Research Associate-Fixed Term

Position Summary

The Department of Media and Information at Michigan State University's College of Communication Arts & Sciences (ComArtSci) seeks a postdoctoral fellow to join its faculty, which is consistently ranked among the best in the world for scholarly productivity and teaching. As the first college of communication in the U.S. and the fastest-growing college at MSU, ComArtSci is experiencing record enrollments. The Deans Postdoctoral Fellowship Initiative is designed to enhance our academic community by welcoming dynamic and innovative scholar educators who upon successful completion of their postdoctoral fellowship will matriculate to a tenure-track assistant professor position. This two-year fellowship is subject to review after the first year and may begin as early as August 16, 2026.

Research Focus

The Department of Media and Information seeks a candidate whose work advances inclusive excellence that builds and potentially expands the range of perspectives and methodologies in human-computer interaction, human-robot interaction, rural computing, game studies and design, and the relationships between technology and policy, health and wellness, and society.

Postdoctoral Fellowship Expectations

Prepare for a transition to a tenure-track faculty position within Media and Information. Conduct and publish peer-reviewed research or creative works independently or in collaboration with faculty mentors. Identify and work with faculty mentors across the department. In year 1, teach one course and/or engage in grant writing, outreach, and service activities.

About the Department

The Department of Media and Information brings together faculty from diverse disciplines to advance research in human-computer interaction, human-robot interaction, rural computing, game studies and design, and the relationships between technology, policy, health, and society. Candidates should contribute to or expand these areas, particularly through computational and/or quantitative approaches. Department faculty collaborate across fields such as communication, information science, media, psychology, sociology, design, and human-computer interaction to explore critical challenges and develop innovative solutions. The department values diverse perspectives and methodologies, supporting research that enhances quality of life for individuals and communities. MI is a member of the iSchools consortium and houses a top-ranked program in game design and development. 

Appointment Terms & Compensation

Nine-month renewable academic year appointment with potential for summer teaching opportunities. Salary comparable to a starting Assistant Professor in the department, plus benefits. Research and professional funding (e.g., for travel, archives, transcription, student research assistants, etc.). One-time relocation allowance. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Media & Information or related discipline.

Minimum Requirements

Eligible applicants must have earned a PhD in Media & Information, or a related discipline from an accredited university before the start date. The candidate will be evaluated relative to peers at a similar stage in their careers, based on record of high-impact publications in relevant academic outlets, including journals and conference proceedings; (although not required) record of excellence in instruction; and record of and commitment to inclusive excellence in research-creative activity, instruction, and service. 

Desired Qualifications

Attainment of a Ph.D. between 2023 through Spring 2026.

Required Application Materials

Candidates must submit the following via MSUs job portal:

1. Cover Letter (up to 5 pages) – Should include your career plans, research interests, and a list of up to three potential faculty mentors. For each mentor, briefly explain how their expertise aligns with your background and professional goals. See Special Instructions below for guidance on identifying eligible mentors.
2. Statement on Teaching Excellence (1-2 pages)- Describe how your work, background, or perspective would contribute to teaching excellence in the areas of research, teaching, and service.
3. Curriculum Vitae (CV) – Include a full list of publications with links where available. 
4. References – Provide the names and contact information for three professional references.

Special Instructions

Candidates are encouraged to review the websites of the Department of Media and Information (Media & Information | MSU Communication Arts & Sciences) and the Deans Postdoctoral Fellowship Program (https://comartsci.msu.edu/about/deans-office/deans-postdoctoral-fellowship-program) to identify eligible faculty mentors. Applications must be submitted through careers.msu.edu. For additional information or to request accommodation, please contact Dr. Lauren Gaines, Chair of the Search Committee, at gainesla@msu.edu with the subject line “ComArtSci Postdoc – Media & Information.”

Review of Applications Begins On December 1, 2025 – Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. 

As an institution of higher learning, Michigan State University is committed to providing a safe environment for its students, faculty, and staff in support of its educational mission. With this commitment, the University conducts criminal background checks and professional misconduct reviews of all applicants for employment in faculty, academic staff, and executive management searches. 

Professional Misconduct Review 

A professional misconduct review is a prerequisite for a candidate to be selected for this position. Applicants will be asked to disclose whether they are subject to any pending investigation, findings or sanctions related to professional misconduct. Professional misconduct includes misconduct related to a person’s employment, including, but not limited to, theft, embezzlement, research integrity, discrimination, or harassment under civil rights laws and policies, including protected identity harassment, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct (sexual assault, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, etc.), and retaliation. All applicants will be asked to sign an authorization and release, which authorizes the University to contact the candidate’s current and former employers, for a period of 7 years prior to the date of application, related to any pending investigations, findings of responsibility and/or sanctions related to professional misconduct. Nothing will be sent to current or former employers unless the candidate reaches the semi-finalist stage. 

The existence of professional misconduct history does not automatically exclude a candidate from employment. The University will assess the information, including any information provided by the candidate, in determining whether the candidate is fit for the position. The University may decline to hire a candidate based on the professional misconduct review. All records obtained from external employers will be kept in a secure location, separate from personnel files. If an applicant fails to sign the authorization and release, the application will be deemed incomplete and will be withdrawn.  

Review of Applications Begins On

12/01/2025

Website

Media & Information | MSU Communication Arts & Sciences

Department Statement

The Department of Media and Information brings together faculty from diverse disciplines to advance research in human-computer interaction, human-robot interaction, rural computing, game studies and design, and the relationships between technology, policy, health, and society. Candidates should contribute to or expand these areas, particularly through computational and/or quantitative approaches.

Department faculty collaborate across fields such as communication, information science, media, psychology, sociology, design, and human-computer interaction to explore critical challenges and develop innovative solutions. The department values diverse perspectives and methodologies, supporting research that enhances quality of life for individuals and communities. MI is a member of the iSchools consortium and houses a top-ranked program in game design and development.

MSU Statement

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.