Assistant Professor – Environmental, Risk, or Science Communication

Posting Details

Posting Number: FAC
00189PO25

Advertised

Title:

Assistant Professor – Environmental, Risk, or Science Communication

Campus:
Columbia

College/Division:
College of Information and Communications

Department: CIC

School:
School of Journalism and Mass Communications

Advertised Salary Range:
Commensurate with experience

Location of Vacancy:
Part/Full Time

Full Time Hours per Week: 37.5

Position Category:
Full-time Equivalent (FTE)

Basis: 9 months

Work County:
Richland

Tenure Information:
Tenure-Track/Tenured

Job Search Category:
Faculty

From the Upstate to the Low country, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning.

All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers state employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

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The School of Journalism and Mass Communications (SJMC) invites applications for a nine-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor in Environmental, Risk, or Science Communication with an expected start date of August 16, 2026. We seek a scholar-teacher whose program of research advances theory and practice in environmental, risk, and science communication, with strengths that complement our school and college. This position is also part of a Presidential-level cluster hiring initiative focused on water quality, environmental health, and disaster preparedness.

The successful candidate will conduct original research, teach undergraduate and graduate courses, pursue external funding, mentor students, and engage in service to the school, college, university, and profession.

We welcome a wide range of expertise in environmental, risk, or science communication. Areas of interest include one or more of the following: media coverage and representation of science and environmental issues; communication in the context of hazards, weather events, risks, and uncertainty; science and environmental communication campaigns; information integrity and trust in public communication of science and environmental risk, including the role of digital platforms and social media;

the use of artificial intelligence, data analytics, forecasting, or visualization to advance public understanding of science; strategic communication and public relations in science and environmental contexts; and innovative approaches such as immersive media, interactive platforms, visual storytelling for scientific uncertainty, or participatory models to support informed decision-making. We are especially interested in scholars whose work centers on water quality and communication related to water resources, with potential connections to environmental change, weather-related hazards, or disaster preparedness, in ways that support the university’s broader efforts in these areas.

The ideal candidate will enhance the school’s reputation in environmental, risk, and science communication through innovative research, high-quality teaching, and meaningful collaboration.

The College of Information and Communications (CIC) is home to two internationally recognized schools, the School of Journalism and Mass…