hours per week 40 FTE 1 Work Location Chapel Hill, NC Position Location North Carolina, US Hiring Range $47,476 - $50,000 Proposed Start Date 11/16/2026 Estimated Duration of Appointment 24 Months

Position Information

Be a Tar Heel!

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities and is among is the top ten research universities in the nation for federal research expenditures as well as for federally funded social and behavioral sciences research and development.

Here at Carolina, our highly skilled postdocs play a vital role in our research enterprise and towards our overall commitment to research excellence. Across many disciplines, postdocs contribute to the intellectual vitality of the University. They provide innovative ideas and perspectives, foster a stimulating research environment and advance knowledge within their fields. Postdocs are crucial members of our scientific research workforce, contributors to our research outputs and an important reason why Carolina is one of the leading public research institutions in the country.

UNC-Chapel Hill offers postdocs comprehensive medical and vision coverage, paid leave, and benefits and services that support professional development and a healthy work/life balance. Chapel Hill regularly ranks as one of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, a reputation guided by the diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The mission of the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media is to prepare students to ignite the public conversation in our state, the nation and the world, and to understand the role of communication in fostering democracy. Our faculty, staff, students and administrators work collaboratively to build and foster an environment that is welcoming, inclusive and accessible to people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and beliefs.

The school offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees, and administers a variety of professional development and distance-learning programs. Enrollment includes about 1,000 undergraduates and 130 graduate students in addition to professional development and distance education students. Our faculty members are international thought leaders whose scholarly and creative activities are visible and respected in the public realm.

Position Summary

The Center for Innovation and Sustainability in Local Media seeks a postdoctoral researcher to help lead applied research on the future of local journalism. The position will support projects examining the sustainability, innovation and civic role of local news, including the impact of artificial intelligence, changing audience behavior and new business models. The researcher will contribute to study design, IRB development, data collection and analysis, reports and scholarly publications, and will work with faculty, students and external media partners to translate findings into useful tools and insights for the field.

This position may be eligible for hybrid work schedule. Employees are generally required to reside in North Carolina, within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Ph.D. in journalism, mass communication, media studies, public policy, sociology, political science, information science, business, or a closely related field, completed by the start date.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Demonstrated ability to design and conduct rigorous research using qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods.
• Experience with research design, data collection and analysis, literature reviews, and scholarly or applied research writing.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines and work collaboratively with faculty, students and external partners.
• Strong written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Demonstrated research expertise in local news, media economics, journalism innovation, artificial intelligence, civic information, or related areas.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements Special Instructions

Please submit your application online at https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/326749.

As part of your application, upload the following materials:

• Curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé
• Cover letter
• Writing sample, such as a scholarly article, dissertation chapter, research report or policy brief
• Names and contact information for at least three professional references

In your cover letter, please address the following:

• Describe your experience conducting qualitative, quantitative, and/or mixed-methods research.
• Discuss your interest in and/or experience with local journalism, media sustainability, journalism innovation, artificial intelligence, civic information, or related fields.
• Describe any experience working with news organizations, community partners, or interdisciplinary research teams.
• Explain how your research interests and expertise could contribute to the mission and work of the Center for Innovation and Sustainability in Local Media.

Applicants are also invited, but not required, to submit additional materials that demonstrate relevant research, scholarship, or professional engagement. Optional materials may include a research statement or representative examples of applied research, public scholarship, and/or work conducted with media organizations.

Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/326749

Posting Contact Information

Department Contact Name and Title Marisa Porto, CISLM Director Department Contact Telephone or Email Marisa.Porto@unc.edu Postdoctoral Affairs Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University's Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at (919) 962-9982 or send an email to opahr@unc.edu.

Please note: The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Optional and Required Documents

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae / Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of References
• Writing/research Sample

Optional Documents

• Research Statement
• Other Document 2
• Other Document 3

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • Do you hold, or will you have completed by the start date, a Ph.D. in journalism, mass communication, media studies, public policy, sociology, political science, information science, business or a closely related field?
• Yes
• No