Funded PhD Position
Exploring the social and political implications of the consolidation, death—and even rebirth—of local newspapers in rural communities in Canada and the United States
Department of Political Science, University of Alberta
Supervisor: Dr. Clark Banack (Associate Professor of Political Studies, Director, Alberta Centre for Sustainable Rural Communities, Augustana Campus, University of Alberta)
Funding: 4 Years Guaranteed Funding + Fieldwork & Conference Travel Support
The Project
Does the evolution, death, or even rebirth, of a small-town newspaper affect how people in rural communities think about democracy, government, and rural identity?
Join a team-based research initiative exploring the social and political impacts of shifting local news ecosystems across rural Canada and the United States. Utilizing an innovative multi-method design, this project bridges quantitative survey analysis, deep newspaper content analysis, and immersive community ethnography that prioritizes rural voices in their own words and settings.
What We Are Looking For
We are seeking a doctoral student interested in thinking deeply about the politics of rural spaces and excited to conduct ethnographic fieldwork while contributing to high-impact research.
Core Qualifications:
- An MA in Political Science or a related discipline (e.g., Sociology, Communication Studies, Media Studies).
- Solid grounding in Canadian and/or American politics, with a strong interest in rural social and political dynamics.
- Comfort and/or experience with ethnographic and qualitative methods in rural community settings.
- Meeting standard admissions requirements for the University of Alberta Department of Political Science and Faculty of Graduate Studies. See this link for more information.
Why Join Us?
- Financial Security: 4 years of guaranteed funding, plus dedicated financial support for fieldwork expenses and conference presentations.
- Impactful Mentorship: Work directly with Dr. Clark Banack and a broader team of experts, gaining hands-on multi-method research training and publication opportunities with a particular focus on the politics of rural spaces.
- Substantive Field Experience: Conduct meaningful, ground-level qualitative research that shapes national conversations on media, populism, and rural politics.
How to Apply
To express interest before submitting your formal university application, email Dr. Clark Banack at csbanack@ualberta.ca with the subject line “PhD Opportunity” by October 30, 2026.
Please attach:
- A current CV
- A Cover Letter detailing your research interests, experience with rural politics or ethnographic methods, and why you are a strong fit for this team.