January 30, 2023
The School of Journalism, Writing and Media at the University of British Columbia (Vancouver) invites applications for one full-time non-tenure track faculty position at the rank of Lecturer. Expected start date is July 1, 2023. The School offers a Master’s of Journalism degree that aims to prepare a global cohort of graduate students to thrive in an evolving media environment, using research and journalistic practices to contribute to meaningful public discourse across all forms of media. The School plans to roll out its Minor in Journalism and Social Change in 2023-24. The successful candidate is expected to teach in both graduate and undergraduate programs.
The Lecturer’s initial appointment will be for 3 years, including a probationary first year. The appointment will be renewable for successive terms of up to 5 years, subject to availability of funding and demonstration of excellence in teaching, in accordance with the Collective Agreement between UBC and the UBC Faculty Association.
The successful candidate will be expected to carry an annual teaching load of 24 credits (i.e., eight 3-credit courses) in JWAM, with the possibility that some of the teaching assignments may be made in another unit in the Faculty of Arts, based on the needs of JWAM and the collaborating unit. In addition, the position will involve service responsibilities. In cases where extraordinary additional service responsibilities are assigned by the Director, a 3-credit teaching reduction may be granted. The Lecturer will work closely with the Director and with other JWAM faculty in a highly collaborative environment.
The successful candidate will show outstanding potential as an innovative teacher and mentor, as evidenced by their experience in professional journalism practice. To complement current strengths in digital, international, environmental, Indigenous, and public policy journalism, we are particularly interested in candidates with advanced professional expertise in digital journalism, including visual journalism, data journalism, misinformation and disinformation, innovation and entrepreneurial journalism. Working under the direction of the Director, this individual will be highly engaged in educational activities, such as teaching, curriculum development, and evaluation activities as well as provide mentorship and training to students. Journalism faculty is committed to creating unique opportunities for students to succeed as journalists, media professionals and researchers in an era of significant shifts in communication technology and culture.
A PhD degree is preferred by the time of the appointment, though candidates who have progressed to the point where completion of the PhD is imminent (or candidates with a Master’s degree) and who demonstrate clear and superior promise of excellence in journalistic research, practice, and teaching may also be considered. In addition, candidates must demonstrate professional experience, with a proven commitment to the advancement of research, practice and public scholarship in the fields of journalism, media and communications.
The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to excellence and innovation in teaching and advising, and be skilled in methods of engaged and inclusive learning and the appropriate use of instructional technology. They will be expected to teach on a range of courses currently on offer within the Masters of Journalism degree, develop new graduate and undergraduate courses, and undertake service duties as assigned by the Director.
Additional information about the School may be found at https://journalism.ubc.ca/
Applications are to be submitted via this online form: https://jrnl.air.arts.ubc.ca/applications-for-journalism-lecturer-school-of-journalism-writing-and-media/. Applicants should be prepared to upload in the following order and in a single PDF (max size 15MB): a letter of application (including description of newsroom and/or other professional experience as a journalist), a description of current and future research and teaching interests, a curriculum vitae, and a teaching portfolio (including but not limited to: statement of teaching philosophy, student evaluations, peer assessments, one graduate course syllabus, and one undergraduate course syllabus).
Please also provide a one-page statement about your experience working with a diverse student body and your contributions or potential contributions to creating/advancing a culture of equity and inclusion.
In addition, applicants should include the names and contact information for 3 academic references. Applicants should ensure that their referees are aware that this is a teaching position and should accordingly focus their assessment on teaching and pedagogical expertise and experience.
Enquiries addressed to Dr. Kamal Al-Solaylee, Director and Chair of the Search Committee, in care of Hana Kim, may be sent to hana.kim@ubc.ca. The deadline for completed applications is March 1, 2023 [extended to April 3, 2023]. Review of applications will begin soon after this date and will continue until the position is filled. This position is subject to final budgetary approval. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. The School of Journalism, Writing, and Media is committed to research and pedagogy that responds to and addresses historic inequities. It welcomes applicants who would contribute to our ongoing efforts to create an open and diverse community that fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged in the field of journalism. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Métis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.