Research Associate Professor Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Georgia

About us

Since 1906, the University of West Georgia (UWG) has been home to those who seek a transformative college experience. UWG is a leading residential, doctoral comprehensive university that offers a broad undergraduate and graduate curriculum based on a liberal arts foundation. Nestled among the pines on a picturesque 645 acres is the University of West Georgia - a hidden gem approximately 40 miles west of Atlanta. Serving approximately 16,000+ students, and offering more than 100 programs, UWG is committed to advancing innovative academic programs and a student-centered business model. Perennially ranked by U.S. News & World Report, the Princeton Review, and Colleges of Distinction as a top national university, West Georgia offers 86 fields of study, including business, computing, nursing, education, STEM, communication and digital media, social sciences, and the fine and performing arts. UWG generates a regional economic impact of more than $650 million annually and provides a safe, quality, and affordable university experience that connects students to post-graduate career and leadership opportunities. UWG has been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for its institutional commitment to community engagement through teaching, research and creative activities, and public service. West Georgia is one of only 119 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the elective classification in 2020 and is among only 359 institutions nationally. Dedicated to creating a first-choice university for students, alumni, employees, and communities, UWG seeks employees who will advance and support the University's mission of fulfilling the talent needs of western Georgia and the Atlanta metropolitan area, while contributing to the social, cultural, and economic development of the region and state.

The University of West Georgia offers a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support faculty and staff across multiple dimensions; health, wellness, financial security, and professional growth. Employees working at least 30 hours per week gain access to a range of health plans, including medical, dental, and vision, wellness programs, and robust retirement options through Georgia Teachers Retirement System (TRS), Optional Retirement Program, and voluntary 403(b) and 457(b) plans. Employees are granted 13 paid holidays and paid time off accruals and are eligible to participate in the University System of Georgia's Tuition Assistance Program. Fringe benefits include a variety of resources focused on employee physical, mental, financial, and social well-being through Acentra Employee Assistance Program in addition to personal financial advising with Captrust. UWG also offers exclusive discounts and special offers on entertainment, travel, and other products and services through the Perks at Work program, free access to the university recreation facility, discounted campus dining options, and more!

Living in Carrollton, "The City of Dreams," offers the advantages of city life with a small-town vibe. This progressive community with Southern flair offers plenty of shopping, restaurants, nightlife opportunities, and cultural events. Named a City of Excellence in Georgia and listed as one of the 50 Best Small Southern Towns, Carrollton is the cultural, educational, health care, and commercial center for the west Georgia region.

At the heart of Carrollton is its historic downtown and Adamson Square lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Each season offers unique local events and opportunities for year-round recreation. Outdoor activities abound through award-winning spaces, including an 18-mile paved walking and biking Greenbelt trail that encircles the city and passes through the UWG campus.

The city embraces the University's students, faculty, and staff, and welcomes the diversity UWG brings to the community.

Invested in education with highly rated city and county K-12 systems, both city and county public school graduation rates are 90% and above and rank among the top in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Location

Our campus is located at 1601 Maple Street, Carrollton, GA 30118.

Faculty and staff members are expected to be physically present on campus as needed to support the in-person educational experience and on-campus vitality at the University of West Georgia. Depending upon teaching assignments and student demand, this could include the Carrollton or Newnan campuses.

Department Information

The School of Communication, Film, and Media (SCFM) at the University of West Georgia is an award-winning, ACEJMC-accredited program committed to excellence in teaching, experiential learning, and student success. As UWG’s 2026-2027 nominee for the University System of Georgia’s Regents’ Award for Excellence in High-Impact Practices and Experiential Learning, SCFM fosters a collaborative culture grounded in meaningful engagement among students, faculty, staff, alumni, and industry professionals. Our accomplished faculty combine scholarly expertise with professional experience to create transformative learning opportunities that prepare graduates to succeed in a rapidly evolving communication, media, and entertainment landscape.

SCFM offers innovative academic programs that combine theory, practice, and professional preparation. The School is home to Nexus degrees in Live Production, Streaming & Esports and Film & Television Production; undergraduate degrees in Film & Video Production and Mass Communications; graduate study in Digital and Social Media Communication; and certificates in Communication in the Workplace, Emerging Digital Media Practitioner, and Health Communication. Mass Communications majors may pursue concentrations in Audio Production & Studio Recording, Digital Media & Entertainment, Film & Video Production, Journalism, or Public Relations.

Experiential learning is central to the SCFM mission. Students gain hands-on professional experience through the School’s industry-focused laboratories and student media enterprises, including bluestone Public Relations Firm, the Digital Journalism Innovation Lab (home to The West Georgian and WUTV), WOLF Radio, WOLF Sports Network, and SCFM Productions, which develops video and strategic communication content for internal and external clients. Located less than an hour from Atlanta, one of the nation’s leading media and public relations hubs, SCFM leverages strong industry partnerships to provide students and faculty with exceptional networking, internship, professional development, and career opportunities.

Job Summary

The School of Communication, Film, and Media at the University of West Georgia invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor of Public Relations & Strategic Communication beginning August 1, 2027.

The successful candidate will provide leadership and innovative ideas to strengthen and expand the public relations and strategic communication program following the retirement of a senior faculty member. Working collaboratively with faculty colleagues, the candidate will help prepare career-ready graduates while advancing the School's commitment to innovation, experiential learning, industry engagement, and student success.

Primary teaching responsibilities include undergraduate courses such as Principles of Public Relations, Writing Across Media, Public Relations Writing, Public Relations Cases, Public Relations Management, and Public Relations Campaigns. Expertise in areas such as analytics and evaluation, digital strategy and promotion, media law, research methods, storytelling, communication theory, or related fields, with the ability to teach at the undergraduate and/or graduate level, is highly desirable. The candidate may also contribute to the School's core curriculum and interdisciplinary offerings through courses such as Introduction to Mass Communications, Media Ethics, Diversity and Mass Media, and special topics aligned with their expertise.

The faculty member will be expected to demonstrate excellence in teaching and student mentorship; maintain an active program of scholarship, creative activity, and/or professional practice consistent with rank and disciplinary expectations; pursue external funding opportunities where appropriate; and provide meaningful service to the School, University, profession, and broader community. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the future of the program while advancing the School's mission through academic excellence, professional engagement, and student success.

Required Qualifications

Applicants must possess a terminal degree (Ph.D.) in communication, public relations, strategic communication, mass communication, digital media, or a closely related field by the time of appointment. Candidates must also have a minimum of three years of professional industry experience and a demonstrated record of teaching, scholarship and/or creative activity, and service commensurate with the rank sought.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate:

• A strong commitment to collaboration within the School, across academic disciplines, and with community and industry partners.
• An ongoing commitment to culturally proficient communication and inclusive pedagogical practices that support historically underserved and underrepresented populations in local, national, and global contexts.
• Evidence of effective participation in shared governance and collaborative decision-making at the school, college, or university level.
• Demonstrated leadership in academic and/or professional settings, including committee leadership, program coordination, curriculum development, or related initiatives.
• A minimum of two years of full-time experience at the rank of Assistant Professor.
• Active engagement in relevant academic and professional associations (minimum two years).
• Proficiency with industry-standard software and platforms, including Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, and related communication technologies.
• Experience mentoring students, advising student organizations, and supporting co-curricular learning opportunities.
• Experience teaching in face-to-face, hybrid, and online learning environments.

Additional Preferred Qualifications for Appointment at the Associate Professor Rank

In addition to the qualifications listed above, candidates seeking appointment at the Associate Professor rank should demonstrate:

• Experience with program assessment, curriculum development, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience in academic administration or leadership roles such as program director, area coordinator, department chair, or equivalent positions, with a record of effective collaboration among faculty, staff, and students.
• A record of peer-reviewed scholarly publication (minimum two) and/or professional achievement commensurate with appointment at the Associate Professor rank.
• Sustained and active involvement (minimum four years) in relevant academic and professional associations.
• Experience pursuing external funding, grant development, and/or fundraising initiatives in support of academic, professional, or community-engaged projects.

Proposed Salary

Competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications, pending funding availability.

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Conditions of Employment

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of West Georgia as determined by the University of West Georgia in its sole discretion; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials, reference checks; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (USG). The Board of Regents prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual's age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status ("protected status"). No individual shall be excluded from the participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any USG program or activity because of the individual's protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual's protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.

Other Information

The mission of the University of West Georgia is to enable students, faculty, and staff to realize their full potential through academic engagement, supportive services, professional development, and a caring, student-centered community. The institutional mission and daily operation of the University of West Georgia are guided by our values that support our vision to be the best place to work, learn, and succeed: ACHIEVEMENT, CARING, COLLABORATION, INCLUSIVENESS, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, SUSTAINABILITY, and WISDOM.

Special Applicant Instructions

Applicants should apply online at www.westga.edu/hr. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration, submit all materials by January 5, 2027.

Required Documents to Attach

• Letter of Application
• Curriculum Vitae
• Digital Portfolio or Link to a Portfolio Website, if available
• Contact Information for three references will be required for finalists.

Only complete applications will be considered. UWG embraces cultural awareness and respectful engagement, recognizing the valuable contributions of each member of our faculty, staff, and student body. Therefore, applicants should describe in their letter of application how their teaching contributes to respectful engagement across cultures.

Contact Information: Questions may be addressed to the SCFM Dean's Office at scfm@westga.edu.