Postdoctoral Fellowship in Political Communication, Media Innovation, and Civic Life at Boston University
The Center for Media Innovation & Social Impact (MISI) at Boston University is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to join a dynamic research team focused on public trust and local information ecosystems in New England. This position is ideal for candidates with a strong background in political communication, particularly those interested in the communication processes that shape civic life, interactions with public institutions, local news, online networks, civic technologies, and social movements.
The fellow will work closely with Professors Eric Gordon and Chris Wells, contributing to a multi-year study examining how residents of diverse communities make sense of information in their daily lives. The research will employ landscape mapping of community information ecosystems, deep qualitative inquiry (including interviews, focus groups, ethnographic fieldwork, and content analysis), and comparative case studies across urban, suburban, and rural settings. The project aims to understand how trust forms, erodes, and is repaired, and how technologies, institutions, and community relationships shape information ecologies.
Responsibilities include managing data collection and analysis, collaborating with community partners and civic institutions, co-authoring scholarly and applied outputs, and supporting grant development and public scholarship. The fellow will also advise students and contribute to courses and workshops related to MISI’s mission.
Applicants should have a PhD in a relevant field and expertise in political communication, institutional trust, misinformation, civic engagement, or digital communication ecologies. Experience with applied research and qualitative methods is essential. The position offers a competitive salary ($65,000–$70,000), full benefits, and is based at Boston University’s Charles River Campus. The appointment is for one year, with the possibility of renewal. The start date is flexible (Summer or Fall 2026). Review of applications begins January 15, 2026.
To apply, submit a cover letter, CV, writing sample, and contact information for three references. Inquiries can be sent to Professor Eric Gordon at [email protected]. For more details, visit the official job posting.
