Visiting Lecturer in the Humanities/Ferris Professor of Journalism

Job Description

The Program in Journalism at Princeton University welcome proposals from journalists to teach seminars in journalism and creative nonfiction as Visiting Ferris Professors of Journalism.

Full-time and part-time positions are available for one-semester terms: Fall 2027 or Spring 2028.

The Journalism program shares a local and global vision that spans disciplines and borders. We view a strong, ethical, and representational press as essential to participatory democracy, and we champion innovation, public engagement, collaboration, diversity, inclusion, and access.

Journalists from a range of backgrounds and media are encouraged to apply. In addition to print journalism, we welcome high-level practitioners of audio and data journalism. Full-time visitors take a formal leave from daily journalism to devote themselves to teaching. They must be on campus four days a week, attend all faculty gatherings, and participate in University life. They give talks, participate in panels, advise students, and join in events. Part-time visitors must spend two full days on campus each week for the 12-week term, as well as during the week of Reading Period. Part-time professors are expected to attend faculty gatherings, and relevant JRN events, whenever possible.

Seminars meet once a week for three hours, with enrollment limited to 15. Students devote about six hours a week to class preparation. Every week or two, students submit assignments, which the professor critiques during mandatory one-on-one writing conferences. Professors often invite guest speakers and arrange a class visit to a newspaper or magazine.

 All application materials must be received by October 30, 2026.

The Selection committee aims to complete its work by January 2027.

Questions may be addressed to Jeannine Matt Pitarresi, Journalism Program Manager, at jp16@princeton.edu or 609-258-9083. Additional information is available at journalism.princeton.edu.

Job Requirements

Essential Qualifications:

• A record of distinction in journalism or other kinds of nonfiction writing.
• The ability to communicate effectively to students, peers, and members of the community.
• A practicing journalist- a reporter, editor, producer, photographer, critic, biographer, or documentarian.
• At least five years of experience working at a news organization or writing regularly for major publications, including in the years immediately prior to submitting an application.
• Must not have a current tenure-track or administrative position at an academic institution.
• Must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. 

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit a résumé or CV that includes recent publications, a proposal for a seminar, a cover letter that describes their interest in teaching, and contact information for two references. Innovative and cross-disciplinary proposals are encouraged. Many seminars fall under one of these broad course rubrics:

• Data Journalism
• Visual Journalism
• Investigative Journalism
• Writing about the Environment
• Race, Politics, and the Media
• Writing about Ideas (Philosophy, Law, Religion)
• History in Journalism; Journalism in History
• Covering Politics
• International News
• Audio Journalism

 Please include the following with your seminar proposal:

• One or two paragraphs about the focus of the course and specific skills students will learn
• A list of specific topics for each of the 12 weeks of the course
• A sample reading list of no more than six titles (books, articles, websites, etc.)
• Two possible writing assignments for short pieces during the course.

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