Assistant Professor – Environmental, Risk, or Science Communication Job at Insid

Assistant Professor – Environmental, Risk, or Science Communication

Post number: FAC00189PO25

Campus: Columbia

College/Division: College of Information and Communications

Department: CIC School of Journalism and Mass Communications

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Job type: Full Time

Hours per week: 37.5

Basis: 9 months

Work County: Richland

Tenure Information: Tenure-Track/Tenured

Job Search Category: Faculty

Job Summary

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;
• engage in service to the school, college, university, and profession.

Areas of Interest and Expertise

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;
• 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;
• innovative approaches such as immersive media, interactive platforms, visual storytelling for scientific uncertainty, or participatory models to support informed decision‑making.

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

Open Until Filled

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicant

Applications are due by October 27, 2025. The position will remain open until filled.

Documents Required for Application

• 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

Inquiries about this posting should be directed to Search Committee Chair Dr. Brett Robertson at br31@mailbox.sc.edu.

EEO Statement

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 (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.