Professor & Eleanor Poynter Jamison Chair in Media Ethics & Press Policy (EXPIRED)

Professor & Eleanor Poynter Jamison Chair in Media Ethics & Press Policy

The Department of Journalism and Digital Communication at the University of South Florida seeks an outstanding media scholar as the next Eleanor Poynter Jamison Chair in Media Ethics and Press Policy, an endowed position on the St. Petersburg campus. The Poynter Jamison Chair is one of the nation’s first endowed chairs in media ethics. Established in 1993, the chair has been held by only two previous professors: Jay Black (1993–2003) and Deni Elliott (2003–2022).

We seek candidates with established, influential research agendas focused on ethics, media and technology. Within this wide-ranging theme, we emphasize expertise in areas such as digital surveillance and privacy; computational journalism; investigative data journalism; mis- and dis-information; accountability in machine learning; ethical considerations in the design and use of social media; and media policy and democracy. The Poynter Jamison Chair is expected to develop independent research programs that attract external funding.

The ideal candidate’s scholarship will help shape the future of journalism and digital communication and contribute to our mission to improve news coverage through inclusive reporting bolstered by technological advancements. The Poynter Jamison Chair will contribute to strategic departmental initiatives focused on community journalism, science and health reporting, visual storytelling, and digital production.

This nine-month, full-time position begins Aug. 7, 2023. This is primarily a research position, although the successful candidate will contribute to teaching in our undergraduate and graduate programs. Salary is negotiable.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in journalism, communication, information science or a related field
• An exceptional record of scholarship in media ethics
• Teaching experience at the undergraduate and graduate levels
• Must meet university criteria for appointment to the rank of Professor

Preferred Qualifications

• A focus on emerging technologies, including AI, and their implications on journalism, communication and public discourse
• Expertise in journalism on multiple publishing platforms
• A record of collaboration across disciplines
• Candidates with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

About USF’s Department of Journalism & Digital Communication

For more than three decades, USF’s Department of Journalism and Digital Communication has been distinguished by the quality of its teaching, strong partnerships with local underserved communities, and deep ties to regional media organizations. Since 2004, the Department has been continuously accredited by ACEJMC, journalism’s national professional accrediting body. Our STEM-designated bachelor’s degree emphasizes digital literacy, visual storytelling, and data-driven news coverage alongside core reporting, writing, and critical thinking skills. In 2012, the Department established one of the country’s first online master’s degrees in digital journalism, and we continue to seek ways to provide innovative journalism education at a time when media literacy, civic discourse, and a strong, independent press have never been more important. Journalism and Digital Communication faculty explore journalists' roles in promoting civic discourse, informing the public, and strengthening democracy, and improving journalism through more inclusive reporting bolstered by the latest technological advancements. The Neighborhood News Bureau, the Department’s working newsroom in Midtown St. Petersburg, provides a real-world laboratory to study contemporary audiences’ relationships with news, digital innovations’ effects on journalistic workflows, and trends in community journalism. The NNB also connects the Department to a historically underrepresented African American community, reflecting a long-held commitment to diversity and representation in news coverage, teaching and scholarship. A new concentration in science and health reporting will build on the Department’s long history of science writing and expand existing connections with USF’s College of Marine Science, the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, the Florida Institute of Oceanography, and other scientific organizations across campus and the Tampa Bay region.

Information for Applicants 
This position is subject to a Level one criminal background check.

Job Opening Number: 32385

Posting Date: 10/14/22, Open until filled

How To Apply 
Click on https://gems.usf.edu:4440/psp/gemspro-tam/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1&JobOpeningId=32385&PostingSeq=1. When applying to an opening you will have the opportunity to upload a cover letter, CV, Research and Teaching Statements. 

Apply online by completing the required information and attaching your cover letter and resume. Please include your experience as it relates to the qualifications stated above. YOUR COVER LETTER AND CV, PLUS ANY OTHER REQUESTED MATERIAL, MUST BE IN ONE ATTACHMENT. Only online applications are accepted for this position.

Click here for additional tutorial information.

Equal Employment Opportunity 
USF is an equal opportunity, equal access academic institution that embraces diversity in the workplace.

The University of South Florida does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sexual harassment. Any person may report sex discrimination, including sexual harassment (whether or not the person reporting is the person alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sex discrimination or sexual harassment), in person, by mail, by telephone, or by electronic mail, using the contact information listed for the Title IX Coordinator. Reports may be made at any time either online or directly to the University's Title IX Coordinator.

Work Location 
Campus map and location overview: USF - St. Petersburg Campus

About USF 
The University of South Florida is a high-impact global research university dedicated to student success. Over the past 10 years, no other public university in the country has risen faster in U.S. News & World Report's national university rankings than USF. Serving more than 50,000 students on campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee, USF is designated as a Preeminent State Research University by the Florida Board of Governors, placing it in the most elite category among the state's 12 public universities. USF is a member of the American Athletic Conference.

Working at USF
With more than 16,000 employees at USF, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay region. At USF you will find opportunities to excel in a rich academic environment that fosters the development and advancement of our employees. We believe in creating a talented, engaged and driven workforce through on-going development and career opportunities. We also offer a first class benefit package that includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, tuition program and generous leave programs and more.

To learn more about working at USF please visit: Work Here. Learn Here. Grow Here.