Assistant Professor in Film and Media Production

About the Department

The Department of Radio/Television/Film explores the history, theory, and production of media—from cinema to television to sound design to interactive media and emerging technologies. We value originality, critical analysis, creativity, and vision in both scholarly research and creative work. Our programs, courses, and research opportunities focus on the history of film, television, sound, and interactive media as well as the critical analysis of media texts, technologies, and cultures. Our faculty explore the social and cultural impact of media—and use media to convey their own messages to the world. All are dedicated to integrating the theory and the practice of media, participating in interdisciplinary dialogue, and fostering a spirit of creativity and collaboration. This prepares students who are eager to pursue careers in the media industries as writers, directors, producers, and managers who inspire, persuade, and educate their audiences.

About the Role

The Department seeks an Assistant Professor in film and media production, specifically a working filmmaker with a robust practice that bridges hybrid forms and experience working across documentary, fiction, and/or experimental practices. The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of independent production, with expertise in areas such as cinematography, color correction, lighting, and editing. Additional desirable skills include emerging media practices, such as interactive arts, gaming, VR, animation, and physical computing.

This position will serve as a core faculty member in our hybrid documentary media program (MFA), teach undergraduate production classes, and contribute to the administration and curricular development of the MFA. This position is 100% in-person and located on Northwestern University’s Evanston campus in the greater Chicago area.

Responsibilities

• Research and creative work in the area of film and media production
• Undergraduate and graduate student instruction
• Supervision of student thesis projects
• Service to the department, school, university, and profession

Requirements

• Terminal degree appropriate to the field, i.e., MFA in film and media production, or equivalent industry experience

Application Documents

For full consideration, include the following materials in your application:

• Cover letter describing relevant interests, preparation, and experience; candidates should specifically address how previous experiences relate to qualifications for the role
• Current CV, including links to creative works
• Statement on teaching philosophy and creative practice
• Three (3) contacts for letters of recommendation, of which at least one should address teaching qualifications

Forward questions regarding the position to the search chair, Professor Eric Patrick (ericp@northwestern.edu).

About the School

The School of Communication has five departments and offers a suite of interdisciplinary undergraduate, professional, and graduate programs. The departments span the communication arts and sciences, including the Department of Radio-Television-Film, the Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, the Department of Communication Studies, the Department of Performance Studies, and the Department of Theatre (which includes music theatre and dance). The school offers instruction to roughly 900 undergraduate majors and 650 graduate and professional students.

Founded nearly 150 years ago, the School has been a leader in developing the communication disciplines and professions and continues to be a center of excellence in the communication arts and sciences. Our current Dean is E. Patrick Johnson.

About the University

Northwestern University is one of the nation’s largest private research universities. Located on the shore of Lake Michigan, the main campus is in Evanston and the medical campus is 12 miles south in downtown Chicago. There is continuing expansion of University facilities and programs, particularly in the sciences and medicine. A variety of cultural, social, and recreational activities abound on and near each campus. We are committed to supporting a strong campus community.

Employment Details

This is a full-time tenure-eligible faculty appointment, service of 9 months paid over 12. The standard tenure clock at Northwestern University is six years, subject to a third-year review and reappointment process.

Preferred start date: September 1, 2027. Closing date: October 16, 2026. Review of applications will begin on October 19, 2026.

Pay

The salary range is $100,000–$110,000, competitive based upon experience. Northwestern University has provided a pay range representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for the position. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate, including years since terminal degree, training, and field or discipline; departmental budget availability; internal comparators; and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Benefits

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position includes:

• Health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
• Paid medical/sick and parental leave
• Tuition benefits for the employee and dependents
• Pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care
• Generous retirement savings options
• Wellness programs

For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit Northwestern Benefits.