Postdoctoral Research Associate

Here at Carolina, our highly skilled postdocs play a vital role in our research enterprise and towards our overall commitment to research excellence. Across many disciplines, postdocs contribute to the intellectual vitality of the University. They provide innovative ideas and perspectives, foster a stimulating research environment and advance knowledge within their fields. Postdocs are crucial members of our scientific research workforce, contributors to our research outputs and an important reason why Carolina is one of the leading public research institutions in the country.

UNC -Chapel Hill offers postdocs comprehensive medical and vision coverage , paid leave, and benefits and services that support professional development and a healthy work/life balance. Chapel Hill regularly ranks as one of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, a reputation guided by the diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The mission of the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media is to prepare students to ignite the public conversation in our state, the nation and the world, and to understand the role of communication in fostering democracy. Our faculty, staff, students and administrators work collaboratively to build and foster an environment that is welcoming, inclusive and accessible to people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and beliefs.

The school offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, and administers a variety of professional development and distance-learning programs. Enrollment includes about 1,000 undergraduates and 130 graduate students in addition to professional development and distance education students. Our faculty members are international thought leaders whose scholarly and creative activities are visible and respected in the public realm.

Position Summary

The Center for Innovation and Sustainability in Local Media seeks a postdoctoral researcher to help lead applied research on the future of local journalism. The position will support projects examining the sustainability, innovation and civic role of local news, including the impact of artificial intelligence, changing audience behavior and new business models. The researcher will contribute to study design, IRB development, data collection and analysis, reports and scholarly publications, and will work with faculty, students and external media partners to translate findings into useful tools and insights for the field.

This position may be eligible for hybrid work schedule. Employees are generally required to reside in North Carolina, within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Ph.D. in journalism, mass communication, media studies, public policy, sociology, political science, information science, business, or a closely related field, completed by the start date.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Demonstrated ability to design and conduct rigorous research using qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods.
• Experience with research design, data collection and analysis, literature reviews, and scholarly or applied research writing.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines and work collaboratively with faculty, students and external partners.
• Strong written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Demonstrated research expertise in local news, media economics, journalism innovation, artificial intelligence, civic information, or related areas.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University’s Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at View phone number on click.appcast.io or send an email to View email address on click.appcast.io .

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you hold, or will you have completed by the start date, a Ph.D. in journalism, mass communication, media studies, public policy, sociology, political science, information science, business or a closely related field?
  • Yes
  • No