Instructional Professor in Science Communication and Public Discourse (Open Rank)
The University of Chicago

Job Info

Description

In collaboration with the Collegiate Divisions of the Biological and Physical Sciences, the Humanities Collegiate Division at the University of Chicago is searching for an Instructional Professor (open rank), who will assist with the coordination of the Program in Science Communication and Public Discourse and teach up to six courses per academic year, depending on other duties. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible, non-tenure-track position, with a start date of September 1, 2023. The initial appointment will be for a minimum of two years (with longer initial terms possible depending on initial rank), and with a review and progression schedule determined by a collective bargaining agreement between the University and the Service Employees International Union.

Housed in the Parrhesia Program for Public Discourse, the Minor in Science Communication and Public Discourse provides a curriculum that introduces students with a serious interest in science to the theory and practice of rhetoric and the science of communication. Students learn to adjust messaging to their intended audience, use clear and compelling language free of jargon, and employ effective story-telling techniques and vivid examples - always grounded in scientific principles and sound evidence. Classes emphasize rhetorical and communicational practice, culminating in capstone projects that couple the students' scientific interests with their rhetorical and communicational skills in the form of blogs, podcasts, documentary videos, graphic illustration, exhibits, or journalistic texts.

We seek an ambitious, creative, and thoughtful pedagogue to help build a dynamic curriculum that is calibrated to the capacities and interests of a diverse student body at a highly selective research university; one that fosters and advances the College's commitment to intellectual rigor and the free exchange of ideas. Teaching is a mainstay of the position, and we therefore seek a candidate who is able to teach impactful courses on the practice of science communication and its different medial modes, the role of science in society and politics, the history of communicating scientific evidence and knowledge, etc.. Reporting to the Faculty Director, the successful candidate will assist in coordinating the academic curriculum, including designing, piloting, and teaching courses, advising and mentoring students, developing co-curricular programming, and integrating the Program in Science Communication and Public Discourse into the rich and complex academic life of the College and the University. The course assignments and other duties will be determined annually by the Faculty Director of the Program in Science Communication and Public Discourse. Instructional Professors of all ranks are required to engage in regular professional development.

Training and/or experience in the sciences as well as in rhetoric, communication, or journalism are required: either a masters degree in the sciences with experience in communication or journalism, or a masters degree in communication or journalism with a bachelor degree or higher in the sciences. A doctoral degree in Science Communication, Communication Studies, Media Studies, Rhetoric, Journalism, or a related field with a specialization in the sciences would be desirable. Experience teaching science communication and public discourse at the college or post-secondary level is required. A demonstrated ability to design courses and a sophisticated curriculum, as well as to develop co-curricular programming for a variety of audiences is required. A demonstrated track record of research in the field of science communication is desirable. Professional experience in communication and journalism, and/or training in these fields beyond the classroom is desirable. Experience in grant writing is desirable.

Applicants should submit their applications through the University of Chicago's Interfolio website, http://apply.interfolio.com/121447 and upload a current curriculum vitae; a cover letter that discusses interest in and qualifications for the position including both teaching and administrative experience; a teaching portfolio containing a teaching statement, syllabi, and course evaluations or other evidence of teaching effectiveness; and the names and contact information [email and phone numbers] for three references whose letters of recommendation may be solicited.

Application deadline is March 20, 2023. Only complete applications will be considered. This position is contingent upon budgetary approval. This position will be part of the Service Employees International Union.

Questions about the position may be directed to Peggy Mason (pmason@uchicago.edu), Faculty Director of the Program in Science Communication and Public Discourse.