University of South Carolina
Assistant Professor – Environmental, Risk, or Science Communication
University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, United States
Assistant Professor – Environmental, Risk, or Science Communication
Please see Special Instructions for more details.
Applications are due by
October 27, 2025 . The position will remain open until filled. Candidates should be prepared to upload the following documents: Letter of application addressing interests and qualifications for the position Curriculum vitae List of three references (including name, phone number, and email) Three letters of recommendation signed and on letterhead (only for candidates selected as finalists) should be sent to rachelrolli@sc.edu. While these letters are only required prior to interview, letters may be uploaded to USCJobs at the time of initial application. Inquiries about this posting should be directed to Search Committee Chair Dr. Brett Robertson at br31@mailbox.sc.edu. Position Description.
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 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. Required Education and Experience
Ph.D. in Environmental, Risk, or Science Communication, Mass Communication, Communication Studies, Communication, Journalism, or a related field by the start date of employment. ABDs will be considered, with the Ph.D. required at the time of appointment. An emerging record of scholarly publications or creative activity in environmental, risk, or science communication. Preferred Qualifications
Evidence of, or strong potential for, excellence in teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Demonstrated potential for securing external research funding. Desired Start Date: 08/16/2026. Job Open Date: 09/18/2025. Position remains open until filled. The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations. Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*). Required Documents
Cover Letter Curriculum Vitae List of References and Contact Information Optional Documents
Letter of Recommendation 1 Letter of Recommendation 2 Letter of Recommendation 3 Other Supporting Documents
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Please see Special Instructions for more details.
Applications are due by
October 27, 2025 . The position will remain open until filled. Candidates should be prepared to upload the following documents: Letter of application addressing interests and qualifications for the position Curriculum vitae List of three references (including name, phone number, and email) Three letters of recommendation signed and on letterhead (only for candidates selected as finalists) should be sent to rachelrolli@sc.edu. While these letters are only required prior to interview, letters may be uploaded to USCJobs at the time of initial application. Inquiries about this posting should be directed to Search Committee Chair Dr. Brett Robertson at br31@mailbox.sc.edu. Position Description.
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 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. Required Education and Experience
Ph.D. in Environmental, Risk, or Science Communication, Mass Communication, Communication Studies, Communication, Journalism, or a related field by the start date of employment. ABDs will be considered, with the Ph.D. required at the time of appointment. An emerging record of scholarly publications or creative activity in environmental, risk, or science communication. Preferred Qualifications
Evidence of, or strong potential for, excellence in teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Demonstrated potential for securing external research funding. Desired Start Date: 08/16/2026. Job Open Date: 09/18/2025. Position remains open until filled. The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations. Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*). Required Documents
Cover Letter Curriculum Vitae List of References and Contact Information Optional Documents
Letter of Recommendation 1 Letter of Recommendation 2 Letter of Recommendation 3 Other Supporting Documents
#J-18808-Ljbffr