Tulane University is inviting applications for an 18-month Postdoctoral Fellow position in its Department of Communication, offering early-career researchers the opportunity to contribute to a pioneering interdisciplinary initiative focused on the future of work. Based in New Orleans, Louisiana, the full-time appointment begins on 5 January 2027 and combines protected research time, faculty mentorship, and undergraduate teaching.
The fellowship is designed for scholars exploring the intersection of technology, communication, society, politics, and culture. As an inaugural affiliate of a proposed university-wide research center, the successful candidate will help shape conversations surrounding digital labour, emerging technologies, media influence, and the evolving information economy.
A Unique Opportunity to Shape Future of Work Research
The Department of Communication is laying the intellectual foundation for a new interdisciplinary center dedicated to examining how work is being transformed by technological and social change. The postdoctoral fellow will play a central role in developing this initiative while advancing an independent scholarly research agenda.
Researchers from diverse methodological backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The department welcomes qualitative, quantitative, computational, ethnographic, critical, and mixed-methods approaches that contribute to understanding contemporary communication and digital work.
Key research areas include:
- Digital employment and platform work
- Social media and digital communication
- Big data and computational media research
- Advertising and influence campaigns
- Political economy of attention
- Digital governance and policy
- Technology, culture, and society
The fellowship provides an ideal environment for scholars seeking to produce impactful research while engaging with interdisciplinary academic networks.
Fellowship Structure and Academic Environment
The appointment spans 18 months, providing a balanced combination of research and teaching responsibilities. Fellows will receive structured mentorship from departmental faculty, participate in research workshops, and engage in colloquia and working groups across the university.
Protected research time allows the fellow to pursue publications, develop grant proposals, and strengthen their academic portfolio. Tulane also provides access to extensive library resources, institutional research support, and collaborative scholarly communities.
The position is particularly attractive for researchers interested in establishing themselves within the rapidly growing field of digital communication and future of work studies.
Teaching Responsibilities
In addition to research, the fellow will teach two undergraduate courses per semester under a 2–2 teaching load.
One course will reflect the fellow’s own methodological expertise and research specialization, while the second will focus on contemporary issues shaping communication industries and digital society.
Potential teaching themes include:
- Digital communication
- Media influence and persuasion
- Advertising and strategic communication
- Information ecosystems
- Emerging media technologies
- Future careers in communication
This teaching model enables fellows to share their research expertise while helping students develop practical and analytical skills relevant to today’s evolving media landscape.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Communication or a closely related discipline before the fellowship begins in January 2027.
Candidates should demonstrate:
- Research expertise in digital communication, media, advertising, influence, or related fields
- A strong record of scholarly productivity appropriate to career stage
- Ability to teach effectively at the undergraduate level
- Commitment to developing an active research programme
While not mandatory, experience in community-engaged research, interdisciplinary collaboration, or policy-relevant scholarship will be considered an advantage.
Application Requirements
Interested candidates must submit a complete application package consisting of the following documents:
- Cover letter outlining research agenda and suitability for the fellowship
- Current curriculum vitae (CV)
- Writing sample of no more than 40 pages
- Contact information for three professional references
Applications will be reviewed beginning 15 October 2026, and the recruitment process will remain open until the position is filled. Early submission is therefore strongly encouraged.
Salary and Benefits
Tulane University offers a competitive salary that is commensurate with experience, alongside a comprehensive employee benefits package. Fellows will also receive full access to university facilities, academic resources, and professional development opportunities throughout the appointment.
The position provides an excellent pathway for scholars seeking careers in academia, research leadership, digital policy, and interdisciplinary communication studies.
Why Tulane University?
Located in the vibrant city of New Orleans, Tulane University is internationally recognised for its commitment to research excellence, community engagement, and interdisciplinary innovation. The university fosters collaborative scholarship across humanities, social sciences, public policy, and technology, making it an ideal setting for research examining the societal implications of digital transformation.
As an equal opportunity employer, Tulane is committed to creating an inclusive academic environment and provides reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process for applicants with disabilities.
Fellowship Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Institution | Tulane University |
| Department | Communication |
| Position | Postdoctoral Fellow |
| Location | New Orleans, Louisiana, USA |
| Duration | 18 months |
| Start Date | 5 January 2027 |
| Teaching Load | 2–2 |
| Application Review Begins | 15 October 2026 |
| Degree Required | Ph.D. in Communication or related field |
| Employment Type | Full-time |
Scholars interested in the future of work, digital media, technology, and communication research are encouraged to apply for this prestigious postdoctoral opportunity and become part of an emerging interdisciplinary research initiative at Tulane University.
