Assistant Professor of Risk Communication

Posting Number : F2538P

Working Title :

Assistant Professor of Risk Communication

Department :

Franklin-Communication Studies

About the University of Georgia :

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https : / / www.uga.edu / ) . The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

About the College / Unit / Department :

The Department of Communication Studies has 21 full time and three part-time faculty members, who are nationally recognized authorities in rhetorical studies, interpersonal communication, intergroup communication, persuasion, and health communication. Our faculty are committed to maintaining high standards in both undergraduate and graduate instruction. The department maintains a PhD program with approximately 40 graduate students and an undergraduate program with approximately 350 majors.The Franklin College of Arts and Sciences is the heart of UGA’s learning environment, advancing knowledge, research, and creative activity across more than 40 departments, schools, and institutes. With a vision for high-impact research and education, Franklin College prepares students for leadership and global engagement in a sustainable future. The College has a strong commitment to multidisciplinary research, collaboration and academic innovation, such as with the UGA’s new medical school and other schools / departments in the College. The department’s alliances with the Institute of Behavioral Health Research and the Center for Health and Risk Communication also allow for such collaborations. For more information about the department and our research programs, visit https : / / www.comm.uga.edu .

College / Unit / Department website :

https : / / www.comm.uga.edu

Posting Type : External

Employment Type : Employee

Benefits Eligibility :

Benefits Eligible

Anticipated Start Date :

08 / 01 / 2026

Job Posting Date : 10 / 31 / 2025

Open until filled : Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants :

To apply, upload a cover letter, curriculum vitae, writing sample, and the names of three references from people highly familiar with your research. Letters of reference and a teaching portfolio (including a teaching philosophy, a summary of course evaluations, and a sample syllabus) may be requested at a later date. For questions, please contact Search Chair, Dr. Chelsea Ratcliff, commsearch@uga.edu.

Location of Vacancy :

Athens Area

EEO Statement :

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ( hrweb@uga.edu ).

USG Core Values Statement :

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https : / / www.usg.edu / policymanual / section8 / C224 / #p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https : / / www.usg.edu / policymanual / section6 / C2653 .

Classification Title :

Assistant Professor

Faculty Rank : Assistant Professor

Contract Type : Academic (9 mo.)

Tenure Status : Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications :

The successful candidate will be expected to have a PhD in Communication at the time of appointment.

Position Summary :

The Department of Communication Studies at the University of Georgia invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Risk Communication. We are seeking a social scientist whose research and teaching interests complement the department’s strengths in Interpersonal, Intergroup, and Health Communication.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and / or Competencies :

The successful candidate will have evidence of a strong research program or the potential for a strong research program with a demonstrated specialization connected to risk communication; a commitment to teaching and mentoring graduate and undergraduate students; an ability to teach courses in empirical research methods, communication theory, science communication, and risk communication courses in the candidate’s area(s) of specialty, including but not limited to : risk perceptions and decision-making, risk and resiliency, or environmental and health implications of risk. Competitive applicants will show evidence of a commitment to multidisciplinary research and a track record or strong promise of securing extramural funding. Ideal candidates also will be enthusiastic about contributing to curricular innovation focused on Risk Communication or Communication Studies more broadly.

Is this a Position of Trust? :

No

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? :

No

Does this position require a P-Card? :

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? :

No

Is driving a responsibility of this position? :

No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? :

No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) :

No

Credit and P-Card policy :

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website .

Background Investigation Policy :

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website .