Associate Prof. / Professor in Communications and Media; UCA

Appointee: At the Ranks of Associate Prof, Professor

Position: Full-Time Faculty Contract

Department: Communications and Media, Naryn Campus

Mode of Delivery: In person at the Naryn Campus, Kyrgyz Republic

Reports to: Chair of the Department or equivalent

Duration: Open-ended contract with 3 months of probation period

Deadline: April 29, 2024

UCA Background:

The University of Central Asia (UCA) was founded in 2000 as a private, not for profit, secular university through an International Treaty signed by the Presidents of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, and His Highness the Aga Khan; ratified by their respective parliaments and registered with the United Nations. The Presidents are the Patrons of the University and His Highness is the Chancellor. UCA’s mission is to promote the social and economic development of Central Asia, particularly its mountain communities, by offering an internationally recognized standard of higher education, and enabling the peoples of the region to preserve their rich cultural heritage as assets for the future. UCA brings with it the broader commitment and partnership of the Aga Khan Development Network. For more information: www.ucentralasia.org

Summary of Position and Key Responsibilities

The University of Central Asia seeks to fill a senior, Full-Time Faculty position in the Communications and Media programme at UCA’s campus in Naryn, Kyrgyz Republic. As a full faculty member, the appointed person will be expected to play a leading role in developing and delivering the undergraduate Communications and Media curriculum, producing related research of international standard and leading research and development initiatives that provide support and mentorship for less senior faculty members, as well as talented students. In addition, the postholder will be expected to contribute to the management and leadership of the School of Arts and Sciences.

The academic programmes at UCA combine the student-centered environment of a liberal arts college with the intellectual excitement of being at the frontiers of knowledge offered by a research university. The language of instruction for undergraduate studies is English, with a requirement that all undergraduate students be fluent in their native language and Russian.

The Communications and Media Programme

UCA's Communications and Media programme, developed in partnership with the University of Technology, in Sydney, Australia, and other partner institutions offers a unique integrated approach that includes communications theory, media studies, journalism and applied media with a storytelling approach. The programme reflects current trends in the study and practice of media communications. Students will be equipped with a strong foundation in both theory and practical skills required by media industries, including journalism, public relations, multi-media design and media production. They will acquire skills in writing and critical thinking, as well as knowledge in media law and ethics and the political, economic, cultural and social character of Central Asian societies.

Postholder profile:

The successful candidate is expected to contribute to the development of the leading-edge research programme of the Department, the School of Arts and Sciences, as well as the University of Central Asia as a whole. The incumbent must be able to demonstrate a level of research activity and output commensurate with the position of Associate Professor or Professor at an international research university. This activity includes but is not limited to academic publications in high impact peer-review journals and proven record of successful attraction of external research funding. The postholder will also contribute to leadership in community engagement, social impact and university management.

Priority will be given to applicants with experience in the following areas of expertise:
Coding and Data Analytics in Digital Communication
Social Informatics
Social and Mobile Media
Digital/Computational Journalism
Algorithm Studies /Internet of Things
Digital Research and Culture
Multimedia and Transmedia Narratives
Digital Storytelling and Marketing
Interactive Design and Immersive Technology

Minimum Qualifications:

PhD in Communications and Media with a proven track record of outstanding research in media studies and cognate disciplines as well as experience in research supervision.
Fluency in English is required, knowledge of Russian and/or of Kyrgyz/Tajik is an asset but is not essential, as the working language of the university is English.

Teaching experience:

Demonstrated subject knowledge and ability to teach the courses contracted for
Ability to work independently, as well as within a teaching team; flexibility and the ability to work in a constantly evolving academic endeavor is essential.
Demonstrated commitment to teaching and students. At least 6 years of experience teaching at the university is expected.
Experience using innovative teaching methods and evaluation methodologies.
Knowledge of quality assurance processes for learning and teaching
Mentoring of less experienced faculty
Experience in teaching in Central Asia would be a valuable asset.

Teaching requirements:

Annually prepare and deliver four courses of 6 credits each, comprising of lecturing, feedback, and assessment
Be available on-site and online for student contact hours
Be available on-site and online for team meetings
Maintain communication with Department Chair/Programme Director for any questions arising from students’ performance and overall course delivery
Provide final assessment of students work within institutional deadlines
Provide Department Chair/Programme Director with course assessments at the end of the semester
Participate in teaching and learning related meetings

Research experience:

Proven record of outstanding research output (publications) is required
Regular attendance and experience with presenting at international conferences is required
Experience in mentoring/supervising research students and younger colleagues is required
Experience in conducting research in Central Asia would be a valuable asset
Demonstrated interest in developing critical ways to conceptualize and research empirically the relationships between media and communications technologies and the social world with particular reference to development and social change communication challenges faced by individuals and organizations in the region

Evidence of success in competitive research and/or development-oriented grant applications

How to Apply

Please submit your application (cover letter, CV, and contact information of three references) on https://tinyurl.com/UCA-SAS-PCOM by 29 April 2024.

Applications will be reviewed when received. Early applications are strongly encouraged.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Review other job vacancies at: https://ucentralasia.org/career-opportunities