Assistant Professor of Communication Studies

The Communication Studies department at Davidson College invites applications for an Open-Rank position in Communication Studies, with a focus on Intercultural/International Communication starting July 1, 2026. We are seeking candidates who have both a strong commitment to interdisciplinary undergraduate education and an active research agenda. We are particularly interested in candidates whose teaching experience encompasses public speaking, intercultural and/or international communication, communication theory, research methods, and courses within secondary areas of expertise that could inform the development of elective courses within Communication Studies. Secondary areas of expertise are flexible, though candidates with scholarship in activism and social justice, and health communication are most desirable. The successful candidate’s primary teaching responsibility will be in the Communication Studies department with a periodic opportunity to contribute a course to the Writing Program. The candidate’s Ph.D. in Communication Studies should be completed by July 1, 2026. The candidate will participate in departmental and college service, such as rotational work as department chair and/or Speaking Center director, Honors Society advisor, advising senior research including capstones and theses, and serving on institutional committees. Tenure-track faculty at Davidson teach four courses in their first year and five each year thereafter.

Candidates should demonstrate strong interest in and capacity for excellence in teaching, research, and mentorship in a small liberal arts context. Specifically, candidates should possess clear pedagogical commitment to an innovative and inclusive curriculum that fosters critical thinking in all students. Along with teaching excellence, candidates should also demonstrate an active research program and evidence of commitment to peer and student-mentorship. Applicants should submit (1) a cover letter that articulates intercultural/international communication studies scholarly expertise and describes leadership, mentoring, and administrative experience (maximum 3 single-spaced pages); (2) a curriculum vitae; (3) a one-page teaching philosophy that addresses your understanding of inclusive teaching practices in working with students from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives; (4) a one-page research statement that addresses how your scholarship translates into teaching in a liberal arts context committed to engaging all students including those from groups that have been historically limited in their access to higher education, and; (5) and the names of three professional references. Davidson College is committed to access and opportunity for students from all backgrounds and perspectives. Candidates should detail in the application materials how they have and will incorporate inclusive teaching and mentoring practices in academic endeavors. Application materials received by November 21, 2025 are guaranteed full consideration by the search committee; however, the position will remain open until filled. Applications can be submitted online at https://employment.davidson.edu. If you have any questions, please contact the department and search chair Amanda R. Martinez at [email protected].

Davidson College is a highly selective, residential, four-year liberal arts college, located 20 miles from Charlotte, NC that is consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the country. Davidson places emphasis on excellence in teaching, features outstanding facilities, and provides institutional funding for research, travel, and sabbatical leaves. Davidson faculty and students benefit from small class sizes at all levels. A collegial, respectful atmosphere honors academic achievement and integrity, upholds educational excellence, encourages student-faculty collaborative research, and prioritizes inclusive pedagogy. 

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