Description
The Department of Communication Studies at the University of Georgia invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Risk Communication. We are seeking a social scientist whose research and teaching interests complement the department’s strengths in interpersonal, intergroup, and health communication.
The successful candidate will be expected to have a PhD in Communication at the time of appointment. The successful candidate will have evidence of a strong research program or the potential for a strong research program with a demonstrated specialization connected to risk communication; a commitment to teaching and mentoring graduate and undergraduate students; an ability to teach courses in empirical research methods, communication theory, science communication, and risk communication courses in the candidate’s area(s) of specialty, including but not limited to: risk perceptions and decision-making, risk and resiliency, or environmental and health implications of risk. Competitive applicants will show evidence of a commitment to multidisciplinary research and a track record or strong promise of securing extramural funding. Ideal candidates also will be enthusiastic about contributing to curricular innovation focused on Risk Communication or Communication Studies more broadly.
To apply, visit https://www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/457953 to upload a cover letter, curriculum vitae, writing sample, and the names of three references from people highly familiar with your research. Letters of reference and a teaching portfolio (including a teaching philosophy, a summary of course evaluations, and a sample syllabus) may be requested at a later date. For questions, please contact Search Chair, Dr. Chelsea Ratcliff, commsearch@uga.edu.
Applications received by November 31, 2025 will receive full consideration, though the position will remain open until filled.
The Department of Communication Studies has 21 full time and three part-time faculty members, who are nationally recognized authorities in rhetorical studies, interpersonal communication, intergroup communication, persuasion, and health communication. Our faculty are committed to maintaining high standards in both undergraduate and graduate instruction. The department maintains a PhD program with approximately 40 graduate students and an undergraduate program with approximately 350 majors.
The Franklin College of Arts and Sciences is the heart of UGA’s learning environment, advancing knowledge, research, and creative activity across more than 40 departments, schools, and institutes. With a vision for high-impact research and education, Franklin College prepares students for leadership and global engagement in a sustainable future. The College has a strong commitment to multidisciplinary research, collaboration and academic innovation, such as with the UGA’s new medical school and other schools/departments in the College. The department’s alliances with the Institute of Behavioral Health Research and the Center for Health and Risk Communication also allow for such collaborations. For more information about the department and our research programs, visit https://www.comm.uga.edu.
Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
