Science Communication Assistant Jobs in Virginia

Department: Col of Humanities and Soc Science
Classification: 9-month Instructional Faculty
Job Category: Instructional Faculty
Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)
Location: Fairfax, VA
Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible
Sponsorship Eligibility: Eligible for Sponsorship
Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience
Criminal Background Check: Yes
About the Department:
Mason's Communication Department has a diverse and collegial faculty committed to excellence, innovation, community and public service, and fostering a supportive and welcoming environment for all. All department faculty participate in the life of our campus community, including career fairs, faculty functions, recruiting sessions, and other events. Located just 15 miles from Washington, D.C., we offer a broad undergraduate program; five minor programs; a vibrant MA program including strategic, health, and science communication specialties; and a highly ranked PhD program emphasizing health, science/environment/risk, and strategic communication. The department also offers a graduate certificate in science communication. We serve a diverse population of undergraduate and graduate students who bring a wide variety of cultures and backgrounds to our classrooms. Additionally, the department supports several co-curricular activities, including debate, forensics, Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and a comprehensive student media program. The research life of the department includes both undergraduate and graduate research, and is reflected in the activities and outreach of its faculty, including those of the Center for Climate Change Communication; the Communication, Health, and Relational Media (CHARM) research lab; the Center for Health and Risk Communication; the Character Assassination and Reputation Politics (CARP) research lab; and the Pop Culture Lab.
For more information about the Department of Communication, visit: https://communication.gmu.edu/
About the Position:
The Department of Communication's Open-Rank Tenured/Tenure-Track Professor teaches and conducts relevant communication research and serves as the Director of Fundamentals of Communication, working in collaboration with the Associate Director of Fundamentals of Communication to oversee the required multi-section introductory course in public communication and interpersonal communication, COMM 101. Over 4000 undergraduate students are enrolled in COMM 101 each academic year. The Director of Fundamentals of Communication will advocate for the courses on University level General Education committees and teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in their areas of expertise. This appointment is scheduled to begin Fall semester, 2026.
The candidate should have expertise in training and development (including the development and instruction of online courses) and in conducting and publishing assessments; a doctoral degree in Communication (or closely related fields); and an active program of relevant communication research and scholarship in any of the following areas: communication education, scholarship of teaching and learning, interpersonal communication, organizational communication, strategic communication, or other areas represented in the department. The candidate should have excellent teaching and advising experience, and commitment to collegiality and collaboration. (ABD candidates will be considered, but must have a completed doctoral degree for appointment as a tenure-track Assistant Professor).
Position Responsibilities:
The assistant/associate/full professor and Director of Fundamentals of Communication is expected to fulfill the following duties and responsibilities, in collaboration with the Associate Director:

• Act as instructor of record and teach the COMM 101 Lecture course each semester, and additional courses each academic year determined by Department need and applicant expertise;
• Operational management of COMM 101 which may include:
  • COMM 101 enrollment planning and management;
  • End of semester grade compilation and uploading; handling student grade appeals and concerns;
  • Managing online learning platforms for all sections of the course each semester;
• Personnel management of COMM 101 Instructor Team which may include:
  • Manage course section and instructor scheduling and hiring for all COMM101 sections;
  • Plan and execute the Instructor Training Academy for all 101 instructors each fall;
  • Support adjuncts, graduate teaching assistants, graduate lecturers, and faculty;
  • Coordinate instructor observation schedule;
• Manage the assessment process for COMM 101, including data collection, analysis, and implementation of course adjustments based on assessments. Ensure that course objectives align with departmental learning outcomes and accreditation standards;
• Collaborate with the Communication Center Director and manage other campus partnerships such as with Mason LIFE and CECIL;
• Conduct research and actively publish in areas of expertise;
• Write and submit grant proposals as appropriate; and
• Contribute service to the department, college, and university by serving on committees and participating in activities.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD. or equivalent terminal degree in Communication or a related field, completed by the start of the contract date;
• Experience in teaching the "Basic Course" or related courses in Communication;
• Experience in training and development (including the development and instruction of online courses);
• Experience in conducting assessments;
• Ability to teach graduate and undergraduate courses based on applicant expertise and department needs;
• An active research program that may include but is not limited to the scholarship of communication pedagogy; and
• Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience managing the "Basic Course," or related programs;
• Research areas that align with/complement Department strengths; and
• Demonstrated success in mentoring instructors and/or graduate teaching assistants.

Instructions to Applicants:
For full consideration, applicants must apply for Open-Rank Tenured/Tenure-Track Professor and Director of Fundamentals of Communication at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include cover letter, curriculum vitae, contact information for three professional references, a statement of research, a statement of teaching philosophy, and any available/applicable teaching evaluations. This position is eligible for visa sponsorship if financially feasible.
Posting Open Date: December 10, 2025
For Full Consideration, Apply by: February 5, 2026
Open Until Filled: Yes
Mason Ad Statement
Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students and faculty from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in over 200 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason's diversity is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create.
If you are interested in joining the Mason family take a look at our current opportunities and catch some Mason spirit at jobs.gmu.edu/!
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Equity Statement
George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.
Campus Safety Information
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