Description
The School of Journalism and Mass Communications (SJMC) invites applications for a nine-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor in Health Communication with an expected start date of August 16, 2026. We seek a scholar-teacher whose program of research advances theory and practice in health communication, with strengths that complement our school and college. This position is also part of a Presidential-level cluster hiring initiative that addresses pressing issues in health and well-being through collaborative and interdisciplinary research. 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 health communication but prefer a focus in information integrity and trust in health communication, including the role of social media platforms. Areas of interest include one or more of the following: patient-provider communication in health contexts; health communication campaign design, implementation, and evaluation; digital health communication technologies such as mobile applications, wearable devices, and telehealth platforms; the role of artificial intelligence and data analytics in health information and media; information integrity and trust in health communication, including the role of social media platforms; media coverage and representation of health issues; strategic communication and public relations in healthcare; and innovative approaches such as immersive media, interactive platforms, or data visualization to advance health communication research and practice.
The ideal candidate will enhance the school’s reputation in health communication through innovative research, high-quality teaching, and meaningful collaboration.
The School of Journalism and Mass Communications
The School of Journalism and Mass Communications (SJMC) enrolls approximately 2,000 undergraduates and 120 graduate students across programs in advertising, public relations, broadcast journalism, journalism, mass communication, sports media, and visual communication, as well as several interdisciplinary minors. The SJMC also offers a research-oriented master’s program in theory and research, a professionally focused master’s program, and a Ph.D. in mass communication. Faculty combine scholarly and professional expertise to advance communication research and practice in ways that prepare students for leadership in media, strategic communication, and related fields.
The College of Information and Communications
The College of Information and Communications (CIC) is home to two internationally recognized schools, the School of Journalism and Mass Communications (SJMC) and the School of Information Science (iSchool), along with the new interdisciplinary unit of Information and Communication Studies. Together these entities advance research, teaching, and outreach across a wide spectrum of communication and information domains. The CIC is distinctive in combining communication, information science, and interdisciplinary study under one umbrella, uniting rapidly evolving fields around the belief that information access and effective communication are cornerstones of self-governance and civic life. The college enrolls approximately 2,200 undergraduates and 500 graduate students and is supported by more than 150 faculty and staff members. Faculty and students benefit from state-of-the-art resources such as the Social Media Insights Lab and the Biometric and User Experience Lab, which support the study of media, data, and their influence on society. The new unit, Information and Communication Studies, further expands the college’s programs through undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates in communication, data and communication, health communication, and information security and cyber leadership.
The University of South Carolina
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, 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.
Application Process:
All applicants must complete an online application at USC Jobs at the following link: https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/194998. 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 emailed directly to Rachel Rolli at [email protected]. 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 [email protected].
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.
Requirements
Required Education and Experience:
- Ph.D. in Health Communication, Mass Communication, Communication Studies, Communication, Journalism, or a related field by the start date of the position. ABDs will be considered, with the Ph.D. required at the time of appointment.
- An emerging record of scholarly publications or creative activity in health communication.
- Evidence of, or strong potential for, excellence in teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
- Demonstrated potential for securing external research funding.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Area of focus in information integrity and trust in health communication, including the role of social media platforms.
