Assistant professor in Cultural/Media Industries and Digital Cultures

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Faculty of Arts – Department of Communication

The Department of Communication at the University of Ottawa invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in Cultural/Media Industries and Digital Cultures, with a specific focus on Francophone Canada and Quebec. Candidates who are skilled in conducting empirical research and utilizing а diverse array of methods and tools, particularly those related to the digital humanities (large-scale corpus analysis, data visualization, computational techniques, digital archiving, etc.) are strongly encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing teaching and research concerning the structures and practices associated with the production, distribution, and dissemination of cultural, creative, and/or informational content, with a particular emphasis on Francophone Canada and Quebec, approached from a communication studies perspective. Research interests may encompass, but are not limited to:

• The emergence of new actors in French-language cultural/media production (content creators, influencers, YouTubers, podcasters, etc.) and their interactions with platforms, audiences, brands, and traditional cultural institutions;

• The distribution and discoverability of (Francophone) content across social media, streaming platforms, and search engines, including the influence of algorithms and big data; the positioning of Franco-Canadian and Quebec productions within international audiovisual markets;

• The transformation and blending of cultural forms, media, formats, and devices, as well as the creation of new expressive forms (interactive documentaries, digital artworks, immersive production);

• The political economy of the media, public funding, advertising revenues, and the migration of (Francophone) audiences to digital spaces;

• Issues surrounding equity, diversity, interculturality, and representation within Canadian Francophone media and cultural industries, including regional communities, underrepresented groups, racialized individuals, Indigenous peoples, and newcomers;

• Regulation of media, digital platforms, and technologies: obligations to contribute to Canadian, Francophone, and Indigenous content funding, competition dynamics between traditional broadcasters and transnational platforms; data governance and digital sovereignty;

• The weakening of regional broadcasting outlets and information services, particularly within minority Francophone communities, and the consequential democratic, cultural, and identity-related challenges;

• The transformation of communication professions, especially in creative industries, public relations, and journalism.

The University of Ottawa is recognized nationally and internationally as a leading university and the largest bilingual university (French and English) in the world. Located on the unceded ancestral territory of the Anishinabe-Algonquin people, in the heart of downtown Ottawa, it contributes significantly to the economy, culture, and quality of life in Canada’s capital.

Expected start date: July 1, 2027.

Position Title: Assistant Professor; higher ranks may be considered under exceptional circumstances.

Duties: Responsibilities оf a faculty member encompass several kеy аreаs: a) teaching; b) scholarly work demonstrated through research and publications that have undergone peer review; с) service tо the university community; and d) supervision of undergraduate and graduate students.

A commitment to building the discipline and academic unit, including graduate programming, is required. To this end, the successful candidate must establish a rigorous research program that includes grants from major funding agencies such as SSHRC, оr prеsent a well-articulated strategy fоr cultivating a dynamic research prоgram.

The successful candidate will be expected to teach at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, in English and French.

Terms: New Tenure-track position.

Salary: The starting salary for an Assistant Professor is $99,377 (according to the scale in effect as of May 1, 2025).

Benefits package: The University of Ottawa provides a complete benefits package, which includes long-term disability leave, basic group life insurance, supplementary health insurance, a pension plan and optional life insurance, as well as relocation expenses.

Work location: Department of Communication, University of Ottawa, 55 Laurier Avenue East, Ottawa (Ontario) K1N 6N5.

Contact Information (for inquiries): Professor Frédérik Matte, Deputy Director, Department of Communication

Email: Dir.Adj.Communication.Asst.Dir@uottawa.ca

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Communication or a related field within the social sciences and humanities, completed by July 1, 2027;

• Evidence of an innovative research program and a record of peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations;

• Proven ability to secure external research funding;

• Successful teaching experience at the postsecondary level;

• Strong proficiency in either French or English; bilingualism (French - English) is an asset. Tenure is conditional upon active knowledge of Canada's other official language;

• Expertise in digital humanities methods and tools (cultural data analysis, visualization, computational methods, digital archiving, etc.);

• A demonstrated commitment to principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion in research and teaching.

Deadline: Applications received before October 16, 2026, will receive full consideration; however, the position will remain open until filled.

More information regarding Academic Careers can be found online. Applications must be submitted electronically through the University of Ottawa Careers application portal. Only complete applications will be considered.

A complete application consists of a single PDF file containing: a cover letter (2 pages); a curriculum vitae; copies of recent publications; a teaching philosophy statement (1 page); a statement outlining research program and research interests (2 pages).

Following an initial review, shortlisted candidates will be invited to present their research to professors and students of the department and will be required to provide three confidential letters of reference submitted directly by their referees.

For more information about the Department of Communication, visit: https://www.uottawa.ca/faculty-arts/communication

The University of Ottawa is committed to ensuring equity, diversity, and inclusion in the scholarly and leadership environments of our students, staff, and faculty. Accordingly, we strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples in Canada, visible minorities members (racialized persons), persons with disabilities, women, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with equitable, diverse, and inclusive communities. Candidates who wish to be considered as a member of one or more designated groups are asked to complete the confidential Self-Identification Questionnaire, to be completed at the time of application.

All qualified candidates are invited to apply; however, preference will be given to Canadians and permanent residents. When submitting your application, please indicate if you are legally entitled to work in Canada

The University of Ottawa provides accommodations for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you are invited to proceed in the selection process, please notify us of any accommodations that you require by contacting the Office of the Vice-Provost, Faculty Relations by email at vra.affairesprofessorales@uottawa.ca. Any information you send us will be handled respectfully and in complete confidence.

The University of Ottawa is proud of its 160-year tradition of bilingualism. Through its Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute, the University provides training to staff members and to their spouses in their second official language.

Prior to May 1, 2022, the University required all students, faculty, staff, and visitors (including contractors) to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 as defined in Policy 129 – Covid-19 Vaccination. This policy was suspended effective May 1, 2022 but may be reinstated at any point in the future depending on public health guidelines and the recommendations of experts.