Science Communication Assistant Jobs in Lansing, MI

The Department of Advertising + Public Relations in the College of Communication Arts andSciences at Michigan State University invites applications for a tenure-system assistantprofessor position in Public Relations or Advertising. We seek a scholar whose research either complementsexisting areas of departmental expertise or brings new perspectives and innovative directions toour program.

Qualified applicants should have a Ph.D. in Communication, Mass Communication, Mass Media, Information and Media, Advertising, Public Relations, Strategic Communication, or a related field. In addition, applicants should demonstrate strong qualitative or quantitative methodological expertise and possess a clearly defined, active research trajectory that reflects a consistent, empirical approach to studying communication in areas relevant to public relations. Applicants should also display evidence of, or potential for external funding; the ability to teachcore and elective courses in public relations; and a commitment to mentoring undergraduateand graduate students.

Ideally, candidates will have a research focus that complements and strengthens the department’s existing expertise in psychological, social, and cultural approaches to public relations. However, we also welcome applicants whose innovative research expands thedepartment’s scholarly reach and opens new avenues for inquiry in advertising and publicrelations. We also encourage applications from scholars whose work explores the intersection of health communication and public relations, including its implications for communicationstrategies, stakeholder relationships, and media effects.

Example areas of existing expertise include (in alphabetical order):
Advocacy and Activism Communication; Corporate Social Responsibility / Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG); Crisis Communication; Inclusive Excellence in Communication; Digital and Social Media Strategy; Environmental Communication; Ethics; Health Communication; Issue Advocacy; International and Multicultural Communication; Message Processes and Effects; Misinformation and Disinformation; Political Communication; Public Relations (including measurement and evaluation); Public Relations and Advertising History; Science Communication; Strategic Communication.

Candidates will be evaluated based on the minimum requirements and desired qualifications, using a holistic review approach across different stages of the candidate review process.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Doctorate -Mass Communication, Communication, Information and Media, Public Relations, Strategic Communication or related field.

• Ph.D. in Mass Communication, Communication, Information and Media, Public Relations,Strategic Communication or related field.
• Solid expertise and active research program with a well-defined empirical approach to studying communication in areas relevant to public relations.
• Evidence of, or potential for external funding.
• Ability to teach core and elective courses in public relations.
• Commitment to mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.

Research that complements and strengthens the department’s existing expertise inpsychological, social, and cultural approaches to public relations. See above for desired areasof research.

• Evidence of, or potential for a national/international reputation
• Industry experience
• Experience teaching across platforms and mentoring graduate students
• Experience in entrepreneurship
• Interdisciplinary collaboration
• Outreach and engagement in local communities

Applicants should submit electronically:

• A cover letter of no more than five pages summarizing qualifications for the position, including adescription of research agenda and teaching philosophy.
• A curriculum vitae.
• The names and contact information of three references.

To apply, please refer to posting #1056502 and complete an electronic submission at the Michigan State University Employment Opportunities website https://careers.msu.edu/ . Please direct inquiries to the chair of the search committee, Juan Mundel(mundelju@msu.edu). The search committee will begin its evaluation of applicants Oct. 16,2025.

10/16/2025

https://comartsci.msu.edu/departments/advertising-public-relations

The Michigan State University Department of Advertising and Public Relations (ADPR) is a leader in education, research, and outreach. For more than 60 years, ADPR has set the global pace in research excellence and achievement while maintaining an award-winningundergraduate program; these remain the Department’s core values. ADPR comprises tenure streamand fixed-term (professors of practice) faculty who continue to re-envision the worlds ofadvertising research, education, and practice. Our faculty have diverse research and teachinginterests, including AI/big data; public relations; CSR; digital strategy; health, science, and theenvironment; social impact; political communication; advertising and media psychology; andanalytics, among others.

The Department is home to nearly 2,000 undergraduate students in three majors (B.S. in Advertising Management, B.A. in Advertising Creative, and B.A. in Public Relations), 20 M.A. in Advertising and Public Relations students, and 20 doctoral students, part of the joint Ph.D. program in Information and Media. The Department has recently launched a student-led and run advertising agency, 42pointSeven.

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.