Artificial Intelligence (AI), Business Journalism, Business News, College Level Faculty, Communication Arts, Economic Modeling, Fellowship, Funding, Grant Writing, Journalism, Mentoring, Training/Teaching
The School of Journalism at Michigan State University's College of Communication Arts & Sciences (ComArtSci) seeks a postdoctoral research fellow to join its faculty, which is consistently ranked among the best in the world for scholarly productivity and teaching. With a history spanning over a century, the School of Journalism has built a reputation for innovation, excellence, and adaptability in the ever-evolving media landscape.
The Dean's Postdoctoral Fellowship Initiative aims to enhance the School by bringing in an emerging scholar whose research explores the future of journalism, media systems, and the evolving role of AI and technology in news production and distribution. This program supports inclusive excellence by expanding perspectives and methodologies that address news credibility, misinformation, audience engagement, and journalism's economic and technological transformation.
The Dean's Postdoctoral Fellowship Initiative is designed to enhance our academic community by welcoming dynamic and innovative scholar-educators who upon successful completion of their postdoctoral research fellowship will matriculate to a tenure-track assistant professor position. This two-year fellowship is subject to review after the first year and may begin as early as August 16, 2026.
Research Focus
The selected fellow will conduct research on the technological, social, and institutional affordances of journalism, including but not limited to:
- Digital journalism and emerging media technologies
- Computational journalism or AI applications in news
- Economic models of journalism
- Misinformation, news credibility, and audience engagement
- Shifting economic models for news creation and distribution
Postdoctoral Fellowship Expectations
- Prepare for a transition to a tenure-track faculty position within the School of Journalism at ComArtSci
- Conduct and publish peer-reviewed research or creative works independently or in collaboration with faculty mentors.
- Identify and work with faculty mentors across the academic unit.
- In year 1, teach one course and/or engage in grant writing, outreach, and service activities.
About the School of Journalism
MSU's School of Journalism is a nationally accredited program that is ahead of the rest in its creativity and imagination. Faculty encourage students to think "outside the box" and prepare them to step out of the classroom today and into a job tomorrow. Our graduates are known as deep thinkers and motivated doers. As a result, they are rising stars as professionals in industry and researchers in academia.
Appointment Terms & Compensation
- Nine-month renewable academic year appointment with potential for summer teaching opportunities.
- Salary comparable to a starting Assistant Professor in the department, plus benefits.
- Research and professional funding (e.g., for travel, archives, transcription, student research assistants, etc.).
- One-time relocation allowance.
### 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 -PhD in Journalism, or a related discipline
### Minimum Requirements
Eligible applicants must have earned a PhD in Journalism, or a related discipline from an accredited university before the start date. The candidate will be evaluated relative to peers at a similar stage in their careers, based on record of high-impact publications in relevant academic outlets, including journals and conference proceedings; (although not require
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Michigan State University(MSU)