Mark Helmke Postdoctoral Fellowship on Media, Development, and Democracy

The School of Global and International Studies (SGIS) at Indiana University Bloomington (http://sgis.indiana.edu) and the Center for International Media Assistance (CIMA) (http://www.cima.ned.org) invites applications for a 2018-2020 (July - June) Mark Helmke Postdoctoral Fellowship on Media, Development, and Democracy. We seek applicants from all disciplines and methodological backgrounds working on research that contributes to understanding how media and/or media ownership influences political outcomes. Qualified candidates are expected to have a Ph.D. in hand by date of appointment. The chosen fellow will reside at IU Bloomington with occasional travel to CIMA’s offices in Washington, D.C. as required.

The fellowship is an excellent opportunity for scholars interested to build a career at the intersection of research and policy-making. The successful candidate will be expected to teach one course per semester, and will be invited to organize a small research workshop for the purposes of facilitating publishing a special issue or edited volume related to media and democracy. The remainder of the fellow’s time will be dedicated to his or her own research agenda related to media, internet, press freedoms, and democratic institutions. The fellow will have opportunities to contribute academic and policy-oriented reports related to evaluating the health of media systems and the implications of contemporary changes to media systems for democratic politics. In addition, the fellow may be asked by CIMA from time to time to write for the CIMA blog, speak at events, and provide input into CIMA’s other research initiatives.

The Fellow will receive a competitive stipend, research support, and benefits comparable to those offered by other fellowship programs. This fellowship has the added advantage of providing the successful candidate access to CIMA-NED’s global network of researchers, practitioners, and policy-makers working to address contemporary democratic challenges. The two-year position has the possibility to be extended for a third year, until June 2021. 

Applications should include a C.V., a research statement, one writing sample, and three references willing to provide letters of recommendation upon request. Applications can be submitted online at: http://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/5316. Questions about the fellowship should be directed to the search chair, Prof. Nick Cullather at ncullath@indiana.edu. This position is to remain posted until filled, with all applications received by February 23, 2018 being assured full consideration.

The School of Global and International Studies is a new international affairs school that builds on two centuries of tradition and excellence in global studies at Indiana University. The school hosts four academic departments and twenty-one institutes and centers that cover every corner of the globe and include 250 scholars from nearly every academic discipline.  

The Center for International Media Assistance is a research and knowledge platform that aims to improve the effectiveness of media development around the world. The Center provides information, builds networks, conducts research, and highlights the indispensable role media play in the creation and development of sustainable democracies. Housed at the National Endowment for Democracy, CIMA coordinates working groups and discussions, and commissions reports and commentary on critical issues to the field. 

Indiana University is an equal employment and affirmative action employer and a provider of ADA services.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ethnicity, color, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status.