Logo
Aaaipress

Associate Professor-Tenure System

Aaaipress, Lansing, Michigan, United States, 48900

Save Job

Position Summary The Department of Advertising + Public Relations in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences at Michigan State University invites applications for a tenure-system associate professor position in Advertising or Public Relations. We seek a scholar whose research complements existing areas of departmental expertise or brings new perspectives and innovative directions to our program. This position will be supported by the Ellis N. Brandt endowment, which recognizes exceptional teacher-scholars and provides ongoing funding for innovative research in advertising, public relations and strategic communication.

Qualified applicants should have a Ph.D. in Communication, Mass Communication, Mass Media, Information and Media, Advertising, Public Relations, Strategic Communication, or a related field. In addition, applicants should demonstrate strong qualitative and/or quantitative methodological expertise and possess a clearly defined, active research trajectory that reflects a consistent, empirical approach to studying communication in areas relevant to advertising. Applicants should also display evidence of external funding; the ability to teach core and elective courses in advertising; and a commitment to mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.

We seek candidates whose research focus complements and/or strengthens the department’s existing expertise in psychological, social, and cultural approaches to advertising. We also welcome applicants whose innovative research expands the department’s scholarly reach and opens new avenues for inquiry in advertising and public relations. We also encourage applications from scholars whose work explores the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and advertising, including its implications for communication strategies, consumer outcomes, and media effects.

Example areas of existing expertise

Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies in Communication

Artificial Intelligence and Consumer Behavior

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) in Advertising

Consumer Privacy

Community Engaged Learning

Data Analytics and Consumer Insights

Inclusive Excellence in communication

Digital and Social Media Strategy

Ethics in Communication

International/Multicultural Communication

Message Processes and Effects

User Generated Content

Candidates will be evaluated based on the minimum requirements and desired qualifications, using a holistic review approach across different stages of the candidate review process.

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 - Mass Communication, Communication, Information and Media, Public Relations, Strategic Communication, or related field.

Minimum Requirements

Ph.D. in Mass Communication, Communication, Information and Media, Public Relations, Strategic Communication, or related field.

Solid expertise and active research program with a well-defined empirical approach to studying communication in areas relevant to public relations.

Evidence of external funding.

Ability to teach core and elective courses in public relations.

Commitment to mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.

Desired Qualifications Research that complements and/or strengthens the department’s existing expertise in psychological, social, and cultural approaches to advertising. We also welcome applicants whose innovative research expands the department’s scholarly reach and opens new avenues for inquiry in advertising and public relations. We also encourage applications from scholars whose work explores the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and advertising, including its implications for communication strategies, consumer outcomes, and media effects. See above for desired areas of research.

Evidence of, or potential for, a national/international reputation

Industry experience

Experience teaching and mentoring graduate students

Experience in entrepreneurship

Evidence of, or potential for, interdisciplinary collaboration

Experience with outreach and engagement

Required Application Materials Applicants should submit electronically:

A cover letter of no more than five pages summarizing qualifications for the position, including a description of research agenda and teaching philosophy.

A curriculum vitae.

The names and contact information of three references.

Special Instructions To apply, please refer to posting #1056501 and complete an electronic submission on the Michigan State University Employment Opportunities website. Please direct inquiries to the chair of the search committee, Juan Mundel (mundelju@msu.edu). The search committee will begin its evaluation of applicants Oct. 16, 2025.

Additional Information The University conducts criminal background checks and professional misconduct reviews of all applicants for employment in faculty, academic staff, and executive management searches. The existence of professional misconduct history does not automatically exclude a candidate from employment. Applicants will be asked to sign an authorization and release to permit contact of current and former employers for a period of 7 years prior to the date of application, related to any pending investigations, findings of responsibility and/or sanctions related to professional misconduct. All records obtained from external employers will be kept secure. If an applicant fails to sign the authorization and release, the application will be deemed incomplete and withdrawn.

Review of Applications Begins On 10/16/2025

Website https://comartsci.msu.edu/departments/advertising-public-relations

Department Statement The Michigan State University Department of Advertising and Public Relations (ADPR) is a leader in education, research, and outreach. The Department has a tenure-stream and fixed-term (professors of practice) faculty who continue to re-envision the worlds of advertising research, education, and practice. Our faculty have diverse research and teaching interests, including AI/big data; public relations; CSR; digital strategy; health, science, and the environment; social impact; political communication; advertising and media psychology; and analytics, among others. The Department is home to nearly 2,000 undergraduate students, 20 M.A. in Advertising and Public Relations students, and 20 doctoral students, part of the joint Ph.D. program in Information and Media. The Department recently launched a student-led and run advertising agency.

MSU Statement: Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community.

#J-18808-Ljbffr