Tenure-Track Professor/Associate Professor/Assistant Professor in Strategic Communication/Data, Digital and AI in the Journalism and Media Studies Centre (2 posts)

Applications are invited for appointment of as Tenure-Track Professor/Associate Professor/Assistant Professor in Strategic Communication/Data, Digital and AI in the Journalism and Media Studies Centre (2 posts) (Ref.: 523356), to commence on August 1, 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter, on a three-year fixed-term basis, with the possibility of renewal and consideration for tenure before the expiry of a second three-year fixed-term contract.  The appointment rank will be determined based on qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.  Exceptionally outstanding candidates at Professor/Associate Professor level may be considered for appointment on direct tenure terms subject to University’s approval.

The Journalism and Media Studies Centre

The Journalism and Media Studies Centre (JMSC) of the University of Hong Kong has, since 1999, offered world-class professional journalism education at Asia’s premier university. Our experienced, highly skilled instructors and support staff enhance professional standards and bolster journalistic integrity through its teaching programmes, research, professional services and partnerships with major global media organizations. The JMSC curriculum is designed to produce graduates for all types of local, regional and international media outlets.

With a strong focus on Asian journalism with a global perspective, JMSC seeks additional positions to expand our academic curriculum and strategically strengthen the teaching and research units in the areas of strategic communication and/or data, digital, and artificial intelligence (AI). JMSC has gained strong international reputations for their work on journalism research, digital media, fact-checking, Internet censorship and propaganda, and the proliferation of mis-/disinformation. Our vision is to foster the development of the two rapidly-changing professions, journalism and communications, and to recruit the best minds in the world to strengthen our curriculum.  To learn more about the Centre, please visit https://jmsc.hku.hk/about-the-jmsc/.

Requirements

Applicants should possess a PhD degree in Communication/Journalism/Media Studies/Information Sciences or other related fields of study. They will develop various fields related to strategic communication and/or data, digital, and AI across the Centre, and oversee upskilling of expertise in our staff and students. The appointees will have teaching responsibilities in the subjects such as principles of strategic communication, pervasive communication, digital media and society, digital media analytics, or AI for media applications. Applicants should possess a track record of high-quality publications and a record of success at obtaining competitive research funding. Experience in designing and leading teaching program of strategic communication and/or raising philanthropic funds will be an advantage, as well as the demonstrated ability to create real-world impact through their research agenda. Applicants who are aligned with the academic disciplines represented by the Centre within the Faculty of Social Sciences, and who can reach out to colleagues across the disciplines in our Faculty and University are preferred.

Duties and Responsibilities

For Post (A) – the appointee will be responsible for designing, overseeing, and coordinating a new concentration of strategic communication and developing academic research projects in digital media and strategic communication as well as a new teaching program. The candidate is expected to have expertise in at least one of the following areas: advertising and digital marketing, strategic and marketing communication, public relation, advertising, design and strategies for health, political, or environmental campaigns, or cyberpsychology.

For Post (B) – the appointee will be responsible for supporting the development of the new concentration of strategic communication. In addition to this duty, the candidate is expected to have strong research track record in the frontier digital research in communication studies, with expertise in at least one of the following areas: media or multimodal data analysis, machine learning, artificial intelligence, use of large language model in social sciences research, immersive environments in AR/VR, causal inference and advanced computational methods in communication research etc.

What We Offer

A highly competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered, in addition to annual leave and medical benefits. At current rates, salaries tax does not exceed 15% of gross income. The appointment will attract a contract-end gratuity and University contribution to a retirement benefits scheme, totalling up to 15% of basic salary. Housing benefits will be provided as applicable.

How to Apply 

The University only accepts online application for the above posts. Applicants should apply online and upload (1) an up-to-date CV, (2) a research plan, 3) a teaching statement, and (4) state the contact information of three referees on the online application form.  At least one of the referees should be able to comment on your research/teaching ability and your contribution to research/teaching in your department, while the remaining two should have knowledge of your recent academic or employment experience.  Review of applications will start as soon as possible and continue until March 31, 2024, or until the posts are filled, whichever is earlier.  For further enquiries, please contact Professor Ruby Yang at rubyang@hku.hk.