Assistant/Associate/Full Professor of Media Law and Technology

Assistant/Associate/Full Professor of Media Law and Technology 

Job no: 533945 

Work type: Faculty - Tenure Track 

Location: Eugene, OR

Categories: Journalism/Communication, Instruction 

Department: School of Journalism and Communication

Rank: Open Rank Professor (updated)

Annual Basis: 9 Month 

Application Deadline 

November 15, 2024 (updated); position open until filled

 Required Application Materials

We invite applications from qualified candidates who share our commitment to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning and work environment. Employment begins September 16, 2025.

To ensure consideration, please submit application materials by November 15, 2024 (updated). The position will remain open until filled. Interested applicants should submit:

• a letter of interest (cover letter); 

• an academic CV; 

• contact information for three academic references; 

• a diversity statement (see below). 

As part of the application process, applicants seeking faculty positions at the University of Oregon are asked to submit a statement about their past, present, and future contributions to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in their professional careers. For example, you may have worked with members of communities or local governments in politics, or university constituents such as students, staff, or faculty to further the goals of equity and inclusion. 

In evaluating statements of contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion, search committees often consider the applicants: 

• Awareness of inequities and challenges faced by underrepresented minority students and faculty. 

• Track record (commensurate to career stage) of activities that reduce barriers in education or research for underrepresented minority students and faculty. 

• Vision and plans for how their work will continue to contribute to UO's mission to serve the needs of our diverse state and student population and create an inclusive campus. 

We particularly welcome applications from scholars who are from populations historically underrepresented in the academy, and/or who have experience working with diverse populations. Applicants are encouraged to highlight their experience and philosophy with regard to diversity, equity, and inclusion and to address how they integrate these values in research, teaching, engagement, and/or service. 

Specific inquiries about the position may be directed to the search chair: Bryce Newell, Associate Professor, SOJC Eugene, at: mailto:bcnewell@uoregon.edu.

Position Announcement 

The University of Oregon's School of Journalism and Communication (SOJC) seeks a tenure-track faculty member at the assistant, associate, or full professor rank with research and teaching expertise in the use, adoption, and regulation of new and emerging information and communication technologies, such as generative artificial intelligence (AI), forms of immersive media (VR/AR/XR), and/or digital platforms (including, but not limited to, social media and/or digital games). Applications are especially welcome from more senior scholars with First Amendment/press freedom expertise. A successful candidate will be expected to teach our required undergraduate course in media/communication law, as well as other courses in their area of specialization, including in our thriving Eugene-based undergraduate programs in Media Studies, Journalism, Advertising, and Public Relations. The candidate may also contribute to our professional master's programs, including our master's program in Immersive Media Communication (based in Portland) and our PhD program in Communication and Media Studies. They will be eligible to supervise and mentor graduate students in the SOJC's graduate programs and undergraduate students in the SOJC Honors Program. 

Senior scholars with significant expertise in First Amendment law (including freedom of speech and freedom of the press) may be considered for an endowed chair. 

We seek an outstanding scholar and educator whose research and teaching are focused on some or all the following areas: 

1) How the law regulates new and emerging information and communication technologies including, but not limited to, generative AI, immersive media (XR/VR/AR), and/or digital platforms;

2) How these technologies regulate human behavior;

3) How the use, adoption, and regulation of these technologies can be informed by diverse approaches to human values, ethics, and critical approaches to technology, data, media, and/or information; and

4) Related issues of media and technology law, including free speech and the First Amendment, privacy, surveillance, and/or platform regulation. 

A successful candidate will have expertise in US media law, including the First Amendment, but expertise in international or comparative media and technology law, the intersection of geopolitics and technology regulation, and/or in evaluating emerging policy proposals and the influencing factors and mechanisms of such proposals in the US and internationally would be viewed positively. We also seek applications from individuals who bring diverse perspectives on media, law, regulation, and technology, and whose work centers on and seeks to improve how technology law, policy, and regulation, and the use and adoption of technological solutions address issues of bias, discrimination, inequality, justice, marginalization, or negative effects of technology on children and youth. 

This faculty hire will join an appropriate area(s) within the SOJC based on the person's background and interest (e.g., Media Studies, Journalism, Advertising, Public Relations). Further, they should contribute to making the SOJC a destination for graduate and undergraduate students to engage with and understand the ethical, social, and cultural implications of digital technologies. This hire would ideally strengthen SOJC's ties to other units on campus, including existing collaborations with CAS (e.g., the annual Data | Media | Digital Graduate Symposium), the campus-wide New Media and Culture Certificate program for graduate students, the UO's Data Sciences Initiative, and through a practical orientation to media law and technology issues in society. Finally, the ideal candidate will have strong potential to mentor undergraduate and graduate students and strong potential for, and commitment to, contributing to a culture of inclusive teaching and evidence of valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

This position is based in Eugene.

Department or Program Summary 

The School of Journalism and Communication (SOJC) is an accredited research and professional school serving approximately 2,450 undergraduates and 150 graduate students both on the University of Oregon campus in Eugene and at the UO Campus in Portland. Degrees offered are the BA, BS, MA, MS, and Ph.D., as well as minors in Media Studies, Game Studies, and Science Communication. The SOJC employs approximately 125 individuals as faculty and staff, over 50 graduate employees as well as roughly 50 student employees. The School is one of the oldest journalism programs in the nation, founded in 1916.

Minimum Requirements 

• Ph.D. in communication, media studies, journalism, information science/studies, law or another related field, or Juris Doctorate (J.D.) or equivalent/terminal degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., an SJD in Law) 

• Subject matter expertise in law, policy, and/or regulation as it relates to media, information and communication technologies, and/or data-related practices and industries.

Preferred Qualifications 

• A record of scholarly accomplishment or promise that includes publication of peer-reviewed articles and/or publications in academic journals in communication, media studies, journalism, law, information studies, and/or related fields. 

• Subject matter expertise in First Amendment/free speech law alongside expertise in other areas relevant to media law and regulation, including privacy; surveillance; the regulation of new and emerging information and communication technologies, including generative AI, immersive media (XR/VR/AR), and/or digital platforms; how technologies regulate human behavior; and/or how the use, adoption, and regulation of these technologies can be informed by diverse approaches to human values, ethics, and critical approaches to technology, data, media, and/or information. 

• Demonstrated potential for teaching excellence. 

• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity. 

• Strong potential to mentor undergraduate and graduate students. 

• Experience with grant writing, or interest in and the potential to obtain external grants.

About the University 

The University of Oregon is the flagship institution of higher learning in Oregon and enrolls more than 20,000 undergraduate and 3,600 graduate students. It is an Association of American Universities member and Tier-One research institution that is ranked “highest research activity” by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. 

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check. 

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit https://hr.uoregon.edu/about-benefits.

The University of Oregon is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the ADA. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please contact us at mailto:uocareers@uoregon.edu or 541-346-5112. 

UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, familial status, citizenship, service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state law), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Office of Investigations and Civil Rights Compliance. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed https://investigations.uoregon.edu/reporting. 

In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://clery.uoregon.edu/annual-campus-security-and-fire-safety-report. 

To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/5739227