Assistant Professor in Political Communication and AI

San José State University•San Jose, CA

10d•$88,000 - $92,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Communication Studies at San José State University is seeking an Assistant Professor of Political Communication and AI to begin in August 2026. The ideal candidate will be a teacher-scholar researching and teaching at the intersections of political communication, artificial intelligence, democratic life, and public discourse, utilizing social scientific, interpretive, rhetorical, and/or critical perspectives. Specializations may include AI and political communication, misinformation, political polarization, platform governance, digital campaigning, civic engagement, algorithmic publics, public advocacy, political rhetoric, public opinion, and the ethical, social, and democratic implications of emerging communication technologies. Responsibilities include developing and updating graduate and undergraduate courses in political communication, rhetoric, and digital media, as well as teaching communication theory, research methods, and general education courses. The candidate will also lead the department in establishing governmental, policy, and technological partnerships, and internship programs related to civic and public sectors. The Department of Communication Studies is a vibrant and diverse unit committed to critical, innovative, and justice-oriented approaches, valuing interdisciplinary research, inclusive teaching, and collaborations with Silicon Valley communities. The department offers numerous high-impact educational opportunities and benefits from various university resources and initiatives. The College of Social Sciences is committed to equitable and inclusive teaching and learning, supporting faculty and student success through culturally-sustaining approaches. San José State University, a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI), seeks teacher-scholars who cultivate inclusive, empowering spaces for mutual learning and knowledge exchange for its diverse student population.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Communication Studies, or a closely related field (completed by time of appointment)
Evidence of a well-defined, active and on-going research agenda demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications and presentations
Demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching, including inclusive and equity-minded pedagogy
Ability to teach existing courses in the department and develop new courses in the candidate’s areas of expertise
Applicants should demonstrate an awareness of and sensitivity to the educational goals of a socially and economically diverse student population as might have been gained in cross-cultural study, training, teaching, and other comparable experience.

Nice To Haves

Strong record of teaching excellence, teaching experience, and a record of service.
Research and/or community engagement addressing the impacts of AI on historically marginalized communities in political contexts.
Scholarly and/or teaching engagement with the intersections of political communication, rhetoric, technology, race, gender, and power.
Background in decolonial, feminist, queer, or critical race theories as they relate to political communication and technology.
Experience in political and/or technological activism.
Experience or interest in developing curriculum related to political communication, AI and ethics.

Responsibilities

Teach and develop undergraduate and graduate courses in communication studies, including core and elective offerings.
Maintain an active research agenda leading to peer-reviewed publications and public scholarship.
Engage in service to the department, college, university, and the broader community.
Advise and mentor students, including supervising graduate theses or projects.
Participate in shared governance, usually in department, college, and university committees and other service assignments.
Organize all classes within the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS).
Demonstrate awareness and experience in understanding the needs of a student population of great diversity – in age, abilities, cultural background, ethnicity, religion, economic background, primary language, sexual orientation, gender identity, and academic preparation – through inclusive course materials, teaching strategies, and advisement.