3pointD.com

USC’s Annenberg School for Communication — home of the Annenberg Studies on Computer Games team and the Center for Public Diplomacy (which we’ve blogged about before), as well as many other innovative programs — is “seeking to hire one or two scholars whose research illuminates the formation, functioning and impact of online communities.” More information after the jump.

New Position: Online Communities and Communication
USC Annenberg School for Communication

The USC Annenberg School for Communication is launching a major research and teaching initiative to study online communities. The initiative will investigate if and how communities that are supported by network technologies and the Internet are transforming our sense of community and our social, political and economic lives. It will explore how online communities are developed for and by diverse populations. It will teach students how to build and understand online communities. We are seeking to hire one or two scholars whose research illuminates the formation, functioning and impact of online communities. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in hand at time of application. Special consideration will be given to junior scholars with a track record of high quality published research on issues relevant to online communities and new technology. The appointment is tenure-track and open rank, although special consideration will be given to junior scholars. We encourage candidates who seek to work with colleagues from a broad range of specializations and methodological approaches. The School of Communication is a leader in the implementation of USC’s new strategic plan, which emphasizes innovation in interdisciplinary research that addresses societal needs, along with the Annenberg School’s particular emphasis on communication in the public interest, new communication technologies, globalization, and entertainment as communication and cultural content. Applicants should send their curriculum vita, three letters of recommendation, and samples of their work to Online Communities Search, Mr. Justin Acome, School of Communication, Annenberg School for Communication, University of Southern California, 3502 Watt Way, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0281, acome@usc.edu, (213) 740-0934. Inquiries can also be made to the Search Committee Chair, Professor Janet Fulk, fulk@usc.edu (213) 740-0941. Review of applications is continuing and we are targeting a December 2006 decision date for a July 1, 2007 start date. USC is an AA/EO employer and is seeking to create a diverse community.