Associate/Full Professor of Media Law, First Amendment, Press Freedom

Application deadline: October 15, 2026. Position open until filled.

About the Role

The University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication (SOJC) seeks a recognized expert in First Amendment and/or press freedom law to fill a tenured/tenure-track position as the Jonathan Marshall First Amendment Chair at the rank of associate or full professor. The endowed Chair was established to encourage teaching and research about press freedom, with a special emphasis on constitutional protection of freedom of speech and press and on the role of the press in a democratic society.

In addition to a primary focus on the First Amendment and press freedom, candidates should have research and teaching experience in media law broadly conceived, including secondary expertise in privacy, intellectual property, and/or platform regulation. Candidates with an international or comparative perspective on press freedom and speech law, research or teaching on legal and ethical issues related to emerging technologies, and/or engagement in public scholarship are strongly encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Teach the required undergraduate course in communication law as well as other courses in area of specialization.
• Teach and advise in the SOJC’s graduate MA and PhD programs.
• Contribute to a culture of inclusive teaching and scholarly collaboration.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in communication, media studies, journalism, law, or another related field, and/or Juris Doctorate (J.D.) or equivalent/terminal degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., an SJD in Law).
• Subject matter expertise in First Amendment and/or press freedom law, demonstrated through at least five years of relevant research, teaching, professional practice, and/or scholarly publication.
• Subject matter expertise in media law, policy, and/or regulation beyond First Amendment and press freedom law, demonstrated through at least five years of relevant research, teaching, professional practice, policy work, and/or scholarly publication.

Preferred Qualifications

• Record of scholarly accomplishment, including publication of peer-reviewed academic articles and/or books in communication, media studies, journalism, law, information studies, and/or related fields.
• Subject matter expertise in the intersection of legal issues and emerging information and communication technologies (e.g., generative AI, immersive media, digital platforms).
• Research and/or teaching experience applying comparative and/or international perspectives to speech issues and/or media law.
• Focus on issues of bias, discrimination, inequality, justice, and marginalization in the context of free speech and/or media law.
• Record of excellence in teaching media law and related subjects, including undergraduate communication law courses and graduate education through instruction, advising, and mentorship.
• Successful mentorship of undergraduate and graduate students, including guidance on research, academic achievement, and career development.

About the Department

The School of Journalism and Communication (SOJC) is an accredited research and professional school serving approximately 2,450 undergraduates and 150 graduate students on the University of Oregon campus in Eugene and at the UO Campus in Portland. Degrees offered include the BA, BS, MA, MS, and Ph.D., as well as minors in Media Studies, Game Studies, and Science Communication. The SOJC employs approximately 125 faculty and staff, over 50 graduate employees, and roughly 50 student employees. Founded in 1916, the School is one of the oldest journalism programs in the nation.

Application Materials

• Letter of Interest (Cover Letter): Address qualifications for the Jonathan Marshall First Amendment Chair, describing research, teaching, and professional experience related to First Amendment law, press freedom, media law, and other relevant areas. Discuss potential contributions to the School’s undergraduate and graduate programs, scholarly community, and commitment to inclusive teaching, mentorship, and collaboration. Highlight experience with public scholarship, international or comparative perspectives, legal and ethical issues related to emerging technologies, and other relevant areas.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Current academic CV detailing educational background, academic appointments, scholarly publications, grant activity, teaching experience, professional service, public engagement activities, honors, awards, and other relevant accomplishments.
• Contact Information for Three Academic References: Names, titles, institutional affiliations, telephone numbers, and email addresses for three professional or academic references. References will be contacted only for candidates who advance in the search process.

Benefits

The University of Oregon offers a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information, visit the university’s benefits website.