Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations, Full Time - The University of Tennessee Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations seeks to fill a tenure-track Advanced Assistant Professor or Associate Professor to begin August 1, 2026 or later. 

The Tombras School seeks a colleague with expertise in public relations and a contemporary understanding of the changing aspects of the field. The ability to teach in one or more of the following areas is strongly desired: research, writing, strategy, graphic design, campaigns, and specialized courses aligned with the candidate’s research agenda, including graduate-level courses. The salary for the position is competitive and commensurate with experience. 

A Ph.D. at the time of the appointment in communications with a concentration in public relations, equivalent, or other relevant fields and evidence of excellence in teaching and research commensurate with appointment at a Carnegie classified Research 1 University are required. Professional experience is preferred.

The successful candidate currently has, or has demonstrated the ability to generate, externally funded research. Responsibilities include maintaining an active program of research, teaching undergraduate and graduate level courses (2/2 load), and performing service to the school, college, university, and discipline.

?        Candidates for Advanced Assistant Professor should have minimum of three years established teaching public relations courses at the college level as an assistant professor, evidence of excellence in research and teaching; and a demonstrated readiness for continued success and advancement at a state flagship campus such as University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

?        Candidates for Associate Professor should demonstrate a strong record of excellence in both research and teaching consistent with expectations for appointment at the Associate Professor rank at a Carnegie-classified Research 1 university or state flagship institution such as University of Tennessee, Knoxville. They should also show meaningful service contributions to their scholarly fields and their home institutions.

To apply, please submit a letter of application, curriculum vita or resume, the names and contact information of at least three references, and teaching evaluations on Interfolio. Submit applications on Interfolio. Please email adpr@utk.edu with any questions, using the subject line: Assistant/Associate Professor Position.

Review of applications begins March 18, 2026, and continues until the position is filled.

All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the university.

Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at Equal Opportunity and Accessibility, 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, by email to eoa@utk.edu, or by phone at 865-974-2498. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, and national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), the ADA (disability), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Investigation and Resolution, 216 Business Incubator Building, E J. Chapman Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, by email to investigations@utk.edu, or by phone at 865-974-0717.

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